Superpowers for Heavy Work: Exoskeletons by Auxivo
According to studies, the healthcare costs resulting from heavy lifting amount to approximately 400 million Swiss francs per year. Work absences are also costly for companies. Auxivo’s exoskeletons help prevent these issues.
A heavily armoured high-tech suit is what gives the superhero Iron Man his superpowers. With exoskeletons, the visionary idea of gifted comic book writers has become reality: In today’s working world, they help wearers handle heavy loads more easily and protect them from work-related physical strain and injuries.
A Powerful Market Entry
For four years, a team from ETH Zurich conducted scientific research into the biomechanical aspects, design, and impact of exoskeletons, pioneering new prototypes. In 2019, these researchers became entrepreneurs and founded Auxivo AG. The young company quickly emerged as a pioneer in the exoskeleton industry, securing a leading position in the global market. Dario Bee, Product Development Engineer at Auxivo, explains: “Our success as a developer and manufacturer of wearable support systems is largely due to the fact that we have in-house expertise in three key disciplines: biomechanics, movement science, and mechanical engineering. This combination enables us to develop innovative and user-friendly products that are designed to meet the challenges of everyday work environments.”
Users of Exoskeletons on Board
Auxivo takes a practical, user-focused approach to development and works closely with exoskeleton users. The company places a strong emphasis on top quality, comfort, durability, and robustness. For users, the investment pays off quickly: According to a survey of SMEs, the absence of an employee—due, for example, to back pain—can result in costs ranging from 600 to 1,000 Swiss francs per day.
Power from the Tension and Relaxation of Textile Springs
Auxivo develops and markets exclusively non-motorised exoskeletons. Their function is based on textile springs, which stretch with body movement and release energy upon relaxation. Body support is provided through various physical principles, such as load transfer and gravity compensation. These principles are applied in the OmniSuit and DeltaSuit models, which primarily relieve strain on the shoulders. “One of the main challenges is replicating the complex human shoulder joint within the surrounding exoskeleton,” explains Dario Bee. To mimic the natural movement between the shoulder and upper arm, Auxivo’s engineers integrate miniature linear guides from THK, supplied by Bachofen, into the shoulder section of these exoskeleton models. These guides are compact, robust, and enable smooth linear movements—precisely the requirements for this application.
“THK is the Rolls-Royce of Linear Guides, and Bachofen a Reliable Supplier” Dario Bee does not hold back with his praise. He is highly satisfied with Bachofen’s technical expertise, open communication, and exceptional flexibility—qualities that are especially evident in their reliable deliveries, even when demand spikes unexpectedly. Such a great compliment is motivating. Bachofen will continue to mobilise all its strengths to provide outstanding service to innovative tech companies like Auxivo.