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How the test fee works, what you pay if you keep the devices, and what to know about back and shoulder exoskeletons.


Test fees and payment
How much does a test cost?

You pay a test fee per device, calculated as a share of its purchase price: 25% for a 2-week test, 30% for 4 weeks and 40% for 8 weeks. The longer the test, the lower the cost per week. A test needs at least 2 devices. Transport, onboarding and accessories are charged separately, and all prices exclude VAT. Your offer shows every amount before you commit.

When do I pay the test fee?

The test fee is invoiced before the trial starts, together with the extras you chose. You see the amounts in your offer first, and the offer is non-binding.

What happens if we keep the devices?

The test fee counts 100% towards the purchase price. After the trial the remainder (purchase price minus the test fee) is invoiced, and payment is due within 14 days. Nothing is paid twice.

What happens if we return the devices?

Tell us the test did not fit and return the devices in good condition within 5 days. Nothing more is due. The test fee was the cost of testing.

Do we get the test fee back if we return the devices?

No. The test fee pays for the test itself: delivery, training and support during the trial. If you keep the devices it is not lost, because it counts 100% towards the purchase price.

Is the offer binding?

No. You choose the test period and the number of devices, and we send a non-binding offer. The order only starts when you sign and return it.

How long can we test?

2, 4 or 8 weeks, depending on the device. The device page shows the available periods and the price per week.

When do we decide whether to keep the devices?

At the end of the trial. Towards the end we ask whether you keep or return the devices. Devices that are not returned in time are treated as kept, and the remainder is invoiced.

General
What is the difference between passive and active exoskeletons?

Passive exoskeletons use mechanical springs or elastic elements to store and return energy — no battery required, lightweight, low maintenance. Active exoskeletons use electric motors and sensors to actively assist movement, delivering higher support levels and adaptability, but require charging and are heavier. Soft suits use flexible textiles and cables to guide movement with minimal rigidity. The right choice depends on your use case, load weight, shift duration and EPT environment.

What are the leading exoskeleton brands in Europe?

There are around 15 active manufacturers in the European market. Each tends to lead in a specific technology or use-case segment — passive support for logistics, active assistance for heavier industrial tasks, soft suits for dynamic or confined environments. Rather than ranking brands, Ryggo lists devices on merit and matches them to your operation. The right brand is the one that fits your specific use case.

How much does an exoskeleton cost?

Purchase prices range from around €1,000 for entry-level soft suits to €10,000 or more for advanced active exoskeletons — for both back and shoulder devices. Passive devices typically fall in the €2,000–€5,000 range. The right budget depends on the support level required and the number of units. Ryggo shows transparent pricing for every listed device — no hidden costs, no sales calls required to get a number.

Can I trial exoskeletons before buying?

Yes — and you should. Around 80% of buyers request a test period even after a successful demo. With Ryggo you test the devices in your own operation for 2, 4 or 8 weeks and pay a test fee (25–40% of the device price, depending on the period). If you keep the devices, the test fee counts 100% towards the purchase price. If you return them, nothing more is due. No open-ended commitment, no pressure to buy.

How much does an exoskeleton pilot cost?

Pilot costs through Ryggo depend on the number of units, the test period and the device. The test fee is 25%, 30% or 40% of the unit price for 2, 4 or 8 weeks, and you see every amount in your offer before committing. If the pilot leads to a purchase, the test fee counts 100% towards the order. Use the Ryggo Advisor to get a recommendation and a full cost overview for your operation.

Back exoskeletons
What is a back exoskeleton and how does it work?

A back exoskeleton is a wearable support device that reduces the physical load on the lower back during repetitive or heavy tasks. It works by transferring force away from the spine — either through mechanical springs (passive), powered actuators (active), or flexible textile structures (soft suits). Workers wear the device during their shift; it activates automatically during bending, lifting or carrying movements.

Which back exoskeleton is right for my operation?

The right device depends on several factors: the dominant movement (bending, lifting, carrying), load weight and frequency, work environment (indoor/outdoor, EPT areas), shift duration and team size. The Ryggo Advisor asks you exactly these questions and matches your operation to the most suitable devices — with transparent reasoning, not a black-box result.

How do I recognise a good use-case for a back exoskeleton?

Many operations involve bending, lifting, lowering, or prolonged forward leaning — but that alone doesn't make a strong use-case. Workers may do these movements briefly, in confined spaces, or while stepping on and off an EPT. Context matters.

Three criteria all need to be met for a back exoskeleton to have a good chance of user acceptance:

Weight — a meaningful load is required. From around 4–5 kg upwards; many use-cases involve 15–20 kg or more.

Movement — the body must move through the task. Transferring a heavy load without bending or dynamic motion triggers little support — particularly from active devices.

Frequency — repetition is what makes support felt. A worker lifting 20 kg five times an hour may notice some benefit, but low frequency puts acceptance at risk. At that level, other lifting aids may be worth considering alongside.

When all three align — load, movement, and frequency — the use-case is strong and acceptance tends to follow.

Shoulder exoskeletons
What is a shoulder exoskeleton and who is it for?

A shoulder exoskeleton is a wearable support device — worn like a backpack — that offloads the weight of raised arms to the hips or waist. It is designed for one specific class of task: working with arms at or above shoulder height for extended or repetitive periods. Overhead assembly, ceiling installation, painting, high-shelf picking. If your team regularly works arms-up for more than a few hours per shift, a shoulder exo is worth evaluating.

Can a shoulder exoskeleton restrict movement or slow workers down?

This is the most common concern — and the honest answer depends on fit and task type. Well-matched passive shoulder exos add minimal bulk and don't restrict arm movement in the working range. The risk increases if the device is used for tasks it wasn't designed for, or if sizing is off. Acceptance rates vary more for shoulder exos than back exos, which is exactly why a structured trial on your own floor matters before committing.

How is a shoulder exoskeleton different from a fixed arm support?

Fixed arm supports and tool balancers are mounted to a workstation — the worker moves around them. A shoulder exoskeleton moves with the worker, supporting the arm throughout the shift regardless of position. This makes it suitable for mobile tasks and multi-position work where a station-fixed solution isn't practical.

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