Four employees plus a dog, an EXIST research transfer, three prototypes, and successful field tests at the technology companies Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG and Gebr. Waasner Elektrotechnische Fabrik GmbH: that is the interim balance sheet of the start-up EASE Ergonomische Assistenzsysteme GmbH. Since February last year, EASE has been developing exoskeletons at the TUM Incubator in Garching, designed to make it easier to carry objects.
To this end, TUM graduates Peter Schaefer and Noah Lars Gerullis developed a fully functional prototype within a year. Another important factor was the research results that Christina Harbauer contributed to the team from her doctoral studies at the Chair of Ergonomics at TUM. Artificial intelligence evaluates data on forces, accelerations, and movement patterns and recognises which movements require robotic support from the exoskeleton.
Exoskeleton provides up to 20 kilograms of relief
The backpack, developed in collaboration with Deuter Sport GmbH, transfers the force required for carrying to the lumbar support. This means the hips do most of the work, and the arms are relieved. “Up to 20 kg of relief,” expects Martin Fleischer, responsible for strategy and management. He is convinced: “This will reduce sick leave.”
Electronics company TQ-Systems supports the start-up with the drives for the motors integrated into the exoskeleton. The first three prototypes have already been used at BMW and DHL. EASE tested the system at the beginning of May at the technology group Rohde & Schwarz. The conclusion: “You can feel the relief – it makes my work easier,” says an employee who used the exoskeleton for a week.
Prototypes have already been tested at BMW, DHL, and Rohde & Schwarz
Three exoskeletons, which the team pre-financed and built, are currently in use. Three more are to be added throughout the summer. The business case calculates that the systems will become cheaper when produced in larger quantities. “Later, we will rent them out, offer them on lease, or sell them as complete systems,” explains Fleischer.
To achieve this goal, EASE received support from robo.innovate. “We were given the right contacts, opportunities, and possibilities at the right time. We are extremely grateful for that,” emphasises Fleischer. The start-up not only has unrestricted use of tools and infrastructure, but also benefits from the network. Other start-ups are just around the corner – as are industry sponsors who could become important in later financing rounds.
Money will be needed to bring the systems to market. In addition to certification, stable supply chains play a crucial role. “We are already investing in preparations for series production. Ultimately, great technology is useless to us if no one can buy it,” Fleischer notes. The research transfer services and the EXIST grant will expire soon. The start-up is therefore currently looking for investors for its pre-seed round. Fleischer is not worried: “The market potential is in the billions of euros,” says the EASE managing director, “and the response to our pilot projects also clearly shows that the demand is there.”
Further information:
EASE Ergonomic Assistance Systems GmbH will be exhibiting at the automatica robotics trade fair, which will take place in Munich from 24 to 27 June 2025. Location: Hall 4, Stand 329
Text: Andreas Schmitz