HUNIC
HUNIC GmbH is a German manufacturer of passive, textile-based exoskeletons (SoftExo and CareExo lines) serving enterprise customers in logistics, manufacturing, and healthcare to reduce musculoskeletal strain through mechanical load redistribution and ergonomic coaching, with 5,000+ systems deployed across 500+ customers in 15+ industries.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2017
- HeadquartersBaiersbronn, Germany
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What HUNIC does
HUNIC GmbH is a German manufacturer of passive, textile-based exoskeletons founded in 2017 in Baiersbronn, Black Forest, by Jonas Mast. The company's core product family — branded SoftExo (Lift, Hold, Carry) for industrial and logistics use and CareExo Lift for healthcare — is a purely mechanical, motorless, battery-free wearable that redistributes physical load, supports trunk musculature during lifting, bending, and carrying, and provides ergonomic coaching via the proprietary CoreAssist platform (incorporating BackSplint, ErgoPatch, Knee-Support, WaistFit, and Flex Muscles subsystems). HUNIC sells to enterprise customers in logistics, manufacturing, healthcare, automotive, food production, and trades, addressing musculoskeletal disorders — the leading cause of work incapacity in the EU — with peer-reviewed validated outcomes (28–31% reduction in back muscle activity, 20% reduction in lumbar compression, up to 20% productivity gain).
The business operates a hybrid go-to-market combining consultative direct enterprise field sales (workplace analysis, ROI calculation using the proprietary K-L-A-R framework, on-site training, outcome verification) with a network of 17+ distribution partners across 8 countries, supplemented by trade-show presence at LogiMAT, A+A, Medica, and parts2clean. Revenue is generated primarily through one-time hardware sales of exoskeleton units priced around €2,700 each, with supporting professional services for training and implementation and a smaller e-commerce channel for accessories (KneePatches, WashBag Pro, Backpack). The company reports 500+ customers, 5,000+ systems deployed, and presence across 15+ industries, and is recognized by the IFOY Award 2023 and IGR Quality Seal. The customer base includes XPO Logistics, DPD, Hermes, Jungheinrich, HiPP, Fiege, Rhenus, Bosch, Siemens, and Mercedes-Benz, with notable pilots demonstrating 42% reduction in sick days and 8-month payback periods in logistics deployments.
HUNIC firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- HUNIC
- Legal name
- HUNIC GmbH
- Website
- https://hunic.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2017
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- HUNIC GmbH is a German manufacturer of passive, textile-based exoskeletons (SoftExo and CareExo lines) serving enterprise customers in logistics, manufacturing, and healthcare to reduce musculoskeletal strain through mechanical load redistribution and ergonomic coaching, with 5,000+ systems deployed across 500+ customers in 15+ industries.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
HUNIC industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Occupational Ergonomic Equipment (Industrial Exoskeletons)
- NAICS
- Electromedical and Electrotherapeutic Apparatus Manufacturing (334510), Narrow Fabric Mills and Schiffli Machine Embroidery (313220)
- SIC
- Sporting & Athletic Goods, Nec (3949), Orthopedic, Prosthetic & Surgical Appliances & Supplies (3842)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Wearable-Integrated & Smart Performance Apparel (CRAAAEAL)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Sports & Active Rehabilitation Devices (Adaptive Sports Mobility, Performance Prosthetics) (HLAHAMAJ)
Keywords
Where HUNIC is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Baiersbronn
- HQ country
- Germany
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
HUNIC business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Hardware Sales (Exoskeleton Units): One-time sale of passive exoskeleton units (SoftExo Lift, SoftExo Hold, SoftExo Carry, CareExo Lift) and accessories (KneePatches, WashBag Pro, SoftExo Backpack). Products are sold directly and via channel partners. Pricing is quote-based with volume discounts for larger deployments. The primary revenue driver representing the majority of company revenue.
- Professional Services (Training & Implementation): On-site expert training, structured implementation support, and success verification services. Training costs are due immediately net. Also includes consulting for ergonomic analysis and ROI calculation.
- Channel/Reseller Revenue: Revenue generated through a network of 17+ international distribution partners who purchase HUNIC products for resale. Partners include Haberkorn Group (Austria), Jungheinrich PROFISHOP (Germany), Stanley Handling (UK), Stratalign (New Zealand), and others.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | ROI Calculator example: €2,700 per unit, €27,000 for 10 units, with €38,500 annual savings and 8-month payback |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels7 records
HUNIC product offering
Product offeringCore offering
HUNIC designs, manufactures, and sells passive textile exoskeletons (SoftExo Lift, SoftExo Hold, SoftExo Carry, and CareExo Lift) that reduce musculoskeletal strain during lifting, bending, carrying, and forward-leaning work in logistics, manufacturing, healthcare, and trade sectors. All products use the proprietary motorless, battery-free CoreAssist technology and are developed and produced in-house in Baiersbronn, Germany. The company also provides on-site training, ergonomic consulting, and ROI calculation services through its proprietary K-L-A-R methodology.
Product overview
HUNIC offers a portfolio of passive textile exoskeletons under the SoftExo and CareExo brands. The SoftExo line (Lift, Hold, Carry) targets industry, logistics, and trade sectors, while CareExo serves healthcare and nursing. All products share the CoreAssist technology platform featuring BackSplint spinal protection, WaistFit adaptive waist fitting, and Flex Muscles biomechanical support. Accessories include KneePatches, WashBag Pro for machine washing, and transport backpacks. The portfolio supports sizes 60-90kg and 80-140kg, washable at 40°C, with 1-year warranty.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- SoftExo®: Product family of passive exoskeletons for industry and logistics including SoftExo Lift, SoftExo Hold, and SoftExo Carry models.
- CareExo
- CoreAssist™
Products and services
- SoftExo Lift Passive back-support textile exoskeleton for lifting and bending tasks in logistics, production, and trade. Features patented CoreAssist technology and BackSplint spinal protection to reduce lower back muscle activity by 28–31% and lumbar compression by 575–870 N.
- SoftExo Hold Passive textile exoskeleton for forward-leaning postures and static standing work. Automatically guides the spine into an ergonomically optimal straight posture through BackSplint and CoreAssist technology. Designed for assembly, production, and maintenance tasks.
- SoftExo Carry Passive support system for carrying and logistics tasks. Features patented ErgoPatch technology for intelligent load distribution, transferring up to 25 kg per side from shoulders to hips during dynamic carrying work.
- CareExo Lift Medical exoskeleton (MPG certified) specifically designed for healthcare and patient handling. Supports patient mobilization, bed repositioning, and patient-to-wheelchair transfers with 30% muscle support. Washable at 40°C for hygiene compliance.
- KneePatches Knee protectors for ground-level work, compatible with SoftExo Lift (sizes 60–90 kg). Provides additional knee protection during planting, digging, and other kneeling tasks.
- WashBag Pro Professional cleaning bag for machine washing all HUNIC exoskeletons at 40°C.
- SoftExo Backpack Deuter Premium transport backpack for safe carrying of all HUNIC exoskeletons.
Quantifiable outcome
- 28–31% reduction in back muscle activity (EMG-validated, Applied Ergonomics 2026)
- +9 more outcomes
Companies that use HUNIC
Customer profileNamed customers13 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
HUNIC technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature7 records
HUNIC partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
16 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Haberkorn Group (AT)coreAustrian industrial equipment distributor with 6 locations (Wien, Leonding, Graz, Villach, Rum, Wolfurt). Haberkorn resells HUNIC exoskeletons to Austrian enterprises in logistics, production, and healthcare sectors. Provides local sales, demonstration, and after-sales support across Austria.
- Jungheinrich PROFISHOP AG & Co. KG (DE)coreLeading German intralogistics equipment supplier (Haferweg 24, 22769 Hamburg). Distributes HUNIC SoftExo products to logistics and warehouse operators across Germany. Leverages existing customer relationships in the intralogistics sector.
- Société Exomat (FR)coreFrench partner Exomat (1 Allée du Château Blanc, 59290 Wasquehal) established in 2025 as part of HUNIC's international expansion into the French market. Represents HUNIC products in France.
- Stratalign Limited (NZ)coreNew Zealand partner Stratalign (6 Harbour Ridge Drive, Wiri, Auckland 2104) established in 2025, representing HUNIC in New Zealand and the broader Oceania region. Provides local sales and support for exoskeleton deployments.
- Stanley Handling (UK)coreUK-based material handling equipment supplier (SAS House, Kings Langley, WD4 9JB). Markets HUNIC SoftExo exoskeletons to British logistics, manufacturing, and distribution companies.
- Böttcher AG (DE)minorGerman office and business equipment supplier (Stadtrodaer Landstraße 1, 07751 Jena-Zöllnitz) reselling HUNIC products.
- UDO BÄR GmbH (DE)minorGerman office supply company (Obermauerstraße 1-3, 47051 Duisburg) offering HUNIC exoskeletons as part of its workplace equipment portfolio.
- Rala GmbH & Co. KG (DE)minorGerman workplace equipment supplier (Maudacher Straße 109, 67065 Ludwigshafen) reselling HUNIC products.
- CAS Assembly and Tooling (UK)minorUK assembly and tooling company (Unit 22, Bordesley Trading Estate, Birmingham, B8 1BZ) serving as HUNIC's second UK channel partner.
- IMMO A/S (DK)minorDanish equipment supplier (Jens Grøns Vej 9, DK-7100 Vejle) distributing HUNIC products in Denmark.
- Egzoszkielet (PL)minorPolish exoskeleton specialist (ul. Zborowa 4, 47-400 Racibórz) reselling HUNIC products in Poland.
- Solidsafe (ES)minorSpanish safety equipment distributor (Ctra de la Roca, Km 5,5, 08924 Santa Coloma) marketing HUNIC products in Spain.
- Fraunhofer IPAcoreLong-standing R&D collaboration with Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation IPA (Stuttgart). Jonas Mast has collaborated with Fraunhofer IPA since 2012. Fraunhofer IPA conducted the biomechanical validation study published in Applied Ergonomics 2026, using AnyBody Modeling System and EMG measurements.
- TUM Chair of Ergonomics (Technische Universität München)minorAcademic research partnership with the Chair of Ergonomics at Technical University of Munich (TUM). Founder Jonas Mast has collaborated with TUM since 2012 in exoskeleton research.
- BVL / SyNExo Research ConsortiumminorHUNIC served as industry partner in the BVL-led IGF project SyNExo (Systematic Use of Exoskeletons in Production and Logistics, 2021–2023), coordinated by TU Dortmund / Institute for Production Systems (IPS).
- ZHAW / SECO SwitzerlandminorHUNIC SoftExo Lift was included in the comprehensive 2024 study 'Exoskeletons in Occupational Settings' conducted by Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) on behalf of the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO).
Scale indicators9 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights6 records
HUNIC competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Ekso Bionics: US-listed developer of powered exoskeletons for industrial (EksoZeroG, EksoVest) and medical rehabilitation use cases. Comparable in targeting construction, manufacturing, and healthcare end markets, though with an active rather than passive architecture.
- Sarcos Robotics: US developer of the Guardian XO full-body powered industrial exoskeleton and the Guardian XT tele-operated arm. Competes with HUNIC for the same industrial heavy-lifting and logistics buyer base, though at a higher price point and with active actuation.
- Laevo: Dutch developer of the Laevo passive back-support exoskeleton for industry and healthcare workers. Closest technological peer to HUNIC, sharing the passive, motorless form factor and similar lifting/forward-bending applications across European enterprise buyers.
- ReWalk Robotics: US-listed developer of exoskeletons for rehabilitation and personal mobility. Comparable to HUNIC's CareExo medical-device line in healthcare and patient handling, though focused on spinal cord injury rehabilitation rather than nursing ergonomics.
- German Bionic: Augsburg-based developer of powered and connected exoskeletons (Cray X) for logistics, manufacturing, and healthcare. Most direct competitor to HUNIC in the European industrial exoskeleton market, targeting the same logistics and manual-handling buyers with an active rather than passive design.
Broad incumbents
- Comau (MATE): Italian industrial automation company whose MATE exoskeleton line targets automotive and manufacturing assembly operators. Comparable to HUNIC in addressing muscle fatigue and ergonomic risk in repetitive industrial tasks, though backed by a large incumbent rather than an exoskeleton pure-play.
- CYBERDYNE: Japan-based developer of the HAL (Hybrid Assistive Limb) powered exoskeleton series for medical, nursing-care, and industrial applications. Overlaps with HUNIC in nursing/care (CareExo) and industrial lifting segments; differentiated by active cybernic control rather than passive load redistribution.
- Ottobock: Global leader in orthotics, prosthetics, and exoskeletons with the Paexo industrial exoskeleton line. A broad incumbent that overlaps HUNIC in occupational back support and patient handling but operates a much wider portfolio including medical devices and prosthetics.
Emerging players
- Wearable Robotics: Italian academic spinoff developing passive and semi-passive exoskeletons for industrial and rehabilitation use. Relevant to HUNIC for the Italian and Southern European industrial buyer base and for overlapping R&D roots with European ergonomics research institutes.
- SkelEx: Dutch startup developing passive industrial exoskeletons (SkelEx 360) for overhead work and repetitive tasks. Adjacent peer to HUNIC in the European passive-exo category, focused on shoulder and arm support versus HUNIC's trunk-and-back emphasis.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
HUNIC social profiles
Digital presenceHUNIC compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance4 records
HUNIC financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
HUNIC leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
HUNIC funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
HUNIC 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 HUNIC
What does HUNIC do?
HUNIC designs, manufactures, and sells passive textile exoskeletons (SoftExo Lift, SoftExo Hold, SoftExo Carry, and CareExo Lift) that reduce musculoskeletal strain during lifting, bending, carrying, and forward-leaning work in logistics, manufacturing, healthcare, and trade sectors. All products use the proprietary motorless, battery-free CoreAssist technology and are developed and produced in-house in Baiersbronn, Germany. The company also provides on-site training, ergonomic consulting, and ROI calculation services through its proprietary K-L-A-R methodology.
Is HUNIC a public or private company?
HUNIC is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was HUNIC founded?
HUNIC was founded in 2017. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is HUNIC based?
HUNIC is headquartered in Baiersbronn, Germany, in the Europe region.
How does HUNIC make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Hardware Sales (Exoskeleton Units) is the primary driver. The others are professional Services (Training & Implementation) and channel/Reseller Revenue.
Who are HUNIC's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Ekso Bionics, Sarcos Robotics, Laevo, ReWalk Robotics and German Bionic. Broad incumbents are Comau (MATE), CYBERDYNE and Ottobock. Emerging players are Wearable Robotics and SkelEx.
Does HUNIC have an API?
No public API is recorded for HUNIC.
What industry is HUNIC in?
HUNIC's product category is Occupational Ergonomic Equipment (Industrial Exoskeletons). Its primary akta.pro industry code is CRAAAEAL, Wearable-Integrated & Smart Performance Apparel, with a secondary code of HLAHAMAJ, Sports & Active Rehabilitation Devices (Adaptive Sports Mobility, Performance Prosthetics). Its NAICS code is 334510 and its SIC code is 3949.