German Bionic has launched a range of AI-powered smart wearable tools to improve workplace safety for staff in physically demanding jobs. The new tools include Apogee, an AI-supported power suit; SafetyVest, a smart vest with ergonomic monitoring and worker protection features; and IO, a cloud based software platform to provide workplace safety management and analytics.

At CES 2023, the company gained a “Best of Innovation” Award for its new products and technology.

The Apogee is an AI-supported robotic wearable designed to be lighter and more comfortable than predecessors and with a broader range of applications. It can provide up to 66 lbs (30 kg) of support for the lower back per lifting movement and helps minimise fatigue thanks to active walking assistance.

The Smart SafetyVest incorporates sensory capabilities and AI power to provide data-based, personalised ergonomic insights, assessments and recommended actions on a button-push. It can pinpoint ergonomic risks and improvement opportunities to reduce fatigue and injuries.

German Bionic new cloud platform, IO, is designed to analyse data collected from the company’s ranges of Apogee, Cray X and Smart SafetyVest wearables and apply AI to enhance workplace safety effectiveness.

“With our new wearables, we are empowering hard-working people with the tools they need to do their jobs more safely and sustainably. Both our new ergonomic wearables – Apogee and Smart SafetyVest – as well as our award-winning Cray X exoskeleton enable us to provide the right support for just about any company or work environment where manual work is performed. And with the German Bionic IO data platform, we also deliver a powerful analytics tool for workplace ergonomics and processes,” said Norma Steller, CPO of German Bionic.

“Our smart power suits and wearables protect people performing tough physical work on a daily basis in system-critical jobs against over-exertion and injury. They provide mechanical support for lifting and carrying, and use a smart assistance system to alert users, for example, of instances of incorrect lifting or when they should take a break. This leads to less time off work as a result of illness caused by excessive strain or accidents, which not only makes for happier employees but also more productive employees,” said Armin G. Schmidt, CEO and co-founder of German Bionic. “We see this as a benefit for society as a whole, and hope to build on this even further with our technology.”