IX BACK VOLTON industrial exoskeleton unveiled at CES 2026

At CES 2026 in Las Vegas, SUITX by Ottobock unveiled the IX BACK VOLTON industrial exoskeleton, billed as the world's lightest battery-powered back support exoskeleton. Designed for logistics and manufacturing workers who perform daily heavy lifting, bending, and repetitive tasks, the device combines robotics, software, and an industrial battery platform to reduce spinal strain and fatigue during shifts.

The system provides up to 17 kg of active back support while weighing just 5.7 kg with its battery, making it significantly lighter than many existing solutions. Its patented single-motor architecture cuts weight and size without compromising stability, targeting high-frequency motion tasks from loading and unloading to prolonged work in bent positions.

A key feature is the Adaptive Intelligence technology, which analyzes user movements up to 1000 times per second and dynamically adjusts assistance levels. Support activates under load and eases when not needed, preserving natural movement mechanics and muscle engagement. This reflects a trend toward smarter wearable solutions that adapt to human behavior in real time rather than merely bracing the body.

Powered by the Bosch AMPShare 18V platform, the exoskeleton offers up to 10 hours of runtime with quick battery swaps. It also includes sensors and the VOLTON XP mobile app, which collects activity and usage data to help companies analyze ergonomics in workflows. In practice, this means it serves not just as mechanical support but as a digital tool for monitoring personnel strain.

By launching the IX BACK VOLTON in the U.S., SUITX by Ottobock highlights a shift from experimental projects to scalable industrial solutions in wearable robotics. Against a backdrop of rising productivity demands and labor shortages, such technologies are increasingly seen as a way to reduce occupational risks and extend worker capability, moving beyond mere novelty.