Sensor-based tests document relief from workload and productivity gains at DB Schenker

During A+A 2021 in Düsseldorf, Gerald Müller, Vice President of Process and Efficiency Management at DB Schenker, and David Duwe (Head of Europe at Ottobock Bionic Exoskeletons) presented the results of a sensor-based test series at DB Schenker. In collaboration with the startup MotionMinors, over 43,000 load sequences of everyday logistics movements were tested over 3 weeks with the help of 300 beacons. The tests were conducted in Augsburg during the unloading of containers and the following palletizing of goods.

Strong results measured when unloading containers

  1. Reduction of the total load during unloading in one week up to 23t ( appr. 1 truck) per person.
  2. In the same period, handling time was increased by 19% by using the Paexo Back when unloading containers
  3. A significant improvement in posture occurred when performing lifting activities in a critical position
In addition, the improvement in the work situation is also strongly noticeable for the test persons and offers “very good help when unloading containers”. High acceptance and good results in surveys of the participants is key factor for the successful introduction of exoskeletons in logistics.
Gerald Mueller, DB Schenker

Gerald Mueller on the results of the BIONIC ANALYTICS

BIONIC ANALYTICS: the perfect foundation for management decisions

For the analysis, a tailor-made methodology was developed in close cooperation with DB Schenker, Ottobock Bionic Exoskeletons and MotionMiners. This is based on a qualitative survey by questioning the participants and the quantitative survey by Motion Mining® measurement. The entire BIONIC ANALYTICS process takes place over a period of several weeks and consists of four phases.

AI-based and tailor-made analysis method

  1. Kickoff with the entire team -> company, ergonomics experts and MotionMiners.
  2. Measurement with and without exoskeleton
  3. Analysis and preparation of the measurement results
  4. Evaluation of the BIONIC ANALYTICS within the company

BIONIC ANALYTICS by Ottobock

If you have questions or you are interested in a BIONIC ANALYTICS for your workplaces, please feel free to contact us at any time via mail (paexo@ottobock.com) or by using our contact form (here).

Soenke Roessing, Head of Ottobock Bionic Exoskeletons

About DB Schenker

Schenker Deutschland AG, headquartered in Frankfurt am Main, is the leading provider of integrated logistics in the German market, with around 15,800 employees at more than 100 locations and annual sales of around 4.1 billion euros.

With around 74,100 employees at more than 2,100 locations in over 130 countries, Schenker AG is one of the world’s leading logistics service providers. The company offers land transport, air and sea freight as well as comprehensive logistics solutions and global supply chain management from a single source.

About Ottobock Bionic Exoskeletons

Ottobock Bionic Exoskeletons has been pioneering in the field of exoskeletons and producing the Paexo products since 2018. The mission is to provide technical solutions that enable people to perform their work in the long term, while protecting their health and making as few mistakes as possible. The product portfolio represents a wide range of exoskeletons for the entire body. From overhead work (Paexo Shoulder), to Paexo Back, the technical solution for load handling in the logistics industry, Paexo exoskeletons are shaping the future of work! There are also solutions for wrist, neck, lower back and thumb support.

About MotionMiners

In October 2017, Sascha Kaczmarek, Sascha Feldhorst and René Grzeszick joined forces and founded MotionMiners. In the first two years, there was a close connection with the Fraunhofer Institute. Since summer 2019, the startup has been completely spun off as MotionMiners GmbH.

MotionMining facilitates companies to perform analyses regarding efficiency and ergonomics for process optimization. These analyses are carried out automatically by means of sensors and AI, which leads to a reduction in effort of up to 80%, in contrast to analyses using conventional methods. The claim is to provide the world’s most flexible and comprehensive analysis toolbox for human activities, which not only continuously improves the daily work of the analysts, but also the working life of the measured people.