At CES 2025, German Bionic unveiled Apogee Ultra, a new robotic exoskeleton that the company claims is “the world's strongest.” What did the system do to earn such a prestigious title? It provides dynamic lift assist of up to 80 pounds. This means that a 70-pound payload feels like 9 to 11 pounds of strain on the lifter's lower back.
In addition to lift assistance, Apogee Ultra also provides walking assistance, making a 10-mile trip feel like 8 miles. The company is targeting industries such as baggage handling and construction, as well as nursing care, which require workers to get up and walk long distances.
Broadly speaking, the goal of robotic exoskeletons is to augment the human workforce, not to automate it and eliminate it. In effect, employers can accomplish more with fewer employees when performing labor-intensive tasks.
It may also reduce the incidence of injuries. For example, German Bionic claims that its exoskeleton has reduced workplace sick leave by 31%.
The company says its system has been refined thanks to “a large amount of high-quality, relevant data collected from thousands of users over countless hours spent in real-world applications.”
Exoskeletons also utilize AI to better adapt to the wearer's specific needs. The company promises to support the system through over-the-air updates in the future.
The system is currently available from German Bionic's site. Specific prices have not been disclosed at the time of publication.