Exoskeletons are devices that make up for the shortcomings of the human body, especially in terms of strength. But they also have health applications and can help in recovery.
Movie buffs will remember Ripley’s final showdown with the alien mother. The seemingly unequal fight was partly compensated by the robot used by warehouse workers to carry large loads. But an even better exoskeleton was worn by Tom Cruise, who fought with emzacs in the movie On the Edge of Tomorrow. It was the exoskeleton that allowed him to run faster, jump from a greater height, and most importantly, lift that damn heavy thud. After the cinematic introduction, let’s go back to reality, because the first exoskeletons are starting to be commonly available helpers on the market. How do they work in principle, and who and how do they help?
An early pioneer among walking exoskeletons was the Sportsmate 5 from Enhanced Robotics. Unfortunately, it is also an example of a successful Kickstarter campaign that took place in the fall of 2021, but with an inglorious end: the creators wrapped up the entire project.
Exoskeletons can be divided according to several criteria: they can be purely mechanical, or powered (most often) by electricity from batteries. They can be intended only for the upper part of the body (trunk and arms), for the lower part of the body (legs) or they can be for the whole body. We can also divide them into industrial, military and medical. The whole range of exoskeletons is not commonly available, especially the medical ones require trained personnel, so they cannot be bought normally – moreover, the prices of these models are above a million crowns.
But don’t worry. As exotic as the word exoskeleton may sound, their price may surprise you positively.
Mechanical assistants
Let’s start with the simplest exoskeletons, which are especially suitable for industry and construction. The Swiss company Auxivo offers, for example, the DeltaSuit, which for a price slightly above the 60,000 CZK mark offers support when working overhead. Thanks to the fact that it relieves the shoulders, the worker can have his hands above his head for a longer period of time without major complications.
You can buy the Hilti Exo-S mechanical exoskeleton right now for a price of around thirty-five thousand. It makes work easier for those who work with their hands above their heads.
The same purpose is also fulfilled by the exoskeleton from the well-known manufacturer of workshop tools Hilti. You can also buy the Hilti Exo-S model on the Czech market for a price of around thirty-five thousand. Again, it is a purely mechanical matter, this time with the option of adding a head support. The entire device weighs 2.4 kg, and the reduction of work – according to a survey among workers – is in the range of 20-30%, the reduction of shoulder burden should be up to 60%.
Purely mechanical exoskeletons help those who work with their hands overhead
Of course, exoskeletons for industrial use are already appearing, and it is not surprising that car companies are also involved in their development. The Comau company falls under Stellantis and, in addition to classic robots, machine tools and other tools, it develops exoskeletons under the name Mate. It offers three versions, each designed for a slightly different purpose, however, in general, it is for warehouse and industrial use.
But auxiliary exoskeletons may not find application only in industry and construction. The world of video production is also familiar with various exoskeletons: the simplest vests equipped with holders can make work much easier, for example when filming a wedding all day long. For example, the Steadicam Flycam HD-3000 costs less than nine thousand.
However, the price can be significantly higher, also on the Czech market you can buy, for example, Tilta Armor-Man 3.0, which can carry 25 kg. The price of around 80,000 crowns is not low, but it is a completely justified amount for everyday cameramen.
Exoskeletons have long existed for cameramen who have to hold heavy equipment.
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Ladies and gentlemen, gather ’round! Today we’re diving into the world of exoskeletons. Yes, you heard that right—those mechanical marvels that promise to make you as buff as the Terminator without the pesky need for a gym membership. Who needs a six-pack when you can just strap on a, let’s face it, futuristic metal suit and call it a day? Don’t know about you, but I’d like to think I could rock one of these—make me feel like a superhero or maybe just like that kid in school who wore all the wrong gear for gym class.
Now, let’s not forget that while the exoskeleton began its rise to glory on the silver screen—think Ripley in Aliens or Tom Cruise running around in Edge of Tomorrow—in the real world, these devices are a bit less about saving the universe and more about helping your average Joe lift heavy things without becoming a human pretzel.
According to our delightful article, exoskeletons can make you stronger. They range from basic mechanical designs to high-tech, battery-powered suits that’ll have you feeling like RoboCop. The Swiss company Auxivo offers a nifty little contraption called the DeltaSuit. For just over 60,000 CZK, you can work overhead without turning your shoulders into spaghetti! It’s like a gym session but without the commitment—who knew versatility could be so affordable?
And speaking of affordable—well, sort of—the Hilti Exo-S is on the market, and at around 35,000 CZK, it might just make you rethink hiring a personal trainer. Who needs deadlifts when you can wear a mechanical suit that does half the work for you? I can already hear the gym bro whispers: "Mate, stop lifting and start strapping! You’ll never impress the barbell at this rate!"
Oh, and let’s not forget the industrial applications! Car companies, video production—I mean, we’re just one step away from the world’s first exo-pizza delivery driver! Imagine flying through traffic like Iron Man but with pizzas instead of missiles. Not only would you get the job done, but you’d be a hero to people who didn’t want cold pizza at 3 AM.
Now, here’s where it gets really juicy: while most medical exoskeletons are priced well over a million crowns, the sheer idea of having one is enough to pop a few eyebrows. Talk about investment—I’d expect a full medical team on standby if I decided to wear one, and heaven forbid if I tripped! That’s not an ‘oops’ moment you want to have with machinery that costs more than my car!
And let’s face it—who wouldn’t want an exoskeleton? It’s like wearing a suit of armor, but instead of jousting, you’re just…well, lifting all the heavy stuff. "Oh, sir, have you got a minute to help me with this?" Enabled with exoskeleton "Sure! Let’s lift this sofa like it’s a pillow!"
So, core takeaway folks? Forget hitting the gym, and start thinking about investing in some of these mechanical marvels. You’ll save on chiropractor bills while being the envy of every bodybuilding wannabe—the ultimate solution for when life tells you to move that couch!
In summary, exoskeletons: not just for sci-fi anymore, but a real, tangible solution for strength and recovery. Now, if only they could help with my talent for karaoke! That’s a battle I wouldn’t mind losing with some extra support.
Exoskeletons are sophisticated devices designed to enhance human capability, addressing limitations in strength and endurance. In addition to bolstering physical power, they have significant health-related applications, particularly in rehabilitation and recovery for individuals with physical impairments.
Movie enthusiasts may recall the iconic clash between Ripley and the alien mother in the science fiction classic. Although the odds seemed stacked against her, the conflict was bolstered by the advanced robotic exoskeleton utilized by warehouse operators for lifting heavy loads. Tom Cruise showcased an even more formidable exoskeleton in the action-packed film “Edge of Tomorrow,” where it enabled him to run with remarkable speed, leap from great heights, and, most impressively, engage in combat while carrying heavy gear. Transitioning from the silver screen to the real world, exoskeletons are now becoming increasingly accessible to consumers. But how do these ingenious devices operate and who truly benefits from their capabilities?
An early trailblazer in the development of walking exoskeletons was the Sportsmate 5, created by Enhanced Robotics. Unfortunately, this promising venture arose from a successful Kickstarter campaign in the fall of 2021 but ended in disappointment as the developers ultimately shuttered the project. Exoskeletons can be categorized based on multiple criteria: they may be purely mechanical or, more commonly, powered by electric batteries. Some designs target specific regions of the body—upper body (trunk and arms) or lower body (legs)—while others encompass full-body support. They can be classified as industrial, military, or medical devices. Access to this diverse range of exoskeletons is still limited, especially in the medical field, requiring skilled personnel for operation and often priced above one million crowns.
Mechanical assistants
To explore the simplest exoskeletons, particularly those optimized for industrial and construction sectors, we turn to the Swiss company Auxivo, which offers the DeltaSuit. Priced slightly above 60,000 CZK, the DeltaSuit assists workers with overhead tasks, alleviating shoulder strain and enabling sustained overhead use without discomfort. For those looking for more budget-friendly options, the Hilti Exo-S mechanical exoskeleton is available at approximately 35,000 CZK, designed specifically to support workers engaged in overhead tasks. This lightweight device weighs just 2.4 kg and has been reported to reduce physical strain by 20-30%, while cutting down shoulder burden by as much as 60%.
These purely mechanical aids are particularly beneficial for individuals who need to work with their hands elevated for extended periods. Without a doubt, industrial exoskeletons are gaining traction in various sectors, including automotive manufacturing, where companies like Comau, a subsidiary of Stellantis, are designing innovative exoskeletons branded under the name Mate. Available in three variations, these exoskeletons cater to different industrial applications and enhance the efficiency of warehouse workers.
The potential of exoskeletons extends beyond industrial applications; they are also employed within the video production realm. Simple supportive vests with holders can significantly lighten the load for filmmakers, especially during lengthy shoots such as weddings. For instance, the Steadicam Flycam HD-3000 is available for under nine thousand. Meanwhile, more advanced options exist, such as the Tilta Armor-Man 3.0 capable of carrying 25 kg, although priced at around 80,000 crowns, making it a wise investment for professional cameramen.
How do battery-powered exoskeletons like Auxivo’s DeltaSuit enhance user experience compared to purely mechanical designs?
T form of exoskeletons, we can start with purely mechanical designs, like the ones crafted by Hilti. Their Exo-S model is a great example, priced around 35,000 CZK. It’s built for workers who frequently need to lift their arms above head, helping to alleviate the physical strain they face. The mechanical nature of such devices means they require no batteries; instead, they utilize springs and levers to assist with lifting and support, which can significantly reduce shoulder and arm fatigue—by up to 60%, according to user surveys.
On the other hand, we also see battery-powered exoskeletons entering the market. These often provide more advanced functionalities and feedback mechanisms, adapting to the user’s movements in real time. For instance, the DeltaSuit offered by Auxivo at over 60,000 CZK is designed for those who work overhead, easing the workload without the need for high-strength training or expertise.
The industrial sector has been quick to adopt these technologies, recognizing the potential to boost productivity and reduce workplace injuries. Companies like Comau have introduced their Mate line, which is optimized for tasks requiring repetitive overhead lifting, ideal for assembly lines and warehouse operations.
Interestingly, exoskeletons have also found a niche in creative industries, such as video production. By incorporating lightweight designs that help stabilize equipment, they allow videographers to carry heavier gear more comfortably and for longer periods, which is a game changer during extensive shoots, such as weddings.
As for the entertainment industry, it’s fascinating to note how these wearable technologies translate from science fiction to everyday life. Whether it’s for health, productivity in workplaces, or even recreational use in film and media, the potential applications of exoskeletons are vast.
However, despite these advancements, accessibility remains a challenge, particularly in medical applications where the costs can soar past a million crowns. The complexity of these devices often necessitates professional training to operate safely, adding another barrier for potential users.
exoskeletons represent a significant leap in human capability enhancement, merging technology with practical applications across various fields. They support workers, assist in rehabilitation, and could someday become as ubiquitous as personal computers. As technology advances, we may see these suits become not just tools for heavy lifting but integral parts of our daily lives, potentially changing the way we think about physical labor and human strength. So, whether for lifting a couch or conquering mountains of paperwork, exoskeletons may soon be the answer to our burdens!
