SuitX
SuitX by Ottobock develops and sells industrial exoskeletons — passive and active systems for shoulder and back support, plus a digital ergonomic analytics wearable — primarily to enterprise customers in logistics, automotive, aerospace, rail, and manufacturing to reduce musculoskeletal injuries.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2012
- HeadquartersEmeryville, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What SuitX does
SuitX by Ottobock is a developer and manufacturer of industrial exoskeletons founded in 2012 as a spin-off from the Human Engineering and Robotics Laboratory at UC Berkeley, now operating as a brand/business unit under Ottobock SE & Co. KGaA following a 2021 partnership. The company designs and sells body-worn exoskeletons targeting musculoskeletal injury prevention in physically demanding work, with a core product portfolio of three exoskeletons: the passive IX SHOULDER AIR (2.4 kg, cable-pull overhead support reducing shoulder strain by ~40%), the passive IX BACK AIR (<3 kg, mechanical AIR-Drive back support reducing lumbar strain by 56-75%), and the active IX BACK VOLTON (4.5 kg, battery-powered via Bosch AmpShare, up to 17 kg adaptive lifting assistance). The portfolio is complemented by CX series accessories (cooling sleeves, soft back, easy neck, soft wrist, soft knee pads) and the AIRGO XP digital wearable, which combines a ruggedized Samsung device with AI-powered movement analysis for ergonomic coaching and anonymized workforce analytics.
SuitX sells primarily to enterprise customers across logistics (IKEA with 600+ units across 22 countries, DACHSER with 400+ units, DB Schenker, Hermes, airport ground handlers), automotive and mobility manufacturing (MAN Truck & Bus with 75+ units at 20 locations, Mazda Toyota Manufacturing, Toyota), rail (Deutsche Bahn with framework agreement since 2019), aerospace (Airbus Defence and Space Bremen), energy (State Grid Corporation of China), and an emerging healthcare vertical (University Hospital Leipzig surgical pilot). The revenue model combines quote-based hardware sales, fee-based Experience Programs (onsite trials at 4-10 weeks), and an emerging recurring subscription component via AIRGO XP. Distribution runs through direct enterprise field sales, Ottobock's network in 35+ countries, and 25+ authorized dealers across Europe, North America, South America, Asia-Pacific, and Africa.
The company is small (11-50 employees) with R&D and engineering operations in Berkeley, California, and Berlin/Duderstadt, Germany, and holds the largest patent portfolio it claims in human-empowering technology. ISO 13485 and ISO 9001 certifications, CE Declarations of Conformity across core products, and multiple design awards (Red Dot 2023, iF 2021, IDEA 2021, Edison Gold 2017) support its positioning as an enterprise-grade supplier. Pricing is not publicly disclosed; the company claims customer ROI typically within 12 months.
SuitX firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- SuitX
- Legal name
- Ottobock SE & Co. KGaA
- Website
- https://suitx.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2012
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- SuitX by Ottobock develops and sells industrial exoskeletons — passive and active systems for shoulder and back support, plus a digital ergonomic analytics wearable — primarily to enterprise customers in logistics, automotive, aerospace, rail, and manufacturing to reduce musculoskeletal injuries.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
SuitX industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Industrial Exoskeletons
- NAICS
- Sporting and Athletic Goods Manufacturing (33992), Apparel Accessories and Other Apparel Manufacturing (3159), Apparel Accessories and Other Apparel Manufacturing (315990)
- SIC
- Orthopedic, Prosthetic & Surgical Appliances & Supplies (3842), Sporting & Athletic Goods, Nec (3949)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Protective & Work Accessories Manufacturing (Safety Gloves/Hi-Vis Accessories) (IMAOAFAH)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Protective Armor & Impact Protection Retail (Body/Back/Chest) (CRAMANAC)
Keywords
Where SuitX is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Emeryville
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices3 records
Markets served
SuitX business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Operations, Supply Chain, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Exoskeleton Hardware Sales: One-time sale of industrial exoskeleton units (IX series and CX series accessories) to enterprise customers. Pricing is quote-based, typically returning investment within 12 months per company claims.
- AIRGO XP Digital Platform Subscription: AI-powered ergonomic analytics and employee health coaching platform using a mobile device and app. Includes individual worker app with personalized coaching and employer dashboard with anonymized workforce health metrics.
- Experience and Testing Programs: Fee-based onsite demo and evaluation programs (Experience Standard, Experience Analytics, Experience Discover) where customers test exoskeletons in their work environment before purchase commitment.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Experience Standard (IX SHOULDER AIR) — 6 units for 4 weeks |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Experience Analytics (IX SHOULDER AIR) — 10 units with sensor-based analysis |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Experience Discover (IX BACK AIR) — 2-10 units for 6 weeks |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels13 records
SuitX product offering
Product offeringCore offering
SuitX designs, manufactures, and sells body-worn industrial exoskeletons (passive mechanical and active battery-powered) that reduce physical strain during heavy lifting, overhead work, and repetitive tasks. The product portfolio includes the IX BACK AIR, IX SHOULDER AIR, IX BACK VOLTON, AIRGO XP digital wearable, and CX series accessory line, sold to enterprise customers in logistics, automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, and healthcare.
Product overview
SUITX by Ottobock offers a complete suite of industrial exoskeletons and digital wearables for workplace ergonomics. The core portfolio centers on three main exoskeleton models: the passive IX BACK AIR (mechanical back support using AIR-Drive technology), the passive IX SHOULDER AIR (cable-pull shoulder support for overhead work), and the active IX BACK VOLTON (battery-powered adaptive back support with Bosch AmpShare battery and IoT connectivity). These are complemented by the CX Series accessories (CX COOL SLEEVES, CX SOFT BACK, CX EASY NECK, CX SOFT WRIST, CX SOFT KNEE) which can be used standalone or combined with the IX AIR exoskeletons. The AIRGO XP represents the company's entry into digital wearables, combining a rugged hardware device with AI-powered ergonomic analytics for individual and workforce health management. The portfolio covers back, shoulder, neck, wrist, and knee support for industries including logistics, automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- IX BACK VOLTON Active battery-powered back exoskeleton providing up to 17 kg of adaptive real-time lifting assistance. Features Bosch AmpShare 18V battery platform with up to 10 hours runtime, IoT-enabled dashboard, and smart connected features for settings management and usage tracking. Designed for logistics, manufacturing, and flexible industrial applications.
- IX BACK AIR Passive back-support exoskeleton using AIR-Drive mechanical technology. Weighs less than 3 kg (6.8 lbs) and reduces strain on lower back by 56-75% during lifting and bent postures. Allows full freedom of movement for forklift operation and tight spaces. Mechanical pendulum distinguishes between walking and lifting support.
- IX SHOULDER AIR Passive shoulder exoskeleton for overhead work support. Weighs 2.4 kg (5.4 lbs), reducing shoulder strain by up to 40%. Uses mechanical cable pull technology to transfer arm weight to hips. Battery-free, designed for all-day use with 360-degree freedom of movement.
- AIRGO XP Digital wearable product combining a rugged Samsung Xcover 7 device with AI-powered ergonomic analysis. Provides personal Ergo Score, health coaching, activity tracking, and anonymized workforce health dashboard. Uses single device with accelerometer and geomagnetic field sensor requiring no external sensors.
- CX Series Accessories Compact exoskeleton accessories complementing the IX series. Includes CX COOL SLEEVES (12°C cooling effect), CX SOFT BACK (waist circumferences 80-140 cm), CX EASY NECK (7-step adjustable), CX SOFT WRIST (Pull-2-Lock wrist stabilization), and CX SOFT KNEE (knee pad). Can be used standalone or combined with IX AIR exoskeletons.
- IX BACK Passive back exoskeleton relieving lumbar spine by up to 25 kg during lifting using biomechanical principle without external power. Earlier generation product in the back exoskeleton lineup.
Quantifiable outcome
- 40% shoulder strain reduction (IX SHOULDER AIR)
- +14 more outcomes
Companies that use SuitX
Customer profileNamed customers13 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
SuitX technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
AI capability1 record
Feature5 records
SuitX partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
24 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship / core, core and minor.
- Ottobock SE & Co. KGaAflagship / coreIn 2021, SUITX and Ottobock joined forces to develop exoskeletons specifically for the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders in the workplace. Ottobock, a world leader in biomechanical and orthopedic products with over 100 years of experience, provides distribution and marketing expertise across 35+ countries. SUITX brings exoskeleton innovation from UC Berkeley. The combined entity operates under the brand 'SUITX by Ottobock'. Ottobock is the parent company of SUITX.
- Weston Robot Pte. Ltd.coreAuthorized distributor for SUITX products across Asia-Pacific markets including Singapore (headquarters), China, India, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam. Weston Robot also coordinates distribution to China State Grid Corporation of China for power grid maintenance use cases.
- Archelis Inc.coreAuthorized distributor for SUITX products in Japan. Also operates an online shop for the Japanese market.
- GATE (Global Airport Technologies & Equipment Network)minorGATE is the world's leading network for airport technologies with over 100 member companies. GATE initiated and supported the pilot project at Paderborn/Lippstadt Airport that led to the first German airport deploying SUITX exoskeletons for aircraft loading operations in regular service. The project serves as a reference for the aviation industry.
- Bosch (AmpShare Alliance)coreThe IX BACK VOLTON is powered by Bosch AmpShare 18V battery platform — the world's only exoskeleton using this battery system. Bosch provides the certified 4.0 Ah rechargeable battery with fast-charging capability, up to 10 hours runtime, and quick-swap functionality. SUITX handles all battery-related warranty and service claims directly, not Bosch.
- WeRobot Inc.minorAuthorized distributor for SUITX products in South Korea.
- BiosymmminorAuthorized distributor for SUITX products in Australia (Perth, Western Australia).
- Würth Group (Germany, Norway, Poland, Sweden, Hungary)coreWürth Group entities serve as authorized distributors for SUITX products across multiple European countries: Würth Germany (industry services), Würth Industri Norge (Norway), Würth Industrie Service Polska (Poland), Würth Industri Sverige (Sweden), and Würth Industry Kft. (Hungary).
- Équilibre ergonomie et aménagementcoreAuthorized distributor for SUITX products in France. Also a booth partner at Preventica trade show (Rennes and Lyon 2026). Specializes in ergonomics and workplace optimization solutions.
- Homberger S.p.A.coreAuthorized distributor for SUITX products in Italy. Booth partner at Ambiente Lavoro trade show in Bologna, Italy (May 2026).
- Alca CZ SEcoreAuthorized distributor for SUITX products in Czech Republic and Slovakia. Booth partner at MSV International Industrial Fair in Brno, Czech Republic (October 2026).
- Pre-Tec B.V.minorAuthorized distributor for SUITX products in Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands.
- Arco LimitedcoreAuthorized distributor for SUITX products in the United Kingdom (Hull) and Ireland (Dublin).
- Lemvigh Müller A/ScoreAuthorized distributor for SUITX products in Denmark. Lemvigh Müller also serves as a customer using SUITX exoskeletons internally. The company is also featured in SUITX success stories.
- Matrix Material HandlingminorAuthorized distributor for SUITX products in Oklahoma, USA (Oklahoma City).
- AIS-Aerospace (AIS-Direct)minorAuthorized distributor for SUITX products in Utah, USA (Ogden).
- Work Tech S.R.L.minorAuthorized distributor for SUITX products in Argentina (Buenos Aires).
- S4 Integration (Pty) LtdminorAuthorized distributor for SUITX products in South Africa (Gqeberha/Port Elizabeth).
- awb GmbHminorAuthorized distributor for SUITX products in Austria (Stadl-Paura).
- Aktiva info d.o.o.minorAuthorized distributor for SUITX products in Croatia (Samobor).
- VIGRA Marketing & Services S.R.L.minorAuthorized distributor for SUITX products in Romania (Bucharest).
- ergoexpert SAminorAuthorized distributor for SUITX products in Switzerland (Tavannes).
- Ergosafe PartnerminorAuthorized distributor for SUITX products in Turkey (İzmit/Kocaeli). Specializes in ergonomics and safety technology.
- BiosafetyminorAuthorized distributor for SUITX products in Spain and Portugal (headquartered in Navarra, Spain).
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
SuitX competitors and assessment
Company assessmentRegional players
- Hocoma (DIH): Hocoma (part of DIH) makes robotic and sensor-based rehabilitation devices, including the Armeo and Lokomat. It is a peer in the medical/orthopedic exoskeleton category with strong European presence but limited overlap in industrial applications.
Direct peers
- Skelex: Skelex (formerly Skel-Ex) produces the Skelex 360 and Skelex Airframe exoskeleton frames for overhead work, competing directly with SuitX's shoulder and back solutions in industrial and manufacturing environments.
- Levitate Technologies: Levitate Technologies makes the Airframe and L7 wearable supports designed to reduce shoulder and arm fatigue during overhead industrial work. It is a direct peer focused on a similar product category and customer base as SuitX's IX SHOULDER AIR.
- Sarcos Technology and Robotics: Sarcos develops powered industrial exoskeletons and robotic systems for workforce augmentation, including the Guardian XO full-body exoskeleton. It is a peer in the broader industrial exoskeleton category with significant overlap on enterprise industrial customers.
- German Bionics: German Bionics develops the Cray X and Apogee exoskeletons for industrial use cases like logistics and manufacturing. It is the closest direct competitor to SuitX in the European industrial exoskeleton market, targeting the same customers and applications.
- HeroWear: HeroWear produces the Apex and HeroPro passive back-support exoskeletons for industrial workers. It is a direct peer in the passive back exoskeleton category competing against SuitX's IX BACK AIR.
- Ekso Bionics: Ekso Bionics is a US-based developer of powered exoskeletons used in industrial and medical/rehabilitation settings. Its industrial arm competes directly with SuitX in workplaces, while its medical division overlaps with SuitX's healthcare use cases.
Emerging players
- Comau (MATE-XT): Comau, part of Stellantis, developed the MATE wearable exoskeleton for automotive assembly workers. It is a peer targeting automotive OEMs — the same vertical SuitX serves — but is primarily focused on overhead shoulder support.
- ReWalk Robotics: ReWalk Robotics makes powered exoskeletons primarily for medical/rehabilitation use (spinal cord injury). It overlaps with SuitX in the biomechanical/orthopedic exoskeleton category but is more focused on clinical than industrial applications.
- Cyberdyne: Cyberdyne (Japan) develops the HAL (Hybrid Assistive Limb) exoskeleton line for medical, caregiving, and industrial use. It is an emerging player with partial overlap in industrial applications and stronger presence in the Asian rehabilitation market.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
SuitX social profiles
Digital presenceSuitX compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance7 records
SuitX financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
SuitX leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles10 records
SuitX funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds4 records
Investors2 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
SuitX M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about SuitX
What does SuitX do?
SuitX designs, manufactures, and sells body-worn industrial exoskeletons (passive mechanical and active battery-powered) that reduce physical strain during heavy lifting, overhead work, and repetitive tasks. The product portfolio includes the IX BACK AIR, IX SHOULDER AIR, IX BACK VOLTON, AIRGO XP digital wearable, and CX series accessory line, sold to enterprise customers in logistics, automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, and healthcare.
Is SuitX a public or private company?
SuitX is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was SuitX founded?
SuitX was founded in 2012. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is SuitX based?
SuitX is headquartered in Emeryville, United States, in the North America region.
How does SuitX make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Exoskeleton Hardware Sales are the primary driver. The others are AIRGO XP Digital Platform Subscription and experience and Testing Programs.
Who are SuitX's main competitors?
Hocoma (DIH) is listed as a regional player. Direct peers are Skelex, Levitate Technologies, Sarcos Technology and Robotics, German Bionics, HeroWear and Ekso Bionics. Emerging players are Comau (MATE-XT), ReWalk Robotics and Cyberdyne.
Does SuitX have an API?
No public API is recorded for SuitX.
What industry is SuitX in?
SuitX's product category is Industrial Exoskeletons. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAOAFAH, Protective & Work Accessories Manufacturing (Safety Gloves/Hi-Vis Accessories), with a secondary code of CRAMANAC, Protective Armor & Impact Protection Retail (Body/Back/Chest). Its NAICS code is 33992 and its SIC code is 3842.