Cyber Human Systems stands as the sole Spanish enterprise dedicated to the design and development of industrial exoskeletons. As a distinguished spin-off from Gogoa Mobility Robots, the company has pioneered advancements in robotics and biomedical engineering. Their mission centres on crafting advanced exoskeleton technology to augment human capabilities, thereby reducing workplace injuries and enhancing overall productivity.
Interview with Galder Arego, Head of Marketing & Brand Strategy at Cyber Human Systems.
What are the main areas of activity of the company?
Galder Arego: Our primary focus encompasses the creation of lightweight, assistive exoskeletons tailored for various sectors, including:
- Manufacturing: Enhancing worker efficiency and safety.
- Construction: Providing support during physically demanding tasks.
- Logistics and Maintenance: Assisting in the handling of heavy loads and repetitive movements.
- Military Applications: Collaborating on projects like the ACHILE initiative under the European Defence Fund and the GUDEX combat exoskeleton for Spain’s Ministry of Defence.
- Primary Sector (Agriculture, Fishing, Forestry, etc.): Supporting workers engaged in physically demanding activities such as harvesting, pruning, and carrying loads, thereby improving endurance and reducing strain.
- Personal Use: Developing exoskeletons that assist individuals in daily mobility, offering solutions for those with physical limitations or rehabilitation needs.
- Socio-Healthcare Applications: Aiding in rehabilitation and functional recovery for individuals with mobility impairments due to injury, neurological conditions, or aging-related issues.
What’s the news about new products/services?
G.A: We’re launching ExoHead, a textile exoskeleton designed for overhead arm support, integrating artificial muscles to ease strain and hold static loads.
Key Features:
- 2-4.5 kg assistance per arm
- Reduces arm/shoulder effort by 60%
- Cuts metabolic consumption by 20%
- Lightweight (2.5 kg), adjustable fit, easy maintenance
ExoHead helps prevent injuries like tendinitis, bursitis, and muscle spasms, boosting worker safety and efficiency in manufacturing, construction, and logistics.
What are the ranges of products/services?
G.A: Cyber Human Systems offers a diverse portfolio of textile-based and rigid exoskeletons designed for industrial, military, healthcare, and personal use. Our key products include:
- EXOSOFT: Lightweight lumbar support exoskeleton with adjustable artificial muscles, reducing lower back strain.
- EXOARMS: Provides lumbar and arm support, assisting in lifting heavy loads and static postures.
- EXOSHOULDER: Supports overhead tasks, reducing arm fatigue and improving posture.
- EXOWAIST: Aids hip-lumbar mobility, facilitating weightlifting and repetitive lumbar movements.
- EXOHEAD: Assists arms held overhead, reducing shoulder fatigue and injury risk.
- MONITOREX: Ergonomic assessment tool for workplace risk evaluation.
- GUDEX: Military-grade combat exoskeleton developed for the Spanish Ministry of Defence.
- EXORESCUE: Emergency response exoskeleton, supporting rescue and disaster relief teams.
- ACHILE: European Defence Fund project, enhancing soldier endurance and performance.
These cutting-edge solutions aim to enhance human performance, prevent injuries, and improve productivity across multiple industries.
What is the state of the market where you are currently active?
G.A: The industrial exoskeleton market is experiencing significant growth, driven by an increasing emphasis on worker safety and productivity. Industries are progressively adopting ergonomic solutions to mitigate musculoskeletal disorders and reduce sick leave, recognising the value of exoskeletons in achieving these objectives.
Our goal for 2025 is to become one the leading exoskeleton companies in Europe and consolidate our leader position in Spain, strengthening our position in the national market while gradually expanding and internationalizing. We are already making strategic moves to enter the U.S. market, leveraging collaborations and partnerships to establish our presence.
What can you tell us about market trends?
G.A: The exoskeleton market is experiencing strong growth, driven by rising awareness of workplace ergonomics, technological advancements, and the push for injury prevention in physically demanding jobs. Several key trends are shaping the industry:
- Shift Towards Wearable and Adaptive Technologies
Companies are increasingly demanding lightweight, comfortable, and adaptable exoskeletons that integrate seamlessly into work routines. The trend is moving towards textile-based solutions, like our ExoSoft and ExoHead, which provide ergonomic support while maintaining full mobility and comfort.
- Customization and Smart Exoskeletons
Exoskeletons are evolving to offer adjustable levels of assistance, adapting to the user’s needs and the specific work task. Additionally, smart exoskeletons with sensor-based monitoring (such as Monitorex) are becoming more prevalent, allowing companies to analyze movement patterns and optimize workplace ergonomics.
- Expansion Beyond Industrial Use
While manufacturing and logistics remain the primary adopters, exoskeletons are gaining traction in healthcare, defence, and personal use. Rehabilitation and assistive mobility solutions are expected to drive growth in the medical sector, while military applications (e.g., GUDEX and ACHILE) continue to advance through government funding and defence initiatives.
- Increased Investment and Strategic Collaborations
Major industries are investing heavily in wearable robotics as they recognize the impact of exoskeletons on productivity, worker retention, and healthcare costs. Cyber Human Systems is actively pursuing strategic partnerships to enter new markets, particularly in North America, where we are exploring collaborations to establish a foothold in the U.S. market.
- Regulatory and Standardization Efforts
As exoskeleton adoption grows, there is an increasing focus on regulations and safety standards to ensure their effectiveness and usability in different industries. Standardization will play a key role in ensuring wider market acceptance and faster implementation.
What are the most innovative products/services marketed?
G.A: Our EXOSOFT exoskeleton stands out as a paragon of innovation. Weighing a mere 0.8 kg, it is the lightest and most versatile exoskeleton available, providing adjustable lumbar support through interchangeable elastomers. This design ensures both comfort and efficacy, setting a new standard in ergonomic assistance.
What estimations do you have for the beginning of 2025?
G.A: As we embark upon 2025, we anticipate a substantial increase in the adoption of our exoskeleton solutions across manufacturing, construction, healthcare, logistics, and defence.
Our primary goal is to become the leading exoskeleton provider in Spain, consolidating our position while expanding into international markets, particularly in Europe and the U.S., through strategic collaborations.
Our projections indicate steady market share growth, driven by four key factors:
- New Product Launches – We are preparing to introduce next-generation exoskeletons, enhancing ergonomics, reducing weight, improving adjustability, and integrating AI-driven assistance for optimal performance.
- R&D and Innovation Projects – We continue to invest in research, development, and innovation (R&D&I), focusing on smart exoskeletons, real-time monitoring solutions (Monitorex), and adaptive biomechanics for personalized support.
- Strategic Expansion – While securing market leadership in Spain, we are laying the groundwork for international growth, particularly in Europe and North America, through tailored solutions and regulatory alignment.
- Strategic Partnerships – We are forging key alliances with industrial leaders, research institutions, and healthcare providers, both in Spain and abroad, to accelerate adoption, drive innovation, and enhance market penetration, with a particular focus on the U.S. market.
With a clear roadmap for technological advancement, business expansion, and collaboration, we remain committed to advancing human potential through state-of-the-art exoskeleton technology, ensuring Cyber Human Systems leads the industry both nationally and globally.