Agricultural exoskeleton: reduce lower back pain

The agricultural sector is among the most physically demanding workplaces. Repetitive tasks, heavy lifting, and prolonged bent postures expose workers to a high risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), particularly in the lower back.

Lower back pain is one of the main causes of absenteeism and functional limitation in agricultural settings. In the long term, these strains can affect employee health, productivity, and workforce retention.

In light of these challenges, ergonomic solutions are evolving. The lumbar support exoskeleton now represents an innovative and concrete approach to prevention.

Why is the lower back particularly strained in agriculture?

The realities of agricultural work involve the following:

• Lifting bags of feed or fertilizers

• Handling harvest crates

• Planting and picking tasks in a bent posture

• Repetitive trunk flexion movements

• Prolonged work in constrained environments (stables, greenhouses, fields)

These movements generate a significant cumulative load on the lumbar extensor muscles. Over time, this overload can lead to:

• Chronic muscle fatigue

• Repeated microtraumas

• Decreased functional capacity

• Increased risk of disabling injuries

The LiftSuit: a solution tailored to agricultural realities

The LiftSuit is a passive exoskeleton designed to assist flexion and lifting movements of the trunk. Unlike a rigid orthotic, it does not immobilize the user: it supports the movement.

Operating principle

The system stores mechanical energy when the user leans forward, then releases this energy during the straightening.

This assistance allows for:

• A measurable reduction in lumbar muscle effort

• A decrease in fatigue at the end of the work shift

• Improved endurance during repetitive tasks

• A reduction in cumulative load on the lumbar spine

The device operates without a motor or battery and maintains full freedom of movement, making it compatible with dynamic agricultural environments.

Concrete applications in agriculture

The LiftSuit can be relevant in several contexts:

• Dairy farms

• Vegetable production

• Greenhouses

• Agricultural distribution centers

• Handling bags, bins, and pallets

• Agri-food processing

It is adjustable to different body types and can be worn for several hours depending on the tasks performed.

Why integrate an exoskeleton in agricultural settings?

Integrating an exoskeleton is part of a proactive approach to health and safety in the workplace. It can help to:

• Reduce the risk of lumbar injuries

• Decrease absenteeism related to MSDs

• Improve workforce retention

• Maintain the work capacity of experienced employees

• Demonstrate a concrete commitment to prevention

In a context of labor shortages, preserving the health of workers becomes a strategic lever for the continuity of operations.

Trials and implementation

The integration of an exoskeleton must be adapted to the actual tasks performed on the field. It is possible to organize:

• Trials directly in agricultural settings

• Pilot projects

• Short-term rentals

• A personalized ergonomic assessment

Each agricultural business has its operational specifics. A customized approach is therefore essential.

Conclusion

Agriculture is evolving. Prevention tools are too.

The LiftSuit does not replace good ergonomic practices: it complements them. It is a concrete tool for reducing cumulative lumbar load, supporting workers, and contributing to the sustainability of agricultural operations.

Do you want to assess the relevance of an exoskeleton for your farm or agri-food business?