German Bionic raises €15M to develop AI-powered robotic exoskeletons for workplace safety 

Bavaria, Germany-based German Bionic, a robotics firm that develops and manufactures smart power suits and other wearable technologies, announced on Monday, that it has secured €15M in an extension Series A round of funding.

The funding round was led by German automotive supplier Mubea, with participation from existing investors Benhamou Global Ventures, Bayern Kapital, IT Farm, Kailua Ventures, Cumberland VC, and Family Office Klein.

The German company says it will use the funds to scale up its market activities and production to meet the increasing demand from industry, logistics, and healthcare.

“The emphasis on occupational safety is growing in workplaces around the world,” says Armin G. Schmidt, CEO of German Bionic. 

German Bionic: Develops and manufactures smart power suits

Led by Armin G. Schmidt (CEO), German Bionic is a manufacturer and provider of electrically powered back exoskeletons for industry, logistics, and healthcare.

The exoskeletons automatically apply self-learning and artificial intelligence to support lifting movements and prevent poor posture, thereby becoming an intelligent link between humans and machines.

“Our aging societies can no longer afford to lose people due to illness or early retirement, and we must understand that sustainability starts with young employees. German Bionic is benefiting from today’s trend towards investing in occupational health and safety to ensure a resilient and motivated workforce of tomorrow,” says Schmidt.

The German Bionic smart power suits and wearables protect workers’ health, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries, and improving work processes.

Both the Apogee and the Apogee+, which were specially developed for the care sector, are the world’s first AI-based, fully-connected robotic wearables for the workplace. 

The Apogee+, which was launched last summer, provides active support for nursing staff in hospitals and care facilities when lifting and mobilising patients.

In contrast to non-electrically powered passive exoskeletons with exposed mechanical components, the Apogee+ features a closed unibody design that is not only easy to disinfect but also ensures effective protection against the risk of injury. 

An ergonomic early warning system provides real-time data to protect employees’ health, reduce accidents, and improve work processes.

At present, the company is intensifying its collaboration with its industrialisation partner, the German automotive supplier Mubea, to satisfy the escalating demand for smart occupational safety systems.

“Anticipating this market shift alongside our industrialization partner Mubea, we took proactive steps to build the necessary capacities. We are excited to deepen our successful collaboration, now being strengthened through this strategic investment,” adds Schmidt. 

Among German Bionic’s other customers are global logistics companies including DPD, Dachser, and Fiege, and large retailers such as Canadian Tire and the British CE retailer Currys, as well as major international airports. 

Also, German Bionic works closely with renowned healthcare institutions such as the Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin and the BG Unfallklinikum Murnau.

The investor

Mubea is an innovative lightweight specialist for automotive, aerospace, and micromobility solutions. 

The company specialises in the development and manufacture of components for car engines, chassis, and bodies. 

They offer their customers innovative solutions for lightweight vehicle construction by using new materials and production technologies.

“The strengthening of our partnership with German Bionic underscores Mubea’s commitment to play a pivotal role in advancing sustainable mobility solutions,” says Dr. Thomas Muhr, Managing Partner of Mubea. 

“This is increasingly the case in the field of micromobility, which operates within the Group under the name Mubea U-Mobility. Our expertise in smart lightweight solutions coupled with a proven track record in successfully launching large-scale production projects and the global reach of the Mubea Group, aligns seamlessly with the shared growth objectives we are pursuing alongside German Bionic.