Exoskeletons in Ontario: the industrial sectors that benefit the most from them

Ontario occupies a strategic place in the Canadian economy with a strong concentration of manufacturing, logistics, and construction companies. Each day, a significant number of workers are exposed to sustained physical efforts: handling loads, awkward postures, repetitive motions, work overhead, or prolonged bent positions.

These tasks are a major cause of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), which are one of the main reasons for absenteeism, CNESST/WSIB claims, and health and safety costs at work. In this context, industrial exoskeletons stand out as a concrete and effective solution for risk reduction at the source.

This article presents the Ontario sectors currently benefiting the most from the integration of exoskeletons.

Distribution Centers, Logistics, and Warehousing

The growth of e-commerce in the Greater Toronto Area (Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Hamilton) is leading to an increased volume of manual handling.

Observed challenges:

• Repeated lifting and moving of packages

• Sustained pace

• Prolonged bent postures

Benefits of integrating exoskeletons:

• Reduction in lower back pain

• Decrease in work absences related to back issues

• Improvement in operator productivity and comfort

Construction, Maintenance, and Infrastructure

Large-scale infrastructure sites and real estate projects impose significant physical constraints on workers.

Observed challenges:

• Heavy loads

• Frequent work on the ground or overhead

• Repetitive movements

Benefits of integrating exoskeletons:

• Reduction of muscle fatigue

• Retention of experienced workers

• Decrease in long-term injury risk

Manufacturing and Automotive Sector

Ontario is a major center for automotive production and industrial transformation. Assembly and manufacturing positions involve a high degree of repetitiveness.

Observed challenges:

• Handling of hand tools

• Work at height at the level of arms and shoulders

• Prolonged static postures

Benefits of integrating exoskeletons:

• Targeted protection of shoulders and lower back

• Reduction of chronic MSDs

• Ergonomic standardization of critical positions

Aerospace and Technology Industries

Inspection and assembly activities in aviation often require awkward positions.

Benefits of integrating exoskeletons:

• Increased endurance during repetitive overhead tasks

• Maintenance of a stable posture in confined spaces

• Reduction of muscle pain at the end of shifts

Wood, Custom Manufacturing, and Furniture Industries

This sector involves continuous handling of heavy panels and components, a task that is very demanding on the back and shoulders.

Benefits of integrating exoskeletons:

• Load compensation during handling

• Prevention of injuries related to repetitive movements

• Increased efficiency and operational safety

Why Ontario is Adopting Exoskeletons

• Proactive MSD prevention strategy

• Labour shortage and employment retention issues

• Rapid return on investment through reduced absenteeism

• Alignment with best practices in occupational health and safety

Exoskeletons Canada: A Partner for Your Projects in Ontario

Our team supports organizations at every stage:

• Analysis of needs based on risky tasks

• Selection of the most suitable model(s)

• On-site demonstrations and trials

• User training and post-implementation follow-up

• Flexible rental or purchase options

To discuss your project:
info@exosquelettescanada.com