How the Deutsches Museum brings the future to life with our shoulder exoskeleton

The Deutsches Museum in Munich is regarded worldwide as one of the most important institutions for science and technology. Every day, thousands of visitors experience firsthand what innovation feels like. A particular crowd-pleaser is the active shoulder exoskeleton from exoIQ. For some time now, it has been used in the exhibition as well as in workshops and demonstrations—sparking wonder, “aha” moments, and lively discussions about the future of work.

Interactive, accessible, fascinating: The exoskeleton in the exhibitions

The S700 active shoulder exoskeleton is regularly featured in the Robotics and Health sections, where visitors can try it out for themselves under supervision. It is precisely this hands-on experience that makes all the difference: many visitors are surprised by how direct and immediate the support feels.

The direct comparison between expectations and the actual physical sensation often sparks lively discussions—ranging from how the system works to questions about its potential applications in the workplace or daily life. For the museum, the shoulder exoskeleton is an ideal tool not only for explaining technology but also for bringing it to life.

The highlight of the robotics shows – with an invitation to try it out

In the museum’s robotics shows, the shoulder exoskeleton often serves as the finale. This is a deliberate choice: after watching exciting demonstrations of autonomous systems and robotics, visitors gain a much better understanding of the role that body-assistive technologies already play today.

The museum deliberately uses this demonstration as an open invitation to try things out and ask questions. This regularly sparks discussions about the opportunities, limitations, and societal impacts of such systems—ranging from ergonomic benefits to the question of how exoskeletons might transform future workplaces.

Thomas Keil, museum communications specialist at the Deutsches Museum, sums it up:

“The exoskeleton is a real game-changer for our educational outreach. It brings technology to life and immediately sparks conversation among visitors. What’s particularly valuable to us is that visitors can try out the exoskeleton for themselves. From there, we can expand the discussion—from the technology itself to its applications and broader social issues.”

Learning by Doing – Use in Programs for Vocational School Classes

One growing area is the use of exoskeletons in workshops and programs with vocational school classes. Here, the exoskeleton primarily serves as a starting point for conversation and hands-on experience, providing an opportunity to discuss current technologies, the world of work, and physical assistance systems.

Participants try out the exoskeleton for themselves and then reflect on how the technology might impact real-world work processes. What is particularly noteworthy is that young people are increasingly expressing a desire to test the exoskeleton for longer periods or to try it again in their daily work routines. This is a strong indication of how intuitive and practical the museum’s approach to the technology is.

Experience the Exo-Smile at the Deutsches Museum

The collaboration between exoIQ and the Deutsches Museum clearly demonstrates the role exoskeletons already play today:

• as educational technology to make complex technical topics more accessible

• as a starting point for discussion to shed light on the opportunities and challenges of modern work environments

• as an experience that leaves a lasting impression on visitors

• as a driver of innovation in the workplace that is already providing tangible support today

The Deutsches Museum is thus creating a unique space where visitors can not only view future technologies but also experience them firsthand. We are proud that our shoulder exoskeleton is playing an active role in this.