German Bionic Launches New Exoskeleton with Full Body Assistance

German Bionic's Latest Exoskeleton: Cray X

Late in the previous year, German Bionic revealed a $20 million Series A funding round, with participation from the Samsung Catalyst Fund. This partnership is noteworthy, considering Samsung’s own development of robotic exoskeleton technologies.

I personally tested Samsung’s Gait Enhancing and Motivation System at a past CES event. While its capabilities were somewhat limited, it provided effective walking support.

Samsung's Robotic Ambitions

The extent to which Samsung’s robotic endeavors should be taken seriously remains unclear. Currently, the company’s showcased products appear primarily as demonstrations.

German Bionic, conversely, has been dedicated to this field for a considerable period. They have recently unveiled the fifth generation of their robotics exoskeleton, the Cray X, which will be exhibited at the upcoming CES in a few weeks.

Cray X: Availability and Pricing

The system is scheduled for release early next year, offered under a hardware-as-a-service subscription. The starting price is $499 per month. This suggests the exoskeleton is geared towards professional use, rather than casual rentals for household tasks.

Enhanced Capabilities

The new Cray X is capable of providing up to 66 pounds of additional lifting support. Furthermore, it now incorporates walking assistance, a feature new to the Cray X line.

This combination of lifting and walking support is typically found in separate devices. The company explains that the system “gently propels the legs forward during load movement, reducing fatigue and conserving worker energy during tasks involving both lifting and walking.”

Key Features and Competition

The latest model boasts an IP54 rating for water and dust resistance. It also includes a new, hot-swappable battery, ensuring uninterrupted operation.

German Bionic is not alone in this market. Numerous companies, both large and small, are actively working to integrate robotic assistance into physically demanding jobs.

However, German Bionic has established a solid client base, including prominent companies like Ikea and BMW.

• Key Feature: Up to 66 lbs of lift assistance.
• New Addition: Integrated walking assistance.
• Durability: IP54 water/dust resistant.