Exoskeletons and handling: Reducing fatigue in Canada

In many warehouses and distribution centers in Canada, workers handle heavy or bulky loads on a daily basis. These repetitive tasks require strength, precision, and endurance, which increases the risk of fatigue, lower back pain, and musculoskeletal disorders.

With the evolution of operational requirements and the labor shortage, several Canadian companies are now adding industrial exoskeletons to their health and safety strategy.

1. Ergonomic Challenges in Warehousing in Canada

Workers often have to:

• lift between 15 and 25 kg repeatedly;

• work in a forward bent position;

• perform twisting motions of the back;

• repeat the same movements for 10 to 12 hours;

• move frequently within the warehouse.

These constraints increase:

• the load on the lower back;

• muscle fatigue;

• lifting-related injuries;

• the costs associated with absenteeism;

• the difficulty of recruiting and retaining workers.

2. The LiftSuit by Auxivo: An Effective Support for Handling

In several projects conducted in Canada, the primarily used exoskeleton is the LiftSuit by Auxivo, a passive exoskeleton designed to:

• reduce the load on the lower back;

• support bending and lifting movements;

• improve posture;

• reduce fatigue during long days.

Why the LiftSuit Works Well in Logistics Environments:

• No battery or electronics (zero maintenance).

• Ultralight and without heavy metal parts.

• Put on in less than a minute.

• Comfortable even over long periods.

• Compatible with most warehouse tasks.

3. Measured Results in Canadian Environments

Real-world evaluations have demonstrated significant benefits:

• 25% muscle activity in the lower back;

• 27% muscle fatigue speed;

• 28% perceived effort by workers;

• 7% average heart rate during demanding tasks.

Employees also report:

• less pain at the end of shifts;

• a better overall comfort;

• a more stable posture while lifting;

• more energy throughout the day.

4. Key Factors for Successful Implementation

Canadian companies that have successfully adopted exoskeletons follow a structured approach:

✔ Introduction in small groups

Employees discover the technology together, which reduces initial resistance.

✔ Individual adjustments

Each exoskeleton is configured according to morphology and tasks.

✔ Monitoring and feedback

Regular feedback helps improve use and adoption.

✔ Gradual deployment

Starts with a few units, then increases according to needs.

5. Impact on Health, Safety, and Performance

Since the introduction of exoskeletons, several companies have observed:

• a notable reduction in lower back pain;

• a decrease in the risk of injuries;

• better endurance among workers;

• a reduction in physical limitations at the end of the day;

• essential support for aging workers.

For many employees, the exoskeleton quickly becomes an indispensable tool.

6. A Long-Term Prevention Vision

In Canada, exoskeletons are now integrated as a complementary tool to a comprehensive ergonomics and prevention strategy:

• safe lifting training;

• workstation optimization;

• health and wellness programs;

• strategic task rotation;

• ongoing ergonomic analysis.

The common goal:
keep employees healthy, reduce fatigue, and extend work capacity in high-handling environments.