With TQ drives to the next generation of exoskeletons
The EASE x TQ success story
Peter Schaefer (left) with EASE exoskeleton. Image source: EASE
With its smart exoskeletons, EASE aims to make physically strenuous work easier and at the same time digitize human movements. At the heart of their development is a lightweight, compact exoskeleton that supports movements in real time with the help of AI-supported intention recognition. The system works together with humans without delay and integrates seamlessly into industrial processes.
Focus on the user perspective
With his background in robotics and the ergonomic expertise of his co-founders, Schaefer's team always focuses on the needs of its users. In collaboration with the Technical University of Munich and TQ, EASE was able to prove in a study that the response behavior of the drives is decisive for the user experience and was thus able to identify the decisive success factor.
ILM-E drives from TQ make the difference
EASE achieved the major breakthrough with the ILM-E frameless motors from TQ-RoboDrive. They enable maximum torque density at very low ratios and speeds. This achieves virtually instantaneous interaction between man and machine - a decisive advantage over many comparable exoskeletons on the market, which often exhibit noticeable delays.
In so-called transparent mode, the EASE exoskeleton follows the user's movements without any restrictions, while the TQ drives take up to 20 kg of the user's load when lifting and carrying in support modes and continue to follow all movements seamlessly.
Image source: EASE
The path to series production
The result is a greatly improved user experience that has already impressed in initial tests. Next, EASE is working on bringing the new iteration of the exoskeleton with the drives from TQ-RoboDrive to series production so that even more physically hard-working people can experience this new type of support.