The AGADE project had three objectives: to finalize the development of the AGADEXO shoulder, develop an IoT feature to make exoskeletons capable of collecting useful data for optimizing production processes and complete the design and development of the AGADEXO Low back.
Agadexo shoulder, product market fit, and customer validation of the Beta version were performed in the frame of WP3. This included field tests with early adopters from target markets to collect feedback on user experience, and ergonomic laboratory tests based on use-case scenarios to collect qualitative results on the muscular stress reduction effectiveness of the exoskeleton. The feedback collected from users led the startup to make a new iteration of development on the Beta version of AGADEXO Shoulder module, improving user experience and the level of technology acceptability. Although this activity wasn't initially planned within the project work plan, it proved crucial for ensuring the best market penetration, not only for the go-to-market launch of the AGADEXO Shoulder module but also for the subsequent development of the AGADEXO low-back module related to WP6.
The IoT system was developed mainly in WP4, allowing the exoskeleton to receive, send, and store data collected during usage within logistic/production processes for health & safety and maintenance monitoring. A technical feasibility study was carried out, after which the feature itself was developed and tested. The implementation of the IoT feature on the first product AGADEXO Shoulder related to WP5 has been completed technically but has been released only on the AGADEXO Low-back exoskeleton, which has wider market coverage. However, when enough data is collected from the market penetrated by AGADEXO Shoulder, the IoT feature will also be released for this product.
Lastly, AGADEXO Low back was developed in the frame of WP6. In the first 12 months of the project, the EIC work plan expected the development of the first concept of AGADEXO Low-back, with an adaptation of the mechanical structure of AGADE to improve robustness and production, making AGADEXO more durable and resistant to failure. The AGADEXO Low-back exoskeleton has been fully designed, realized, and tested as a pre-industrialized version, implementing also the IoT connectivity feature. A product market fit testing plan has been prepared and initiated to begin penetrating different fields of target markets through pilot tests, as described in WP8, while CE certification and ergonomic certification related to the EAWS method have been obtained with the help of qualified advisors and suppliers, as part of WP7.
