S700 active overhead exoskeleton from ExoIQ

On 07/28/2023, the Orthexo team tested the active overhead exoskeleton called S700 from ExoIQ on site in Hamburg, Germany. It is the world's first mass producible active overhead exoskeleton. This means that the S700 actively supports the upper body area using battery-powered pneumatics. It is therefore different from passive, non-power-based exoskeletons. Our expectation, due to the active support, was that the S700 must be very large, but this is clearly not the case. The size is hardly different from passive overhead exoskeletons. The design is kept very slim and modern. From our point of view, the design was hit very well, because you can see almost no mechanics and screws. This really makes it look like an entire covered unit. The S700 weighs about 6.5 kg, which is no heavier than any other solution. Each arm supports up to about 5 kg of weight. The S700 comes with two batteries (Festool), which can be changed in seconds. One battery lasts about four to six hours. This means that the S700 can be used all day, even if this is not the actual intention of an exoskeleton. Charging takes less than 30 minutes per battery. The S700 is splash water as well as dust resistant. The latter is extremely important, as the S700 is primarily designed for construction sites, tradesmen, painters, electricians, drywallers and glass cleaners (and similar professional activities). It really is lighter than expected and after a few minutes you don't notice the weight anymore. Furthermore, a lot of attention was paid to body balance during the development. You can turn around your own axis or bend forward without any problems without losing your balance. It takes about two minutes to put on. After training, putting on is possible in 15 seconds.

Furthermore, the solution can be easily worn over clothing. The straps on the arms and abdomen and chest are very easy to tighten. The magnetic holder ensures a supportive tightening of the arm cuffs. The arms are not "tied up". There is enough air in between and therefore does not ensure that the sweater is pulled up or down again and again during use. The back is barely covered, as seen in the photos. Body contact with textile supports always ensure sweating. This is especially the case in the back. Therefore, the S700 was designed to be backless, meaning there is virtually no lower back contact. The textile can be quickly removed and washed at 60 % for hygiene. A laundry bag is included in the delivery. The S700 can be easily adjusted to different sizes (about 160 to 200 cm) with three to five simple adjustments and is designed unisex. The entire set is delivered (see photos) in a large box to prevent damage to the S700. We could imagine that the transport box is modified again, because two to three solutions in a van on the way to work including work materials can quickly exceed the transport volume. However, it provides a stable hold during transport and is therefore virtually impossible to damage. When activated on the switch (see photos), the compressor starts. This is very unusual when testing an active pneumatic solution for the first time. However, compared to the machines used in drywall construction, this is nothing and therefore not bad at all. The other noises on a construction site are a hundred times louder. The compressor works for about 30 seconds and not permanently, but only if you bring the arms back to the starting position too often. If one works actively overhead and that for a longer time, the compressor does not have to work permanently. With the operation, one has five levels to choose from. So you can select the set up more for frontal activities or, for example, for lifting activities upwards. The pre-sets can thus be programmed for different activities, thus different force angles are called up. The sets can even be customized by the ExoIQ if desired. The big "pause" button disables the S700, so you can quickly switch between activities without taking the S700 off. We also tried out sitting (is possible) and kneeling (is also possible). What we were also excited about is the fall sensors. This means that the device notices when you fall forward and deactivates itself so that your arms are not actively controlled.

What we particularly like:

1. The ball joints stand out from other solutions and hardly disturb the ergonomics at all. It is like not wearing an exoskeleton.
2. It was developed close to the practice. You can wear a tool belt or the handle on the textile hip belt, you can go to the toilet, you can sit and you can have your phone in your pocket without the solution bothering me in my professional life.
3. The S700 scores with its active support. You immediately notice the weight and ergonomics relief. This cannot be compared with passive solutions. Imagine holding a drill in your hand and resting your arm in the air at chest level in "nothing" without bearing the weight of the drill.

The strong support, design, ball joints, pre-sets and price really make it stand out. Orthexo says "An absolutely great product for craftsmen, drywallers, painters and glass cleaners".