An Innovation Tour of A+A

By Maureen Paraventi

As an attendee at A+A 2025, I was not alone. A+A, which rightly bills itself as “the world’s leading trade for safety, security and health at work,” drew some 67,000 visitors from 150 nations. They were able to interact with, see products and learn about services from 2,340 exhibitors from 70 countries, who filled 13 massive exhibition halls.

A guided innovation tour offered some highlights. These included:

Hans Schäfer Workwear

This booth visit included Ralf Moeller, former Mr. Universe and actor Ralf Moeller (Cyborg, The Viking Sagas, Conan the Adventurer, Gladiator). Moeller has partnered with Hans Schäfer Workwear to launch the Motivation Handwerk initiative to draw attention to opportunities for young people in the skilled trades (which won Hans Schäfer Workwear and Moeller the “Innovator of the Year” award from German industry. The company’s products include a wide range of workwear and accessories. https://www.hans-schaefer.com/

Hyundai

Hyundai Motor Group’s X-ble Shoulder is a novel wearable robot system designed to revolutionize the physical stress involved in overhead work. The lightweight, battery-less exoskeleton shoulder assistant reduces stress on shoulders by up to 60% and muscle activity by 30%. Ideal for construction, aerospace and manufacturing, the system has a patented mechanical torque structure that requires no electric energy. www.hyundai.com/worldwide/en

Schöffel Pro

Schöffel Pro’s mission is to make workwear more functional and personalized, with a range of job and corporate wear – from the office to construction sites. One product innovation: new polycotton work pants (WS Meistermacher) that sets new standards in high-vis workwear, with an innovative mixture of Sorona®, recycled polyester and organic cotton. They combine durability and comfort with sustainable manufacturing. www.schoeffel-pro.com

Uvex

The Uvex Safety Group, which develops, produces and distributes head-to-toe PPE, showcased its new line of Helix IMP series HexArmor gloves. These gloves use the newly developed i@™ technology with hexagonally arranged impact-protection elements made from light, flexible materials, making them capable of both dexterity and high-impact protection.

Vibram

Vibram develops and produces high-performance rubber soles for work and safety shoes, among other types. The company produces more than 40 million soles annual. A demonstration of the new Vibram Megagrip Pro was compelling. Visitors to the Vibram booth were invited to put on shoes with Vibram Megagrip Pro soles and walk up a slanted walkway that was being dowsed with water – which presumably would make the walkway slippery and unsafe. Those who took on the challenge had no trouble walking upward through a cascade of water. www.vibram.com/us

3M

The company’s innovative 3M™ PELTOR WS™ ALERT™ XPV, a solar-operated hearing protector headset and 3M™ Speedglas™ welding helmets, which were on display, combine comfort and sustainability. PELTOR XPV™ uses built-in solar cells for energy supply and provides wireless communication via Bluetooth, while Speedglas G5-03 helmets ensure additional protection for professional welders with individual adjustment options, a tap functionality and advanced optics with a large field of vision. www.3m.com/3M/en_US/worker-health-safety-us/

Elten

This manufacturer of safety footwear merges tradition with innovation. The product brought to A+A – TAVIXX from the new Wellmaxx Feel series – is the lightest safety shoe the company has ever produced. Weighing less than 399 grams (14.07431 ounces) and featuring a plastic toe cap, Tavixx offers sporty design, comfort and reliable toe protection. A high rebound Infinergy® midsole by BASF and breathable mesh upper add to the feeling of lightness.

Dräger

At just 635 grams (22 ounces), the Dräger X-plore 8300 is the lightest respirator in its class, making it comfortable for even long or physically demanding assignments. The battery-driven system makes for fog-free working through a constant air stream and reduces breathing resistance. With its IP67 protection, the respirator is water-resistant and can be machine-cleaned. The Dräger X-plore 8300 can be used in industry, construction or decontamination environments. www.draeger.com/en-us_us/

These exhibitors, of course, were only a fraction of the attractions at A+A 2025. Read more about the world’s leading trade for safety, security and health at work at: https://www.workplacepub.com/workplace-safety/aa-2025-sets-new-standards-for-a-safe-healthy-and-modern-world-of-work/