After undergoing testing based on the ISO 13482 standard, the Cray X power suit, produced by Augsburg-based robotics manufacturer German Bionic, was awarded the “TÜV SÜD Safety Tested” certification, the certifier said.
The certification confirms that the AI-based active exoskeleton complies with the fundamental technical safety requirements set out in the standard.
Composed of mechanical and electronic components, exoskeleton suits are designed to support the wearer’s movement by improving performance and robustness.
The suits are designed for a range of uses, most notably for manual labor, where they can offer mechanical assistance for physically demanding tasks.
The Cray X power suit provides support for two areas of the body: the lower back, by providing 30kg of assistance per lifting movement, and the legs, by delivering active walking assistance.
In the latter, the exoskeleton supplies cooperative control for the user’s thighs, allowing for a comfortable gait while also “carrying” part of the user’s weight to reduce the load exerted on legs, hips, knees and ankles during standing or walking.
According to TÜV SÜD, the legal basis for testing the first power-assisted exoskeleton was provided by ISO 13482:2014, a Type C standard. Under the provisions of this standard, the Cray X power suit is classified as a physical assistant robot.
“The customer confidence generated by this process is particularly vital in the case of new products that are still seeking to enter the market”, said Benedikt Pulver, team leader smart automation at TÜV SÜD.