The first joint product will be launched this Autumn.

The EXO-O1 system is a passive model that does not require an energy supply.

The weight of the arms is transferred to the hips via the forearm supports using mechanical cable pulling technology.

This reduces the peak load on the muscles and relieves shoulders by up to 47% providing help for work above shoulder level and overhead.

Johannes Wilfried Huber, Head of Hilti’s Diamond Systems Business Unit said: “Exoskeletons are an important trend having great relevance for us. They provide relief for physically demanding tasks, such as those performed on construction sites every day.

“In Ottobock we have the ideal partner to combine our user protection and ergonomics knowledge with 100 years of biomechanical expertise.

“Our technology partnership will serve as the basis for the development of additional innovative and customer-oriented systems.”

Dr. Sönke Rössing, Head of Ottobock Industrials said: “We are delighted to be opening up a new area of application together with Hilti.

“We are building on our experience gained from more than 500 successful exoskeleton projects, including in the automotive industry and various trades.

“There is a great deal of potential for solutions that reduce the physical strain on workers in the construction industry. We want to jointly expand this pillar in the coming years.”