Sarcos Robotics says Guardian XO is the first industrial exoskeleton for all-day use

While researchers have been developing wearable robotics for therapeutic uses for years, industrial exoskeletons have emerged only recently. Such technologies promise to relieve fatigue and augment human capabilities. Sarcos Robotics began delivering its Guardian XO last year and demonstrated the exoskeleton with partner Delta Air Lines at CES 2020.

Salt Lake City-based Sarcos has been developing its exoskeleton for more than 20 years with initial funding from the Defense Advanced Projects Agency (DARPA). The Guardian XO can help humans lift 35 to 200 pounds and reduce the risk of injury. It is also designed to be worn for an entire shift and can run for up to eight hours on a single charge.

Sarcos said Guardian XO is the first full-body commercial exoskeleton in the U.S. It is designed to address labor shortages and occupational safety hazards in industries including aerospace, construction, defense, logistics, and manufacturing. The exoskeleton is currently in alpha testing, and the company expects to deliver it via a robotics-as-a-service (RaaS) model later this year.