The AWExo project at BAU 2025 in Munich

From 13 to 17 January 2025, the BAU trade fair in Munich was all about innovative technologies for the construction industry. From 15 to 17 January, the RIF Institute for Research and Transfer e.V., together with the Mittelstand-Digital Zentrum Handwerk, presented an interactive exhibition on the topic of exoskeletons - a highlight that attracted numerous trade visitors and interested parties.

The exhibition not only offered visitors the opportunity to experience different types of exoskeletons from various manufacturers live, but also to try them out for themselves. The advantages and disadvantages of the different systems were clearly explained in order to provide a comprehensive understanding of their possible applications.

One focus was on comparing exoskeletons made of hard and soft materials: hard exoskeletons are impressive due to their high supportive effect, but have weaknesses such as high costs and limited freedom of movement. Their acceptance by users often suffers as a result. Soft exoskeletons, on the other hand, score points for flexibility and lower costs, but offer reduced support. These considerations were particularly relevant for companies in the construction industry that were looking for solutions to relieve the strain on their workforce in the long term.

The trade fair served as a platform for presenting the initial results of the IGF-funded research project AWExo (acceptance and effect of exoskeletons in the construction industry). The findings from field studies were discussed on site with interested companies - a decisive step towards the practical implementation of this technology in the industry. Visitors to BAU 2025 showed great interest in the practical demonstrations and discussions.