Maastricht Aachen Airport Introduces Intelligent Exoskeleton

Maastricht Aachen Airport has become the first airport in the Netherlands to introduce German Bionic’s AI-powered EXIA exoskeleton for daily cargo handling operations, aiming to improve worker safety, wellbeing and long-term employability. The wearable technology uses AI-powered sensors to analyse lifting movements and provide adaptive back support of up to 38 kg, helping reduce physical strain on ground handling teams while maintaining natural movement in cargo warehouses and on the apron. The deployment is part of the airport’s wider focus on practical innovation to improve operational efficiency and workplace safety. As the Netherlands’ second-largest cargo airport, Maastricht Aachen Airport is using technology investments to support more resilient and future-ready cargo operations. Maastricht Aachen Airport has become the first airport in the Netherlands to deploy the AI-powered EXIA exoskeleton by German Bionic in its daily cargo handling operation. By introducing this technology, the airport continues to invest in the safety, wellbeing and long-term employability of its ground handling teams. Cargo handling is physically demanding. Every day, our teams handle tonnes of freight, baggage and parcels. It is not the weight of an individual shipment alone that places strain on the body, but the cumulative effect of thousands of lifting and handling movements throughout the working day. To help reduce this physical burden, Maastricht Aachen Airport has introduced the EXIA exoskeleton developed by German Bionic. Using AI-powered sensors, the wearable system analyses lifting movements and provides active back support precisely when required. Providing adaptive lifting assistance of up to 38 kilograms, EXIA reduces strain on the lower back while allowingemployees to move naturally on both the apron and in the cargo warehouse. ‘For us, innovation is about making work safer, healthier and more enjoyable for our people,’ said Henk Koolman, Manager Handling at Maastricht Aachen Airport. ‘Our ground handling teams are essential to the daily operation of the airport. With EXIA,we are investing not only in advanced technology, but above all in the people whose commitment keeps our operation moving every day.’ The introduction of EXIA forms part of Maastricht Aachen Airport’s wider strategy of deploying smart technology where it delivers measurable value for employees, customers and airport operations. The focus is on practical innovation that creates a safer, moreefficient and future-ready working environment. As the Netherlands’ second-largest cargo airport, Maastricht Aachen Airport plays a vital role in national and European supplychains. To maintain its reputation for operational excellence, the airport continues to invest in solutions that strengthen performance while supporting the health, safety and long-term employability of its people.