The integration of advanced technology in industrial settings has become increasingly prevalent, aiming to enhance productivity while ensuring the well-being of workers. Among these innovations, exoskeletons have emerged as a promising solution to reduce physical strain and optimize performance in various industrial tasks. One such advancement is the S700 active shoulder exoskeleton developed by exoIQ GmbH.
Established in 2017 in Hamburg, exoIQ GmbH specializes in developing intelligently designed support systems, focusing on exoskeleton technology. The roots of exoIQ trace back to a university research project at Helmut Schmidt University, which delved into the study of exoskeletons in 2014. Leveraging this academic foundation, exoIQ introduced its flagship product, the S700 active shoulder exoskeleton, to the market in the autumn of 2023.
For one of the founders, Dr. Prof. Robert Weidner,
“Our aim is to develop and sell support technologies for various industries and workplaces. The exoIQ exoskeletons are intended to relieve the strain on various parts of the body during manual activities. Intelligently designed, mechatronic systems will enable this and will be supported by digital tools for evaluation and analysis.”
The S700 Active Shoulder Exoskeleton Aims to Redefine Industrial Support
The S700 stands out as the world’s first active exoskeleton designed specifically for industrial use. It offers relief for arm, neck, and shoulder muscles. According to Dr. Weidner,
“The S700 is an active exoskeleton. In active systems, power is generated by a motor without user intervention. This means that it provides additional power generated by a motor. Active and passive exoskeletons can be compared to conventional bicycles and e-bikes. With an e-bike, you arrive at your destination less tired and sweaty than if you had ridden the same distance on a regular bike.”
The S700 harnesses the power of electro-pneumatics to provide support without user intervention. By utilizing a battery-operated compressor, the exoskeleton transfers additional power to the arms via compressed air, effectively reducing muscular strain. Equipped with an integrated sensor system, the S700 ensures precise movement detection and optimal support delivery.
As a result, with force support of up to 5 kg per arm, this exoskeleton significantly alleviates strain during tasks performed at chest/shoulder height or overhead. Besides, the exoskeleton features different support modes, or presets, allowing users to customize their experience based on specific activities.
“The extra power it provides can be tailored to each worker’s needs. Users can select the amount of support they want as well as the type of application (presets) they are doing.”
The S700 comes with four standard presets that can be adjusted using the control panel on the shoulder strap.
Not a Superhuman
Because the S700 is an active system it provides more power (up to 5 kg / arms). But because of its ergonomic design, less load is supported by the user’s body while using it. According to the company, there is over 30% muscle relief. However, the company says:
“The S700 is designed to reduce physical strain, not provide superhuman capabilities.”
The exoskeleton helps users move. But they must perform the movement themselves. The exoskeleton’s power is always less than the user’s muscle power. This means that individual control is always maintained. The exoskeleton provides support rather than performing tasks independently.
Because the exoskeleton only removes the overload, the muscles remain actively trained. The exoskeleton’s support can be adjusted to maintain positive muscle training effects while minimizing negative effects on the joint apparatus.
Wearing the S700
The S700 exoskeleton can be quickly and easily donned and doffed without external assistance in approximately 30 seconds (once it is sized). The tool-less size adjustment makes it flexible to fit different users.
“It is worn like a hiking backpack with a wide waist belt and a narrow chest strap. The arm shells are independently accessible and easy to put on with magnetic arm closures. Once fitted, wearers only need to remember three numbers: the back length, shoulder width and arm length markings. A detailed sizing chart is included for optimal fit.”
The S700 also has an interchangeable fabric system that allows the company to provide all employees with their own set of fabrics. This ensures hygienic use. The textile set is supplied with a laundry bag and can be washed in a standard washing machine. The quick-change system makes it easy to switch between different employees.
Applications
The exoskeleton provides support for all activities that require workers to move their upper arms away from their torso and upward, i.e., adopt an un-ergonomic posture.
The company told us they were not allowed to name companies at this time, but the type of production they are focusing on is metalworking where people are constantly exposed to high loads through movements such as lifting, holding, and carrying.
“Activities such as welding or assembly often require a combination of static muscle tension and trying to achieve the greatest possible precision. The support provided by the S700 reduces muscle tension and can have a positive effect on the quality of work.”
In addition, the natural range of motion is unrestricted when wearing the S700. Work involving dynamic movements, such as order picking or small parts production, which require flexible gripping in different directions and heights, as well as holding, is also made easier.
For long-lasting operation, the company says the S700 is supplied with two Festool brand batteries (4.0 Ah/”ampere-hours” each) and a quick charger.
An App
Among its key features, the S700 offers real-time ergonomics assessment and reporting through the exoIQ app. This enables companies to objectively measure and visualize the support offered by the exoskeleton.
“When connected to the app, the user can visualize arm and torso movements during the work process. This makes it possible to determine if there are safe or critical joint positions and what support the S700 provides in each position. This also makes the added value of the S700 transparent to everyone involved.”
The app also allows software updates of the device and individual changes of support modes.
Data remains locally on the device, ensuring user privacy and security.
Changing the Future of Work
The company hopes to positively change the future of work.
For Bernward Otten, the co-founder,
“Exoskeletons will soon be taken for granted as a part of the work system and will be an integral component of work clothing, just as safely helmets already are today. A few years ago, pedal-assist bicycles were still a marginal issue, but in the meantime, more bicycles are sold with pedal assist than without.”
The S700 is made in Germany and its price is €3,500 (excluding taxes). The S700 has been available for order since October 2023.
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