BERKELEY, Calif. — US Bionics Inc., doing business as suitX, this week announced the official launch of shoulderX V3, its third-generation wearable exoskeleton. The company said it is the world’s most advanced shoulder-supporting exoskeleton for use by automotive, construction, and shipbuilding workers. shoulderX augments its wearer by reducing forces at the shoulder complex, substantially reducing the risk of shoulder injuries and increasing workplace productivity.

New shoulderX features

The third-generation industrial exoskeleton incorporates novel features based on the feedback obtained from numerous field evaluations across the globe.

shoulderX V3 introduces a novel human interface technology designed to automatically conform to each user’s unique body shape to achieve an impeccable fit and unparalleled comfort. This interface provides a firm fit to the user, reducing slippage or sagging between the wearer and the exoskeleton. This reduces the need to perform micro-adjustments of the device during use, as commonly observed in other devices, said suitX.

In addition, the shoulderX interface provides superior breathability and has an exceptional ability to remove heat from the user, thereby maximizing user comfort, claimed the company.

suitX said shoulderX V3 reduces the inventory a customer must manage to support its workforce by providing three key features. First, it is fully adjustable, making it a “one-size-fits-all” wearable exoskeleton, resulting in a single unit addressing the needs of users of various shapes and strengths.

Second, this exoskeleton provides a wide range of strength output through a tool-less adjustment mechanism, and it does not require multiple cartridges or gas springs.

The third generation of shoulder-supporting exoskeleton boasts a 40% reduction in weight by use of carbon fiber without losing any of its industry-leading characteristics and range of support strength, said suitX.

Like its predecessor, the new design does not use electric power and does not need batteries.

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Made for tough jobs, environments

shoulderX V3 is available in multiple configurations such as fire retardant, dust-proof, and water-resistant. The exoskeleton is specifically designed to withstand extremely harsh environments such as construction sites and shipbuilding facilities.

Siemens Gamesa, one of the largest wind turbine manufacturers in the world, is a user of shoulderX.

“We chose suitX, as our preferred supplier, to implement exoskeleton technologies in our factories around the globe,” stated Claus Lindberg Nielsen, head of tooling at Siemens Gamesa. “The third-generation shoulderX exoskeleton proves suitX’s ability in rapid development of innovative exoskeleton technologies and goes hand in hand with our wish to focus on our employees’ wellbeing, being at the forefront of the technological development as well as increasing the productivity of our factories globally.”