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German Bionic – Company Profile
| City: | Augsburg | State: |
Bavaria |
| Country: | German | # of Employees: |
Approximately 75 |
| URL: | www.germanbionic.com | Founded: |
2017 |
Management – Armin G. Schmidt (CEO), Michael Halbherr (Chairman), Peter Heiligensetzer (CTO)
Funding Status – German Bionic raised a $20M Series A in November of 2020. The round was co-led by Samsung Catalyst Fund, a strategic investment arm from the hardware giant, and German investor MIG AG.
The German Bionic Cray X Power Suit is a ‘connected’, powered exoskeleton system for industrial use that improves the efficiency and productivity of logistics environments and other workplaces. Use of the device can also reduce worker injuries and improve overall safety in facilities.
German Bionic – Offerings Profile
Primary Target Markets – 1) Logistics / Supply Chain, 2) Manufacturing, and 3) Construction / Demolition
Technology / Product / Service(s) – The German Bionic Cray X Power Suit is a ‘connected’, powered exoskeleton system for industrial use that improves the efficiency and productivity of logistics environments and other workplaces. Use of the device can also reduce worker injuries and improve overall safety in facilities.
The Cray X reinforces lifting movements and prevents incorrect postures. In addition, the device can be fully connected to IoT and Smart Factory infrastructure via the German Bionic IO cloud robotics platform, thus becoming an intelligent link between humans and machines, as well as a backbone for software updates. Captured operational data can be analyzed and used to protect the health of workers by improving ergonomics and reducing the risk of accidents.
The Cray X can also make quantifiable improvements to work processes. Data captured in real time during Cray X operations can be used as key performance indicators (KPIs), or as the basis for machine learning.
Value Proposition – German Bionic’s Cray X seamlessly integrates with industrial IoT environments and Smart Factory ecosystems. Real-time data captured during operations can be used to measure and improve the health and well-being of workers. Similarly, operational data can also be employed to boost efficiency in supply chain processes. According to German Bionic, use of the Cray X can result in productivity increases of approximately 20-25% per warehouse, depending on the specific use case. Worker safety improvements and enhanced operational efficiency both work to increase profitability.
German Bionic’s Cray X is an ‘active’ exoskeleton, a feature that differentiates it from many of its competitors. An active exoskeleton uses batteries and motors to provide support and prevent exhaustion and fatigue. A passive system, in comparison, does not use an external power source, but redirects energy stored by human movements and releases it when required. As such, only an active system actually provides energy to actively augment the human body.
Demand Drivers – As e-commerce continues to grow dramatically, manufacturers and logistics firms are under pressure to protect workers while increasing output. German Bionic’s customers experience significant increases in output when using the Cray X. In addition, German Bionic’s “Smart Safety Companion” alerts users of unfavorable loads, critical repetitions, levels of fatigue, risky movements and poor postures during manual work. This system, along with the design of the Cray X itself, reduces occupational injuries and other incidents.
According to German Bionic, use of the Cray X can result in productivity increases of approximately 20-25% per warehouse, depending on the specific use case.
German Bionic – Business Model(s) and Competition
Business Model – German Bionic markets its device and associated services via an Robotics-as-a-Service (RaaS) model, consulting directly with its customers through its own dedicated salesforce.
Partners – The German Bionic R&D team works together with various universities, research institutes and specialist partners. Among these are the Fraunhofer IPA, Charité Hospital in Berlin and the German AI Association.
Customers – The Cray X has been deployed by many companies. In the large logistics sector in Germany this includes IKEA, DB Schenker and DPD Deutschland to name a few. Besides applications in warehousing and logistics, the Cray X has also been deployed for other use cases, such as at BMW for tire changing and at Stuttgart Airport for baggage handling.
Competitive Landscape – German Bionic competes with passive exoskeleton technology providers including Ottobock, SuitX, HeroWear and Innophys, along with makers of powered exoskeletons such as Sarcos.
German Bionic – Recent News
- Robots Relieve Strain on The Back: DPD Starts Long-Term Test with Exoskeletons from German Bionic
- German Bionic’s Cray X Connected Power Suits Deployed in the Distribution Center of Logistics Specialist for Food Trays and Supplies, FPCO Logistics
- German Bionic Raises $20M Led by Samsung for Exoskeleton Tech to Supercharge Human Labor
- German Bionic’s Cray X Exoskeleton Can Offset Over 60 Pounds
- Let The Cray X Exoskeleton from German Bionic Literally Takes a Load Off Your Back
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