Exoskeleton arms up: The DeltaSuit to reduce fatigue in Canada

In many industrial sectors in Canada, including manufacturing, mechanical maintenance, aerospace, construction, electricity, and warehousing, workers often have to perform tasks with their arms above their shoulders. These tasks are among the most physically demanding, creating significant strain on the shoulders, upper back, and neck.

To reduce fatigue and improve employee well-being, several Canadian companies are now turning to the DeltaSuit, a passive exoskeleton designed to support the shoulders during extended work at height. This blog presents a representative use case of its impact in industrial environments in Canada.

1. The Challenge: Relieving the Strain of Overhead Work

In many facilities across Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, and Manitoba, workers regularly perform tasks such as:

• assembly or installation overhead

• electrical or mechanical maintenance

• sanding, painting, grinding

• inspection of elevated structures

• order preparation at height in warehouses

• interventions on lifts or scaffolding

These tasks impose a significant load on the:

• deltoids

• trapezius

• rotator cuff muscles

• cervical muscles

And can lead to:

• shoulder fatigue

• muscle inflammation

• decreased mobility

• loss of efficiency

• increased risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)

With an aging workforce and intensifying industrial operations in Canada, companies are seeking ergonomic solutions to protect workers while maintaining productivity.

2. The Solution: The DeltaSuit Exoskeleton

The DeltaSuit is a passive exoskeleton designed to support workers performing repetitive overhead tasks. It offers mechanical assistance that reduces the effort required to keep arms raised while preserving full freedom of movement.

Why the DeltaSuit is Well-Suited for Canadian Industries

• effective support for repetitive or static overhead tasks

• lightweight and breathable design

• no motors, no batteries: minimal maintenance

• easy and quick to don (less than a minute)

• compatible with safety equipment (helmet, harness, vest)

• adapted to tight or very dynamic environments

Sectors where the DeltaSuit stands out:

• aerospace and aviation (Ontario, Manitoba, Quebec)

• automotive assembly (Ontario)

• industrial maintenance (Canada)

• warehousing and distribution (Ontario, Alberta, BC)

• construction, renovation, and HVAC

3. Implementation in an Industrial Company in Canada

A Canadian company specializing in manufacturing and maintenance recently integrated the DeltaSuit to support its employees who regularly work overhead.

Evaluation Phase

Before the trial, an internal ergonomic analysis revealed:

• 3 to 6 hours per day of overhead work

• recurring shoulder pain at the end of the shift

• tasks requiring mobility, precision, and stability

The DeltaSuit was chosen for its lightweight nature, simplicity, and natural mechanical support.

Two-Week Testing

• a specialist made the initial adjustments

• workers used the exoskeleton in real conditions

• daily feedback was collected

• the HSE team measured comfort, efficiency, and ergonomics

4. Results: Less Fatigue, More Precision, and Better Comfort

Employees who tested the DeltaSuit reported:

Significant Reduction in Shoulder Fatigue

Long overhead tasks were easier to maintain.

Improvement in Stability and Precision

Highly useful in tasks requiring dexterity.

Decrease in Cervical Tension

Better alignment of the upper body develops naturally.

Maintaining Performance Throughout the Day

Workers report feeling less fatigued at the end of the shift.

Increased Satisfaction

The technology helped make some difficult tasks more comfortable.

Two anonymized comments reflect these benefits:

• "At the end of the day, my shoulders were burning. With the exoskeleton, I feel the difference."

• "I'm surprised at how light it is. You almost forget you're wearing it."

5. Long-term Benefits for Canadian Companies

Integrating the DeltaSuit can help organizations to:

• reduce shoulder-related injuries

• support aging workers

• improve employee retention

• increase operational efficiency

• reduce fatigue and physical errors

• strengthen the health and safety prevention culture

Interested in Trying the DeltaSuit in Your Company?

Exoskeletons Canada offers:

• virtual or on-site demonstrations

• rental for trials

• employee fitting and training

• service available across Canada

Contact Exoskeletons Canada to learn more or schedule a trial in your company.