How Ex Libris Supports Logistics Workers with Exoskeletons
- sofiadani3
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
A Physically Demanding Job – Every Day
At the logistics hub of Ex Libris, Switzerland’s largest bookseller, warehouse teams are responsible for moving and processing thousands of articles per day. The incoming goods arrive packed in heavy boxes, often weighing up to 20 kilograms. From early morning, workers unload pallets, sort the contents, and transport them across the warehouse floor.
For employees, this means long hours on their feet, frequent lifting, and constant movement throughout the facility. Over time, the physical demands of this work can take a toll – especially on the lower back and shoulders.
To better support their staff in these daily tasks, Ex Libris introduced the LiftSuit – a passive exoskeleton that helps reduce strain and support healthier movement patterns during physically demanding tasks.
A New Level of Support: The LiftSuit in Daily Use
The LiftSuit is a lightweight, textile exoskeleton designed specifically to relieve the back during repetitive tasks. By storing and returning gravitational energy, it provides subtle support without restricting mobility – making it suitable for dynamic work environments like logistics.
Several logistics workers at Ex Libris have now been using the LiftSuit daily for over a year. Markus Altorfer, who has been working in logistics for four years, describes how it has changed his workday:
“At first, I didn’t expect much from the LiftSuit. But I noticed changes pretty quickly. My posture improved. I started standing straighter, even when I wasn’t wearing it. And at the end of the day, my back just didn’t hurt as much anymore.”
Putting on the LiftSuit is now part of Markus’ routine. He wears it throughout his entire shift and takes it off only during breaks.
“It’s like putting on a backpack. You close a few straps and you’re good to go. It’s really easy.”
Noticing the Difference in Daily Movement
Mica Koch, another member of the logistics team, has a different perspective shaped by his height. As a tall person, he often has to bend further than others to reach low-placed boxes – a task that places extra strain on the lower back.
“The first thing I noticed was that the LiftSuit made me aware of how badly I’d been moving for years. It corrected my posture – not in a forceful way, but just enough to feel the difference. After a few days, I got used to it. Now it feels like a second layer of clothing.”
Mica lifts heavy loads for eight hours a day. The physical effort remains the same, but the impact on his body has changed.
“I used to have back pain once a week. That happens much less now. I still feel tired at the end of the day, but it’s not that kind of pain-related tiredness. It’s just a normal end-of-day feeling.”
He also appreciates how low-maintenance the LiftSuit is: there’s nothing manage during the day – it just works alongside his movement.
Thinking Long-Term About Physical Work
Both Markus and Mica point out that the LiftSuit has not only affected how they feel during the day, but also how they think about their work in the long run. While logistics work will always involve physical effort, small changes in support can help maintain health over time.
“We want to keep doing this job without overloading our bodies,” says Mica. “That’s why I think it makes sense to use supports like this – not just for now but also looking ahead.”
By encouraging better posture and reducing the strain on specific muscle groups, the LiftSuit helps workers stay more aware of their movements and reduce unnecessary stress on the body.
Easy Integration into the Work Routine
One aspect of the LiftSuit that was noted as a big advantage was its simplicity. No batteries, motors, or setup time. Workers put it on like a harness, adjust a few straps, and it’s ready to go.
“It’s like putting on work gloves or safety shoes. You just do it, and it makes a difference,” Markus explains.
Each logistics employee at Ex Libris has their own personal LiftSuit to ensure proper fit, comfort, and hygiene. It’s worn over normal work clothing and has quickly become a standard part of the daily routine.
The only drawback mentioned: in summer, the suit can feel warm. But for the workers using it, the benefits outweigh that occasional inconvenience.
A Practical Addition to the Workplace
For the logistics team at Ex Libris, the LiftSuit has become a practical and valued tool. While it doesn’t change the nature of the work itself, it helps make physically demanding tasks more manageable and less taxing.
“It helps. It looks cool. And it makes the day easier,” Mica summarizes with a smile.
Interested in Supporting Your Team with the LiftSuit?
If your employees regularly perform physical work, the LiftSuit can offer real benefits – from reducing strain to improving comfort over the course of a workday.
Contact us to learn more about how our wearable exoskeletons can support your workforce.
