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 every day. These tasks, essential to manufacturing and warehousing operations, often lead to significant physical strain: frequent bending, twisting of the back, handling loads, and difficult positions.

To support their employees, some companies in Canada have recently integrated Auxivo's LiftSuit, a passive exoskeleton designed to reduce lower back strain, improve posture, and limit fatigue. This blog presents a real case of implementation in a manufacturing company, while 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 various metal products intended for the construction sector. Its activities include:

• The handling and lifting of heavy materials like pipes or metal sheets.

• The regular loading of raw materials into production machines.

• The movement of long and cumbersome items sometimes requiring two employees.

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

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

2. The Challenge: Reduce Fatigue and Support the Lower Back

Workers reported:

• lumbar tension at the end of shifts,

• muscle fatigue,

• discomfort during frequent lifts,

• difficulties in maintaining their efficiency level throughout the day.

  
  

Management was looking for a simple, quick-to-adopt solution that could:

• reduce the load on the lower back,

• improve lifting posture,

• support repetitive tasks,

• increase the overall comfort of employees.

  
  

3. The Selected Solution: Auxivo's LiftSuit

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

Auxivo's LiftSuit was chosen for several reasons:

Effectiveness on Lumbar Strain

Immediate support during repeated bending and lifting movements.

Ultralight and Comfortable

No heavy metal parts, allowing for prolonged use.

Compact and Flexible

Ideal for tight spaces and around machines.

Quick Setup

Fits in less than a minute, without disrupting operational flow.

4. Implementation Process: On-site Testing and Adjustments

The company started 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 adjustment and optimization of comfort.

3. At the end of the trial period, the team deemed the results very positive and proceeded with the purchase of 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 Strain

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's light, 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 that includes:

• training in safe lifting,

• ergonomic optimization of workstations,

• welfare programs,

• task rotation,

• continuous ergonomic assessments.

  
  

Interested in Trying an Exoskeleton?

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