German Bionic presents Apogee Ultra as a powerful exoskeleton for workers

German BionicBerlin-based pioneer in robotic exoskeleton technology, released the Apogee Ultra exoskeleton to help workers with hard physical jobs.

The company said the Apogee Ultra is the most powerful series production exoskeleton in the world. I haven't used it yet so I can't confirm that claim. Published at CES 2025such exoskeletons that you lift things or carry heavy weights have been a common sight at the show over the years.

Available today and designed to empower workers across the logistics, manufacturing, construction, baggage handling, and healthcare industries, Apogee Ultra sets new benchmarks in strength, flexibility, and employee safety, meeting the demands of various high-intensity activities and increasing productivity, the company said.

Seen in action in videos and on display throughout CES at the German Pavilion (Hall A, Booth 50339), Apogee Ultra is the company's strongest and most intelligent exoskeleton to date. It helps deliver safer, healthier and more inclusive workplace environments while addressing pressing social and demographic challenges – such as labor shortages and a growing workforce older.

Brains and brawn

The Apogee ULTRA is more than just a powerful robotic exoskeleton; it is a highly responsive support system that can be adapted to the needs of individual users thanks to advanced machine learning capabilities and German Bionic's high-tech approach to human augmentation.

With dynamic lifting support of up to 80 pounds / 36kg, it makes challenging tasks feel effortless, making a 70-pound lift feel as small as just 8.8 to 11 pounds for the lower back. In addition, it offers active walking support – making 10 miles feel like eight – and provides essential relief for bending tasks, increasing comfort and productivity in intensive occupations.

Powered by a wealth of high-quality relevant data collected from thousands of users over countless hours of real-world applications, intuitive, AI-driven features that adapt to experience -experience and individual user actions, ensuring optimal performance and comfort during. daily work, the company said.

Improvements include the extremely powerful Ultra Mode, smoother transitions between support modes, and increased sensitivity to handle even the smallest movements.

“Data is the cornerstone for continued device evolution and protecting workplace investments. Thanks to machine learning, the Apogee ULTRA is always up-to-date, with new features and capabilities delivered through over-the-air updates,” said Norma Steller, head of development at German Bionic, in a statement.

This ensures that users consistently benefit from state-of-the-art support, making it a future-proof solution for any workplace. In industries such as warehousing and logistics, where physical demands are high and staff shortages are common, the Apogee Ultra offers several advantages:

• Reduced fatigue and injuries, improved efficiency: By reducing the stress on the lower back, the exoskeleton helps workers stay focused and productive throughout their shifts.
• Lower sick leave: Companies using German bionic exoskeletons have seen a 31% drop in sick leave.
• Better Handling and Movement: Improved lifting and moving capabilities enable the handling of heavy and awkward goods, reducing the risk of injury during activities such as loading or unloading trucks.
• Extended Career Longevity: By supporting musculoskeletal health, the Apogee ULTRA helps workers sustain long shifts and physically demanding tasks throughout their career.
• Attractive career: Advanced technology like Apogee Ultra makes careers more attractive to prospective employees, encouraging higher retention rates.

Enhances seamless connections and customer engagement

In addition to the Apogee ULTRA is the German app Bionic Connect, which enhances the user experience with detailed performance measurements such as steps taken, weight lifting, and exercise time. The app fosters communication through its two-way communication channel, allowing users to provide direct qualitative input.

This ability to gather user feedback and suggestions enables continuous improvements and delivers a unique experience that meets each individual's unique needs. By integrating employees more closely with the technology they use, the app builds a sense of ownership and active participation in their well-being, workplace safety, and performance – ultimately achieving exceptional customer acceptance levels.

Human magnification 360 °

All this talk of human enhancement reminds me of the Deus Ex video game series, and hopefully a dystopian narrative will not come true for us.

Along with the German Bionic Connect app and the Apogee Ultra exoskeleton itself, the 3600 German Bionic human enhancement approach also includes a powerful data visualization platform (German Bionic IO) and further human-machine interface.

This integrated approach to human enhancement enables the platform to provide detailed calculations and visualizations of ergonomic Safety Levels, enables activity monitoring and reporting, and supports effective fleet management – all on an intuitive, easy-to-use dashboard. Additionally, a video-based academy offers comprehensive on-board tutorials and expert Pro Tips to help users unlock the power suit's full potential.

“The Apogee Ultra is the culmination of years of innovation,” said Armin G. Schmidt, CEO of German Bionic, in a statement. “It's not just the most powerful exoskeleton but a dynamic solution to real-world challenges, redefining what's possible for worker support. We are delighted to continue to push the boundaries of human enhancement, empowering workers to achieve more – safely, efficiently and sustainably.”

Available

The Apogee Ultra is available now and will be updated over time via over-the-air updates. Founded in 2017, German Bionic is at the forefront of developing next-generation active exoskeletons designed to enhance the physical capabilities of workers across various industries.