As a designer of human-centered systems, I was allowed to try out the products from the PAEXO range myself when I visited Ottobock Experience World in Duderstadt. On my first contact with this fascinating interaction format, I was accompanied by exoskeleton expert Dr. Samuel Reimer, Business Developer & Product Manager for exoskeletons.

1. Futuring
Human Mobility
Jan Groenefeld Lead UX Designer, Solution
Manager Industry
07.10.2020 • 6 minutes reading time
"As the Solution Manager Industry I design
human-centered interactive systems in
industrial and machine-oriented
environments of today and tomorrow."
„This is crazy. It makes you feel like Iron Man.“ And you do
kind of feel like a superhero as soon as you wear an
exoskeleton.
Jan Groenefeld Lead UX Designer, Solution
Manager Industry
WORK SERVICES INSIGHTS CAREER PEOPLE CONTACT

2. As a designer of human-centered systems, I was allowed to try out
the products from the PAEXO range myself when I visited Ottobock
Experience World in Duderstadt. On my first contact with this
fascinating interaction format, I was accompanied by exoskeleton
expert Dr. Samuel Reimer, Business Developer & Product Manager
for exoskeletons.
Exoskeleton expert Dr. Samuel Reimer and Jan Groenefeld
Find out more about a - not so distant - future from tranquil
Duderstadt. To the exoskeletons!
KEEPING TECHNOLOGY
MANAGEABLE
Driven by technology, the world is turning ever faster. We’ve even
come up with a term to channel this development: digitization. For
people with physical disabilities, this development can only mean
opportunities. The nature of our environment continues to rarely
consider bodies and abilities that are outside the norm. Have you
ever tried to use a touchscreen with a prosthetic hand? Inclusion
and accessible concepts are taking on a new quality as technology
permeates public spaces.
Slide-in: Besides our internal research we are working on several

3. research projects together with partners from science and industry.
Read more in our AVASAG article.
Ottobock has made it its mission to close this gap. Even back in
1919, the company’s innovative products and technologies were
pursuing the aim of improving the lives of all users. Lost or
restricted physical abilities are being restored with the aid of
modern technology, using sensors, robotics and artificial
intelligence. Today, this encompasses microprocessor-controlled
knee joints, computer-controlled orthotics and the impressive
Michelangelo prosthetic hand.
The overarching aim is constant technological
The overarching aim is constant technological
development in order to improve the lives of
development in order to improve the lives of
users.
users.
“Wearable human bionics” are expanding the product rage. These
also include the PAEXO exoskeletons we have tested. Today, they
are used to take the strain off humans in various areas of work and
production such as the automobile industry, commissioning and
manual trades. Passive extensions to the physical body prevent
injuries and effectively reduce strain on the user’s joints and bones
when working overhead or lifting heavy objects.
n Groenefeld im PAEXO Exoskelett
Start Video

4. One thing’s for sure: humans are becoming increasingly
mechanized. We wear smart watches that monitor our bodily
functions and smart glasses that let us glimpse a parallel digital
world. The era of the exoskeleton has only just begun. But our
environment is also increasingly characterized by smart buildings
and cities as well as interactive objects. Even today, there are
hardly any everyday objects - from street lamps to trash cans -
without sensors or some kind of tiny computer. This is laying the
foundations for the connected smart city of tomorrow.
The interactive systems of the future are multifaceted and almost
impossible to understand without explicit help. Interdisciplinary
teams of experts from town planning, product design, IT and
experience, such as our colleagues at Ergosign, are working
towards humans, technology and the environment becoming one to
create spaces of intuitive interaction.
HUMAN-CENTERED DESIGN AS
KEY
The human-centered design of intuitive, self-explanatory systems
is more important than ever. This ensures that technology works
around humans in the future as well as today - and not the other
way around. When used properly, this can be ensured with the
help of human-centered design principles and methods. This
applies to image-supported user interfaces as well as interaction
with objects such as exoskeletons and other smart objects.
Human-centered design principles and the
Human-centered design principles and the
responsible use of technology ensure
responsible use of technology ensure

5. humanity’s autonomous use of technical
humanity’s autonomous use of technical
support systems.
support systems.
Here at Ergosign, we have been designing products and services
that support people in their work and enrich their lives for 20 years.
We make technology manageable and ensure it is used in a way that
makes sense. Many technology-driven companies are yet to open
up possibilities to humans. At Ottobock, this principle has been
deeply anchored since its foundation. This is just one aspect of
many that are making this company more valuable than ever before
in a technology-focused world.
MY PERSONAL TAKEAWAY
Skepticism of modern technology is completely understandable.
When used responsibly, this is mostly unfounded. Modern
technology such as artificial intelligence, autonomous systems and
exoskeletons have the potential to have a positive impact on our
environment. Companies such as Ottobock reinforce my position as
a self-avowed technology optimist. The human-centered design of
interactive systems - whether that’s on the body, on colorful
displays or all around us - has the potential to make our world even
more worth living in. The most important key in designing this
future: Humans.
Stay tuned
In order to be able to optimally advise and support our clients, we
analyze future trends extremely precisely. As part of our visit, we
were also able to have an inspiring exchange of ideas with
exoskeleton experts and UX designers.
Read more in our interview soon.

6. Let's shape the future
together! Meet us in our
offices or virtually for an
inspiring talk.
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