German Bionic unveils Apogee Ultra as a powerful exoskeleton for workers

German Bionica Berlin-based pioneer in robotic exoskeleton technology has introduced its Apogee Ultra exoskeleton to help workers with physically demanding jobs.

The company said the Apogee Ultra is the most powerful mass-produced exoskeleton in the world. I haven’t used it yet, so I can’t confirm that claim. Discovered in CES 2025such exoskeletons that lift things or carry heavy weights have been a common sight on the show over the years.

Available today and designed to empower workers in logistics, manufacturing, construction, bag handling and healthcare, Apogee Ultra sets new benchmarks in strength, adaptability and worker safety, meeting the demands of a variety of high-intensity tasks and increasing productivity , the company said.

Seen in action in videos and demonstrated during CES in the German Pavilion (Hall A, Booth 50339), Apogee Ultra is the company’s strongest and smartest exoskeleton to date. It helps deliver safer, healthier and more inclusive work environments while addressing critical social and demographic challenges – such as labor shortages and an aging workforce.

Brains and brawn

Apogee ULTRA is more than a powerful robotic exoskeleton; it is a highly adaptive support system capable of adapting to the user’s individual needs thanks to advanced machine learning capabilities and German Bionic’s high-tech, human-centric approach to human augmentation.

With dynamic support for lifting up to 80 pounds / 36 kg, it makes physically demanding tasks feel effortless, making a 70 pound lift feel only 8.8 to 11 pounds on the lower back. In addition, it offers active support when walking – making 10 miles feel like eight – and provides vital relief on stooped tasks, increasing comfort and performance in intensive roles.

Driven by vast amounts of high-quality, relevant data collected from thousands of users over countless hours of real-world applications, Apogee Ultra features intuitive, AI-driven features that adapt to individual users’ physiology and tasks, delivering optimized performance and comfort during on a daily basis, the company said.

Improvements include the remarkably powerful ultra mode, smoother transitions between support modes and greater sensitivity to respond to even the smallest movements.

“Data serves as a cornerstone for the continuous evolution of devices and protection of workplace investments. Thanks to machine learning, Apogee ULTRA is always up-to-date, with new features and capabilities delivered via over-the-air updates,” said Norma Steller, head of development at German Bionic, in a statement.

This ensures that users always benefit from the most advanced support, making it a future-proof solution for any workplace. In industries such as warehousing and logistics, where high physical demands and staff shortages are common, Apogee Ultra offers numerous advantages:

• Reduced fatigue and injuries, increased efficiency: By relieving strain on the lower back, the exoskeleton helps workers stay focused and productive throughout their shift.
• Reduction in sick leave: Companies using German bionic exoskeletons have seen a 31% decrease in sick leave.
• Improved operation and mobility: Improved lifting and movement capabilities make it easier to handle heavy and awkward goods, reducing the risks of injury during tasks such as loading or unloading trucks.
• Extended career length: By supporting musculoskeletal health, Apogee ULTRA helps workers endure long shifts and physically demanding tasks throughout their careers.
• Attractive role: Advanced technology like Apogee Ultra makes roles more attractive to prospective employees, promoting higher retention rates.

Improving seamless connectivity and user engagement

The Apogee ULTRA is complemented by the German Bionic Connect app, which enhances the user experience with detailed performance metrics such as steps taken, weight lifted and time of use. The app encourages engagement through its two-way communication channel, giving users the opportunity to provide direct quality input.

This ability to gather user insights and suggestions enables continuous improvements and delivers a personalized experience that adapts to everyone’s unique needs. By more closely integrating workers with the technology they use, the app builds a sense of ownership and active participation in their well-being, workplace safety and productivity – ultimately achieving exceptional levels of user adoption.

360° human zoom

All this talk of human augmentation reminds me of Deus Ex video game series and let’s hope this dystopian narrative doesn’t become real for us.

Along with the German Bionic Connect app and the Apogee Ultra exoskeleton itself, German Bionic’s approach to 3600 human augmentation also includes a powerful data platform (German Bionic IO) and additional human-machine interfaces.

This integrated approach to human augmentation enables the platform to provide precise calculations and imaging at ergonomic safety levels, facilitate activity monitoring and reporting, and support efficient fleet management—all on an intuitive, user-friendly dashboard. In addition, a video-based academy offers comprehensive onboarding tutorials and expert pro advice to help users unlock the power suit’s full potential.

“Apogee Ultra is the culmination of years of innovation,” said Armin G. Schmidt, CEO of German Bionic, in a statement. “It’s not just the most powerful exoskeleton, but a dynamic solution to real-world challenges that redefines what’s possible for workforce support. We are excited to continue to push the boundaries of human augmentation, empowering workers to achieve more – safely, efficiently and sustainably.”

Availability

The Apogee Ultra is available now and will be updated over time via over-the-air updates. Founded in 2017, German Bionic is at the forefront of developing next-generation active exoskeletons designed to improve the physical capabilities of workers in various industries.