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GGB

Exoskeletons

Tribological Surface Solutions make you mobile.

Exoskeleton design engineers must navigate evolving trends to create efficient and competitive devices.

Portability and comfort are essential, especially for medical and industrial applications where extended wear is necessary. Users expect personalized solutions for performance and ergonomics, while energy efficiency remains a key concern, particularly in industrial and military settings. Durability is critical, as industrial exoskeletons must withstand harsh environments and repetitive use. Additionally, regulatory compliance and cost-effectiveness are major factors influencing adoption across different sectors.
New markets, including agriculture, firefighting, and sports, continue to expand the scope of exoskeleton applications. Engineers must also consider eco-friendly designs to align with sustainability goals. Addressing these challenges requires collaboration with innovative suppliers like GGB, whose advanced materials, bearings, and coatings provide the reliability and performance needed for next-generation exoskeletons.

Applications

  • Joint Articulations
    Bearings and coatings facilitate smooth and natural motion at the shoulders, elbows, knees, and hips, critical for user comfort and efficiency.

  • Load-Bearing Structures
    Bearings and Coatings support weight distribution in industrial exoskeletons, ensuring long-lasting performance under heavy loads.
     
  • Actuator Components
    Bearings and/or coatings ensure precise, reliable movement in actuators for powered exoskeletons.
     
  • Rotational and Linear Movement
    Bearings and coatings assist in linear and rotary motions, enabling seamless operation across a range of tasks.

The GGB Advantage

Increase Longevity of Components

Exoskeletons are subject to repetitive motions, heavy loads, and harsh environments. Wear and tear reduce their lifespan. TriboShield® and TriboMate® coatings significantly enhance wear life by reducing friction and improving performance stability. Exoskeletons last longer, reducing replacement cycles and costs.

 

Reduced Service and Maintenance Needs

High maintenance and servicing costs (up to 15-20% of production costs) are barriers to adoption. GGB self-lubricating materials reduce the reliance on oils and greases, eliminating maintenance for lubrication. GGB's coatings reduce leakages and stick-slip issues. Simplified designs with fewer parts result in lower maintenance demands and reduce total cost of ownership and downtime.
 

Practical and Comfortable Designs

Exoskeletons must be ergonomic for long-term wear and practical to use in real-world applications. Lightweight GGB polymer coatings and bearings reduce the overall weight of the exoskeleton. Noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) reduction enhances comfort for wearers.
 

Enhanced Safety and Reliability

Exoskeletons need to meet stringent safety regulations, particularly in healthcare, while ensuring reliable performance. GGB’s bearings and coatings provide consistent, reliable performance under stress, preventing failures. Customers trust in the product’s safety and reliability, especially for medical applications where safety is critical is built.
 

Reduced NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness)

Operational noise and vibrations can negatively impact user comfort and the perceived quality of the product. GGB Coatings and materials reduce vibration and operational noise in moving parts, such as joints and actuators, enhancing the overall user experience and improved customer satisfaction.
 

Improved Corrosion and Chemical Resistance

Exoskeletons are often exposed to sweat, moisture, chemicals, and industrial contaminants, leading to corrosion and reduced lifespan. TriboShield® coatings offer excellent chemical and corrosion resistance for harsh environments improving durability and reliability in both industrial and medical applications.

 

Precision for Tight Tolerances

Tight tolerances are critical for exoskeletons to ensure smooth motion and sealed systems. GGB provides bearings and coatings with precision engineering that meet the tight tolerances required for smooth motion. Coatings applied to counterfaces eliminate stick-slip and ensure optimal seal performance.


Customization for Diverse Applications
 

Exoskeletons serve a wide range of applications, from medical rehabilitation to heavy-duty industrial tasks, requiring tailored solutions. Customizable TriboShield® and TriboMate® coatings adapt to different materials and geometries, making them suitable for unique designs. Both plain bearings and coatings can be tailored to meet specific load, friction, and environmental requirements.