Clever device is aimed at supporting healthcare professionals (literally) in hospitals, elderly care or rehab units. It has already proved popular in Europe, and is now available in the US.
Most of German Bionic's power suits are designed to assist workers in industrial facilities, but their latest device is designed to "support caregivers in their day-to-day work."
It's described as a "personal lift assist" for nurses, care workers and other healthcare professionals who need to get to grips with a patient, elderly care resident or someone undergoing physical therapy - without risking a strain or injury to themselves, or requiring the need to set up complicated support equipment (such as harnesses and cranes).
Importantly, the battery powered exosuit also features hand grips towards the rear of the monocoque framework to give the patient something to hold onto when being lifted. The device, called the Apogee+, is also waterproof, which means that care workers don't have to worry about covering or protecting the device while washing or showering patients.
"With its full range of features, our new Apogee+ power suit is designed to help ease the extremely demanding working conditions in these system-critical professions, making the jobs safer and more sustainable," said company founder and CEO, Armin G. Schmidt. "Based on our early success in the European market, we firmly believe that our smart exosuits will soon become an indispensable part of everyday practice at health clinics and nursing homes here in the US."
The Apogee+ is priced from US$9,990.