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German Bionic

Category: Robotics / Embodied AI

A global leader in wearable robotics that develops AI-powered exoskeletons designed to augment human performance and protect worker health in physically demanding industries. German Bionic was founded in 2017. The company is led by Armin G. Schmidt. Based in Augsburg, Germany. Team size: 100-200. Total funding raised: $52.0M. Latest round: Series B, $15.0M, 2024-06, led by Undisclosed. Key investors include Samsung Catalyst Fund, MIG Capital, Storm Ventures, European Investment Bank (EIB), IT Farm.

Founded
2017
Headquarters
Augsburg, Germany
Team size
100-200
Total funding
$52.0M

Value proposition

Reduces workplace injuries and musculoskeletal disorders by providing up to 66 lbs (30 kg) of lifting support and active walking assistance, while using 'Physical AI' to provide real-time ergonomic data and safety alerts.

Products and solutions

Apogee: The flagship smart robotic exoskeleton for industrial lifting and walking support., Apogee+: A specialized medical-grade exoskeleton designed specifically to assist healthcare professionals in patient handling., Exia: The next-generation AI-driven robotic exoskeleton (slated for major reveal at CES 2026)., German Bionic IO: A cloud-based software platform that analyzes ergonomic data and provides actionable safety insights for fleet management., Cray X: The company's earlier pioneering carbon-fiber connected exoskeleton.

Unique value

Pioneered the concept of 'Physical AI,' which integrates self-learning software with wearable hardware to adapt support levels dynamically based on the user's specific movements and fatigue levels.

Target customer

Logistics and warehousing providers, automotive manufacturers, healthcare facilities (nursing/patient care), and airport ground handling operations.

Industries served

Logistics & Supply Chain, Manufacturing & Automotive, Healthcare & Nursing, Aviation (Ground Handling), Construction

Technology advantage

Combines high-performance robotics with an IoT ecosystem; unlike passive suits, their active systems use motors and sensors to provide power, while the cloud connectivity allows for Over-the-Air (OTA) updates and enterprise-level ergonomic reporting.

How they differentiate

German Bionic differentiates through 'Physical AI' and active (powered) assistance. Unlike passive competitors that use springs or counterweights, German Bionic uses electric motors to provide up to 66 lbs of support. Their proprietary 'German Bionic IO' cloud platform provides real-time ergonomic data analytics and OTA (Over-the-Air) software updates.

Main competitors

Ottobock (SuitX), Ekso Bionics, Hilti, Sarcos Robotics

Key partnerships

Samsung Catalyst Fund (Strategic investor and technology partner), European Investment Bank (Financial partner for R&D scaling), Major industrial clients including BMW, DPDHL, and various international airport hubs for pilot and deployment programs, MIG Capital and Storm Ventures (Key venture capital backers)

Notable customers

BMW, DPDHL, IKEA, British Airways, Canadian Tire, Stuttgart Airport

Major milestones

Winner of the CES 2023 'Best of Innovation' Award for the Apogee exoskeleton, Secured €15M venture debt from the European Investment Bank in Jan 2023, Launched Apogee+ specifically for the healthcare and nursing sector in 2023, Announced the next-generation 'Exia' robotic exoskeleton for CES 2026 reveal

Growth metrics

Estimated revenue between $10M - $25M; expanded global headcount to 150+ employees; 300% year-over-year growth in device deployments in 2023.

Market positioning

Premium enterprise-grade 'Smart Wearable' leader focusing on high-intensity logistics, aviation, and healthcare sectors.

Geographic focus

Europe (DACH region), North America (Boston-based US HQ), and Japan (Tokyo-based APAC HQ).

Patents and IP

Holds a robust portfolio of international patents covering human-machine interaction, exoskeleton control systems, and wearable sensor integration (specific patent filings include advancements in active power assistance and ergonomic data processing).

About Armin G. Schmidt

Armin G. Schmidt is a seasoned serial technology entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in scaling high-tech ventures. Prior to German Bionic, he founded AUPEO!, a pioneer in automotive music streaming acquired by Panasonic in 2013. He subsequently founded ATS (Advanced Telematic Systems), an automotive software provider specializing in over-the-air (OTA) updates, which was acquired by HERE Technologies (owned by Audi, BMW, and Daimler) in 2018. His expertise spans IoT, automotive software, and human-machine interaction.

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