Ottobock SE & Co. KGaA announced that ?SUITX by Ottobock? showcased itself at the Hannover Messe trade show from 20 to 24 April 2026 as a consistently further developed business unit: In addition to the exoskeleton portfolio, ?SUITX by Ottobock?
now offers scalable digital ergonomics solutions that systematically combine hardware, sensors and AI-based analyses. The SUITX team, part of the medical technology company Ottobock, exhibited the new technologies and services at the trade show (hall 26, stand F41) using specific industrial and logistics applications. Exoskeletons are now established in many work processes, for example during overhead work in automobile assembly or lifting activities in logistics.
Companies such as IKEA, MAN and Airbus have been relying on ?SUITX by Ottobock? solutions for years, in some cases in more than 30 countries, to keep their employees healthy. Exoskeletons are considered one of the most effective measures to reduce physical strain and effectively reduce downtime.
Following the premiere at the Hannover Messe trade show 2025, the first intelligent back exoskeleton from ?SUITX by Ottobock? ? the IX BACK VOLTON ?
has proven itself in numerous industrial and logistics companies. At the CES in Las Vegas in January 2026, the business unit unveiled the digital extension for the first time: The Volton XP Companion app combines sensor data with ergonomic analyses, activity profiles and usage trends. This provides companies with an objective database to control the use of exoskeletons and make ergonomic improvements measurable.
The launch of the app in the first markets is planned for 2026. Weighing just 4.8 kilograms, the exoskeleton ? the world?s lightest battery-operated model in its class ?
relieves the spine by up to 17 kilograms per operation when lifting heavy loads. This is made possible thanks to intelligent sensors, precise motor technology and adaptive power assistance that adjusts to every movement in real time. The expansion of the AI-supported AIRGO XP tool is another building block on the way to becoming a comprehensive ergonomics provider.
In cooperation with MotionMiners GmbH, SUITX by Ottobock is continuing to develop the solution in order to detect ergonomic strain in real time and on a data basis. The system analyses movement patterns at the workplace, identifies unfavourable posture and movement patterns and derives specific optimisation steps. This results in individual training programs for employees and clear decision-making bases for managers in order to make processes more ergonomic.
In parallel to its digital product strategy, SUITX by Ottobock is also consistently developing its exoskeleton hardware, underpinning this development with research projects. A current long-term study planned by ?SUITX by Ottobock? in collaboration with the IFA of the German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV) at Airbus shows just how great the relief potential can be, especially when working overhead.
For more than 18 months, employees were equipped with sensors in their real working environment; a total of over 477 measurement hours were incorporated into the analysis ? including numerous tasks performed above shoulder height. The evaluation shows significantly increased strain in the neck and shoulder region, especially with repeated holding and assembly positions.
Exoskeletons were able to reduce these loads by up to 43% and help prevent unfavourable movement patterns. At the same time, efficiency gains of up to 14% were achieved. This is exactly where ?SUITX by Ottobock?
comes in with the new generation of the IX SHOULDER AIR. Proven in use since 2018, the model has undergone further technical and ergonomic development: a more flexible functional mechanism ensures more precise arm movements and more stable guidance, while removable textile components simplify cleaning and maintenance. User feedback from various industries has been incorporated into the adaptations to improve practical support for overhead work.
At the Hannover Messe trade show (hall 26, stand F41), visitors can test the exoskeletons and digital tools from ?SUITX by Ottobock? directly and seek advice from ergonomics experts. For testing in-house, the company offers ?experience packages,?
including workplace analysis, employee training and digital evaluation. Selected exoskeletons are also available at more than 30 WÜRTH specialist shops in Germany.
