How an exoskeleton improves factory work in Canada

In several Canadian factories, workers handle heavy materials, metal parts, long and cumbersome components, or products requiring repetitive movements each day. These tasks, essential to manufacturing and warehouse operations, often lead to significant physical strains: frequent bending, twisting of the back, lifting loads, and difficult positions.

To support their employees, some companies in Canada have recently integrated Auxivo's LiftSuit, a passive exoskeleton designed to reduce lumbar load, improve posture, and limit fatigue. This blog presents a real case of implementation in a manufacturing company, keeping anonymity, to illustrate the concrete impact of this technology.

1. Context: Physically demanding manufacturing operations

The Canadian company involved in this project manufactures and distributes different metal products intended for the construction sector. Its activities include:

• Handling and lifting heavy materials such as pipes or metal sheets.

• Regularly loading raw materials into production machines.

• Moving long and cumbersome items that sometimes require two employees.

• Repetitive tasks in the warehouse involving bending, lifting, and back rotations.

These operations, although common in manufacturing, create a high risk of lumbar fatigue and musculoskeletal injuries.

2. The challenge: Reducing fatigue and supporting the lower back

Workers reported:

• lumbar tension at the end of the shift,

• muscle fatigue,

• discomfort during frequent lifts,

• difficulties maintaining their level of efficiency throughout the day.

Management was seeking a simple, quick-to-adopt solution capable of:

• reducing the load on the lower back,

• improving lifting posture,

• supporting repetitive tasks,

• increasing overall employee comfort.

3. The chosen solution: Auxivo's LiftSuit

After exploring different options, the company consulted an external health and safety specialist to evaluate the relevance of integrating exoskeletons. Several models were analyzed using photos and videos of workstations.

Auxivo's LiftSuit was chosen for several reasons:

Effectiveness on lumbar load

Immediate support during repeated bending and lifting movements.

Ultralight and comfortable

No heavy metal parts, allowing for prolonged use.

Compact and flexible

Ideal in confined spaces and around machines.

Quick setup

Worn in less than a minute, without interrupting operational flow.

4. Implementation process: On-site testing and adjustments

The company began with a two-week trial phase:

1. A representative came on-site to present the exoskeleton, provide comprehensive training, and adjust each unit.

2. During the trials, an employee reported discomfort related to the initial model. An additional visit allowed for adjustments to optimize comfort.

3. At the end of the trial period, the team found the results very positive and proceeded to purchase several units.

   
   

5. Results: Increased comfort, reduced fatigue, and improved efficiency

Employees who tested the LiftSuit reported several improvements:

Reduction in fatigue

Repetitive tasks and frequent bending become more tolerable.

Less lumbar tension

Workers feel immediate support during lifting.

Better operational efficiency

Movements become smoother and require less effort.

Increased satisfaction

Employees feel better physically supported, which improves their motivation.

Some anonymized comments reflect these improvements well:

• "With the exoskeleton, I feel a real difference. I am much less tense at the end of my day."

• "It is lightweight, easy to put on, and I feel much less fatigued using it."

6. A long-term prevention vision

In several Canadian organizations, exoskeletons are now integrated into a comprehensive health and safety strategy including:

• training in safe lifting,

• ergonomic optimization of workstations,

• wellness programs,

• task rotation,

• continuous ergonomic assessments.

Interested in trying an exoskeleton?

To discover the LiftSuit or plan a trial in your company, contact Exoskeletons Canada.
Your team will assist you in assessing needs, on-site trials, and training your employees.