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Industry Project 2024/2025: Exoskeletons in Industry 4.0 - A Journey of Exploration and Discovery
- idbm00
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
The IDBM Industry Project Course is a seven-month journey of collaboration, exploration, and innovation, where students addressing real-world challenges in collaboration with industry partners. This year, we’re inviting you to follow 10 different stories as our teams move through different stages of their project journeys.
Understanding Exoskeletons: Types and Purpose
Exoskeletons are wearable devices designed to assist, enhance, or augment human movement and mobility. They come in two main types: Active and Passive Exoskeletons.
Our initial research aimed to explore the potential of both types across three sectors: Industry 4.0, Rescue, and Mobilization. We framed our main problem as: "How can exoskeletons unlock superhuman capabilities and real-time knowledge for workers in flexible factories?" But our curiosity led us to explore beyond this.
Why We Chose Industry 4.0
Throughout our exploration, we observed that while many exoskeletons exist for overhead work, operating tools, and maintaining posture, none effectively addressed reaching out and carrying parts from within machines—an essential need in flexible factory environments. Our focus on Industry 4.0 was driven by this clear gap, where mobility and flexibility are critical.
Exploring Global Insights
Uncertain of our final direction, we started by exploring various applications, engaging with experts, and conducting field studies across Europe and in the United States.
UPC University, Barcelona: Our first destination, where we explored existing lower-limb exoskeletons with our partners and experienced motion capturing technology, gaining insights into ergonomic design.
HP Campus, Barcelona: We visited HP's facilities, where we gained insights into their advanced manufacturing processes and got insights into what environmental elements can affect devices in their simulation sites.
Aalborg University, Aalborg: We discovered their exoskeleton factory, learning about ergonomics testing and receiving expert advice on prototyping.
MIT Labs and Industry Conference, Boston: We travelled to the United States, gaining direct insights into the latest standards and connecting with industry leaders.
JAMK University, Jyväskylä: We also explored firefighter exoskeletons, further expanding our understanding of diverse applications. We tried all of their exoskeletons to see what could be improved in our own prototype.
From research to Prototyping: Building the LOKSUIT
Following our global exploration, we conducted a series of ideation sessions, leading to the rapid development of our first prototype in a very short time, LOKSUIT. This passive exoskeleton features an innovative locking mechanism, designed for flexibility and safety in factory settings.
Our prototype journey included multiple iterations (V1, V2, V3), each improving functionality, user comfort, and usability. Although we ultimately focused on Industry 4.0, our LOKSUIT design is scalable to other sectors, such as rescue missions and mobility support, due to its adaptable design principles.
Looking Back: IMPACT GALA 2025
On May 23, we had the chance to present LOKSUIT at the IMPACT GALA 2025. Guests were able to see exoskeleton's potential up close. This journey has been a testament to the power of collaboration, hands-on exploration, and a commitment to creating meaningful solutions in Industry 4.0 and beyond.
Learn more about the team:
Anton Nygård (IDBM TECH) LinkedIn
Omid Fröhlich (IDBM ARTS) LinkedIn Paavo Miettinen (BSC TECH)
Zahra Deljoomanesh (IDBM BIZ) LinkedIn
