Exoskeletons for Efficient Construction Sites: Xella's Apogee Solution

The Apogee

The Apogee represents the latest development in the active exoskeleton market. With its innovative lifting assistance in the hip and lumbar region, it enables easier lifting and precise placement of wall construction materials weighing up to 25 kg. The active support during lifting and lowering significantly reduces strain on the back, making work more comfortable and helping avoid body misalignments. This can contribute to long-term improvements in health and maintain consistent performance throughout the day.
Weighing less than 7 kilograms and worn like a backpack, the device is attached to a customized vest for each user, ensuring a proper fit.

The Xella team in the Northeast Region in Germany offers the device as a rental model including trainings on the job site, maintenance, and repairs during a 12-, 24- or 36-month contract. "In case of a lack of skilled workers and aging population, our customers are highly interested in this innovation. They gave us positive feedback in terms of usage, efficiency, health, and motivation of the employees. And because the health benefits are so obvious, we are also in contact with the employers' liability insurance association (BG Bau) and the office for inclusion to subsidize and finance the use of an Apogee, which will benefit our customers even more", summarizes Ahmet Gür, Sales Manager at Xella Germany, on recent developments.

A new way of working

"Within the construction industry, we notice significant challenges, in particular the pervasive risk of work-related injuries and musculoskeletal disorders. Back pains, muscle issues and joint pains are the main reasons for illness and loss of working days on the construction site. In the context of the lack of skilled workers (approx. 2,5 million in Germany in 2030), the Apogee exoskeleton is a game changer and is getting more important to retain employees, to make the work more attractive and addressing to the new generations Y and Z. Taking a proactive approach to offering our customers a solution for a safer and more sustainable working environment is a matter of course for us," reasons Ahmet Gür.

"We offer what I like to call 'mechanical intelligence', focusing on innovative solutions that enhance the physical aspects of work and contribute to the well-being of the construction workforce."