Making the Heavy Work of Baggage Handlers at Nuremberg Airport Lighter

Handling passenger baggage is one of the most physically demanding jobs at any airport. With hundreds of suitcases, weighing as much as 32 kilograms each, being sorted, loaded, and unloaded by hand every day, the strain on ground handling teams is immense. At Nuremberg Airport, this vital task was leading to back problems, long absences, and increasing concerns around employee health and retention.

To tackle these challenges, the airport introduced German Bionic’s AI-powered exoskeletons. These smart, fully connected power suits provide active assistance when lifting, lowering, carrying, or working in bent-over positions, compensating for up to 38 kilograms of weight per movement. By reducing the load on workers’ backs, they protect against musculoskeletal disorders, prevent injuries, and extend careers – all while boosting motivation and effectiveness.

The result? A safer, healthier, and more attractive workplace for both experienced baggage handlers and new recruits. As one manager at Nuremberg Airport put it, the exoskeletons are “not only for colleagues who are a little older and have been doing the job for a long time, but also for young employees who are just starting out in this profession.”

Read the full success story to see how Nuremberg Airport is using German Bionic technology to transform baggage handling and set new standards for employee health and safety.