Auxivo LiftSuit User manual

Auxivo LiftSuit®
Handbook and User Guideline

Auxivo LiftSuit. Handbook and User Guideline.
Copyright © 2020 Auxivo AG. All rights reserved.
Auxivo® and LiftSuit® are registered Trademarks of Auxivo AG
For all inquiries please contact:
Auxivo AG
Sonnenbergstrasse 72
8603 Schwerzenbach
Switzerland
www.auxivo.com
[e-mail]
[phone]
Version 1.0
May 2020

Table of Contents
1Introduction.................................................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 The LiftSuit............................................................................................................................................. 1
1.2 How it supports you when working....................................................................................................... 1
2LiftSuit User Guidelines .................................................................................................................................. 2
2.1 What kind of work is supported by the LiftSuit? ................................................................................... 2
2.2 What kind of work is not supported?.................................................................................................... 2
2.3 What if my work includes multiple tasks described above? ................................................................. 3
2.4 Who can use the LiftSuit?...................................................................................................................... 3
2.5 Getting started with the LiftSuit ............................................................................................................ 3
3LiftSuit Manual ............................................................................................................................................... 4
3.1 System overview.................................................................................................................................... 4
3.2 System details and components............................................................................................................ 5
3.3 Preparing the LiftSuit for use................................................................................................................. 5
3.4 How to put on the LiftSuit ..................................................................................................................... 6
3.4.1 Put on the LiftSuit loosely ................................................................................................................. 6
3.4.2 Adjusting the vest.............................................................................................................................. 7
3.4.3 Adjusting the thigh cuffs ................................................................................................................... 8
3.4.4 Securing loose straps......................................................................................................................... 9
3.5 Activating and deactivating the LiftSuit............................................................................................... 10
3.6 Customization options......................................................................................................................... 11
3.7 How to take off the LiftSuit ................................................................................................................. 12
4How to get started with the LiftSuit............................................................................................................. 13
4.1 Testing the support provided .............................................................................................................. 13
4.2 Deactivate support while under tension ............................................................................................. 14
4.3 Train a good posture by using the LiftSuit........................................................................................... 14
4.4 Adjusting the support according to your current work ....................................................................... 15
4.5 General tips when using the LiftSuit.................................................................................................... 16
5Technical Specifications................................................................................................................................ 16
6Cleaning, Care and Maintenance ................................................................................................................. 17
6.1 General care ........................................................................................................................................ 17
6.2 Inspections........................................................................................................................................... 17
6.3 Changing the Elastic Energy Storages (EES)......................................................................................... 19
6.4 Cleaning the LiftSuit............................................................................................................................. 20
6.5 Multiple users for one LiftSuit. ............................................................................................................ 20
7Warranty ...................................................................................................................................................... 20
8Contact and Support .................................................................................................................................... 20

1
1 Introduction
1.1 The LiftSuit
The LiftSuit® is a lightweight (<0.9 kg), textile exoskeleton that supports the back and hip muscles when lifting
objects or working in a forward-leaning position. It features integrated elastic elements that store energy which
is then being used to support the user and reduce the workload. The solution offers an easy-to-use, small, and
lightweight support system that the user can activate whenever support is needed, and which can be worn the
entire day without being constraining.
1.2 How it supports you when working
The LiftSuit is designed to support your back and hip muscles when you lift objects from below hip level, or when
you remain in a forward-leaning position. It functions as a layer of additional muscles on the outside of your body
to reduce the load on your own muscles. The LiftSuit is designed to reduce the load on your back and hip muscles
between around 10% and 30% when you lift loads between 5 kg and 20 kg. By doing so, the LiftSuit can prevent
your muscles from fatiguing. In addition, you can use the LiftSuit to keep your back straight when lifting objects.
The LiftSuit supports your back and hip
muscles by providing you with a set of
external muscles on your back.
The Diagram shows muscle activity measurements of a person‘s back
muscles when lifting 10 kg from the ground and putting it back down.
The red line is the muscle activity without the LiftSuit, the blue line with
LiftSuit support. The considerable reduction in muscle activity shows
the support provided by the LiftSuit.
THE QUALITY OF THE LIFTSUIT SUPPORT, THE BENEFIT OF ITS USE AS WELL AS THE WEARING
COMFORT DEPEND ON A CORRECT USE AND GOOD FIT OF THE LIFTSUIT. THEREFORE, PLEASE
TAKE ENOUGH TIME TO READ THIS HANDBOOK, TO ADJUST THE LIFTSUIT TO YOUR INDIVIDUAL
NEEDS AND TO LEARN HOW TO USE IT. IT IS IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND WHAT KIND OF
WORK IS SUPPORTED BY THE LIFTSUIT, AND HOW MUCH SUPPORT IT CAN PROVIDE. IN CASE OF
ANY QUESTIONS REGARDING THE LIFTSUIT, PLEASE CONTACT US FOR ADVICE.
F
F

2
2 LiftSuit User Guidelines
2.1 What kind of work is supported by the LiftSuit?
It is important to understand during what kind of work the LiftSuit provides support, and when it will not. By
design, the LiftSuit can support your back and hip muscles when you lean forward or reach down to pick and lift
an object from below hip level.
The LiftSuit (when activated), will support you each time when you pick something up, or while you remain in a
forward leaning position. Consequently, you will benefit the most from the LiftSuit if your work includes a lot of
repetitive lifting tasks or prolonged periods in a forward leaning position. Specifically, this means that using the
LiftSuit should be considered for work that requires:
Repetitive lifting from below hip level.
Work requiring you to remain in a
forward leaning position.
Handling objects while on your knees and having to
reach for the objects.
2.2 What kind of work is not supported?
The LiftSuit is NOT designed to support other movements or other muscles besides the ones shown above! It
will not prevent you from doing these tasks, but it will not provide you with support. Specifically, this means
you cannot expect much support during tasks such as:
Handling jobs that are above hip level and do not require you to
bent down or lean forward.
Overhead work where your upper body remains in an upright
position.
DO NOT USE THE LIFTSUIT WITHOUT HAVING RECEIVED A TRAINING FIRST.

3
2.3 What if my work includes multiple tasks described above?
If your job consists of several tasks, some of which are supported, some of which are not supported, you can still
use the LiftSuit. Simply activate the Suit during the suitable tasks and deactivate it when you do not need it. With
less than 900 grams of mass and a fully textile design, you will barely notice it and it will not restrict your
movements.
2.4 Who can use the LiftSuit?
The LiftSuit reduces the load on your back and hip muscles by equipping you with “external” muscles. While the
forces on your back and hips are not expected to increase when wearing the LiftSuit, as a precaution people with
back or hip problems are not allowed to use the LiftSuit without prior consultation with a medical professional.
Everyone else can use the LiftSuit. However, you must never conduct any work while wearing the LiftSuit that
would not be considered safe to conduct without the LiftSuit, e.g. lifting very heavy objects. The LiftSuit does not
make you immune to injuries.
2.5 Getting started with the LiftSuit
Before you start using the LiftSuit yourself, or before you hand it out to be used in your company, we advise you
to take the time and read the following sections of this handbook carefully. While the LiftSuit is not a complicated
piece of equipment, you will only benefit by using it correctly. It is a wearable device that can be connected to
your body for hours. This will need some getting used to until it feels like a new natural way of working. To get
the maximum benefit from your LiftSuit, we recommend the following steps:
1. Learn how to put it on, and how to adjust it to your body size.
2. Learn how to use it intuitively without thinking about it. Learn when and how to activate it, and when
and how to deactivate it.
3. Get used to it. Do not use it for 8 hours per day from the beginning. Start with one hour per day and
increase over time until it feels perfectly natural.
4. Follow the exercises in section 4 of this handbook. We have summarized a few helpful tips that will
help you to get used to the LiftSuit quickly.
Once you have adjusted the LiftSuit to your body correctly, learned how to use it intuitively without even thinking
about it and are used to wearing it while working, it will provide you with the support you want to reduce the
load and strain on your muscles and make your work life easier.
“Now that I don’t wear it anymore, I miss the support”
User during early prototype testing after one day
THE LIFTSUIT MUST NOT BE USED BY USERS WITH BACK OR HIP PROBLEMS.
NEVER CONDUCT ANY WORK WHILE WEARING THE LIFTSUIT THAT IS NOT
CONSIDERED SAFE WITHOUT WEARING THE LIFTSUIT.

4
3 LiftSuit Manual
3.1 System overview
The LiftSuit consist of five main elements:
1. The Vest that is connected to your upper body.
2. The Hip Belt that secures the LiftSuit around your waist.
3. The Thigh Cuffs that connect the LiftSuit to your legs.
4. The Activation Mechanism that allows you to activate and deactivate the support.
5. The Elastic Energy Storages (EES) on your back that store your movement energy that is used to
support you when working.
ACTIVATION
MECHANISM
VEST (FRONT)
HIP BELT
THIGH CUFFS
VEST (BACK)
ELASTIC
ENERGY
STORAGE (EES)
HIP BELT
THIGH CUFFS
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS REGARDING THIS MANUAL, PLEASE CONTACT US
TO AVOID ANY MISUNDERSTANDING AND RESULTING RISKS.

5
3.2 System details and components
For operation, maintenance, cleaning and exchanging of the EES it is important to understand how and where to
locate the individual components. If you just get started, feel free to skip this for now and come back later for
more information.
3.3 Preparing the LiftSuit for use
Before using the LiftSuit, make sure that it is adjusted to your individual body height. A total of four straps need
to be adjusted, two on each side. One is the lower EES connecting strap, and one is the elastic strap that connects
the thigh cuffs laterally to the hip belt. Each pair of adjustment buckles should be attuned to the same position
to guarantee a symmetric setting. Once you have roughly adjusted it, put it on and check the length. You can
readjust it later.
Extend connections if necessary
- If your body height is around 190 cm, adjust both elements on
each side to maximum length as shown in the picture
- Make sure the left and right cuff and EES length are adjusted to
the same length.
Shorten connections if necessary
- If your body height is around 160 cm, shorten both elements on
each side by 5 - 10 cm.
- The buckle of the lower EES strap might move upwards through
the hip belt tunnel as illustrated in the picture above.
LOWER EES
CONNECTING STRAP
UPPER EES
CONNECTING STRAP
HANGER LOOP
EES
EES
EES HOOK
HIP BELT
TUNNEL
ADJUSTMENT
BUCKLES BACK
LENGTH
ACTIVATION
MECHANISM
ACTIVATION
BUCKLE
ACTIVATION
STRAPS
RELEASE
BUCKLE
RELEASE
BUCKLE
RELEASE
BUCKLE
EES HOOK
EES ELASTICS
ADJUSTMENT
BUCKLES
ADJUSTMENT
BUCKLE
ADJUSTMENT
BUCKLE
ADJUSTMENT
BUCKLES
ADJUSTMENT
BUCKLE

6
3.4 How to put on the LiftSuit
3.4.1 Put on the LiftSuit loosely
OBJECTIVE: Before the LiftSuit is individually adjusted, all connections should be closed.
1Put on the vest
- Place the vest loosely over shoulders
- All other components hang freely on the back
2Close the hip belt and tighten it
- Grab both parts of the release buckle laterally at the right/left
side of the body
- Close buckle always on left side of the body
- Tighten hip belt, but rather loosely
3Loosely fasten the chest belt
- Close the two parts of the release buckle of the chest connection
- Extend distance if necessary (release)
4Loosely close the cuffs
- Grab the buckle part at the loose end of the strap between the
legs and run it through the guiding loop at the padded end of
the cuff
- Close the release buckle on the front of the leg
- Repeat with second side
GUIDING
LOOP
RELEASE
BUCKLE
RELEASE
BUCKLE
RELEASE
BUCKLE
RELEASE
BUCKLE

7
3.4.2 Adjusting the vest
OBJECTIVE: ideal fit for the best support effect with maximum comfort on chest and shoulders
•The vest should sit tightly on the upper body so that a slight pressure on the chest can be felt when
inhaling.
•With outstretched arms, the edge of the vest should not press against the arms.
•Activation buckles should be at collarbone level.
5Tighten the vest at side connection and chest
belt
- Pull at the loose end of the strap
- For easier tightening it can help to lift the buckle slightly
- The vest should fit tightly to the upper body
6Adjust the height of chest belt
- The cross connection over the chest should be max. 4
fingers away from the lower edge of the breastbone
- Both sides must be moved separately and positioned
symmetrically at the same height to the right/left
7Check position and fit
- Stand upright and straight >> Are the activation buckles
positioned at collar bone level?
- Take a deep breath. Any pressure on the chest, ribs or back?
- Re-adjust if necessary
8Check mobility
- Stretch out your arms and fold your hands: Evaluate the
freedom of movement at the at the edge of the vest
- If the pressure/friction against arm base is uncomfortable >>
Loosen vest slightly at sides and tighten chest belt
ACTIVATION
BUCKLE
DEEP
BREATH

8
3.4.3 Adjusting the thigh cuffs
OBJECTIVE: ideal adjustment for maximum comfort with good fit on thigh and groin.
•The cuff should sit so tightly that a flat hand can be pushed between the thigh and the cuff without
much effort.
•The elastic connection to the hip belt should be vertically straight on the side, if necessary, turn/move
the thigh cuff around the thigh.
9Place and tighten the cuffs
- Adjust right and left side one after the other
- Push upwards to the crotch of the trousers
- Pull at the loose end of the strap and tighten until cuffs no
longer hang loose
10 Check position and fit
- Turn the cuff around the thigh until the elastic connection is
straight on both sides in a vertical direction
11 Check optimal tightness of cuffs
- Make sure that the cuffs have a tight fit without squeezing your
leg. It shouldn’t move in use and still be comfortable to wear.
- it should be possible to slide your hand between cuff and leg
- when placed between cuff and leg there should be a light
pressure on the hand
12 Readjust/-position when working on knees
- When working on the knees or squatting, the position should
be re-adjusted (slightly loosened > release by tilting the buckle
on the side of the loose end of the strap
- Align the elastic connection on the sides if it has been shifted by
readjustment

9
3.4.4 Securing loose straps
•Ensure that all strap ends are guided through the elastic thread-back loops provided.
•Thread-back loops should be as far away from the buckle as possible.
13 Chest connection
- Put the webbing end through the thread-back loop
- Move the thread-back loop as far as possible away from the
release buckle
14 Side adjustment
- Put the strap ends on both sides (right/left) through the thread-
back loops
- Move the thread-back loops as far as possible away from the
tension lock buckle
15 Hip belt
- Put the strap end through the slidable and the fix thread-back
loop
- Move the slidable thread-back loop as far as possible away
from the buckle
16 Cuffs
- Put the strap ends on right/left cuff through the thread-back
loops
- Check again if the buckle runs through the guiding loop at the
front end of the padding (correct by re-opening the buckle and
putting either part of the buckle below the guiding loop)
IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU CAREFULLY SECURE ALL LOOSE STRAPS BEFORE
YOU START WORKING. OTHERWISE THERE IS A RISK THAT THEY GET COUGHT IN
MOVING PARTS LIKE CONVEYOR BELTS.
THREAD-BACK LOOP
THREAD-BACK LOOP
THREAD-BACK LOOP
GUIDING LOOP

10
3.5 Activating and deactivating the LiftSuit
Make sure that you activate the LiftSuit when you want support. But also make sure that you deactivate it again
once you finished your task.
ACTIVATE
DEACTIVATE
Place thumbs in the loops of activation straps and ...
Tilt the levers of the de- / activation buckles upwards and…
… in an upright position pull forward until stop.
…slightly bend forward (activation loops slide as far as they will
go).
DEACTIVATE THE LIFTSUIT WHENEVER YOU DO NOT NEED THE SUPPORT, E.G.
DURING BREAKS. THIS WAY YOU ENSURE THAT IT DOES NOT CONSTRAIN YOUR
MOVEMENTS.

11
3.6 Customization options
If friction or pressure points occur during use, corrections can be made by readjusting the vest and thigh cuffs.
This might be necessary especially during the first hour of use, when the LiftSuit “settles” after putting it on, or
when you change your workplace and you switch e.g. from standing work to working on your knees.
TIGHTEN
Pull the loose end of the strap away from the buckle
to tighten it.
Eventually also tilt the buckle slightly to reduce
tension.
LOOSEN
Grab the buckle and tilt it on the side of the loose
strap end and pull it.
How to tighten the chest belt
How to loosen the chest belt
How to tighten the side connection
How to loosen the side connection
How to tighten the thigh cuffs
How to loosen the thigh cuffs

12
3.7 How to take off the LiftSuit
1 - Make sure the system is deactivated before taking the
LiftSuit off.
2 - Open all 4 release buckles. Chest belt, Hip belt and
both thigh cuffs.
3 - Take it off by removing the vest. Hip belt and cuffs
follow if you opened all buckles.
4 - Hang it somewhere if possible. This way it is much
easier to put it back on and this allows the LiftSuit
to dry in case you were sweating.
HEAT: AS THE LIFTSUIT IS AN ADDITIONAL LAYER OF FABRIC, IT CAN GET WARM.
ESPECIALLY UNDERNEATH THE VEST OR THE THIGH CUFFS. THIS IS USUALLY NOT
A PROBLEM AND THE LIFTSUIT CAN BE WASHED IF YOU ARE SWEATING. IN CASE
IT GETS UNCOMFORTABLY WARM UNDERNEATH THE LIFTSUIT, TAKE IT OFF TO
AVOID OVERHEATING DURING WORK.

13
4 How to get started with the LiftSuit
Like any other kind of new equipment, you will need some training to learn how to use the LiftSuit. Please take
enough time to learn how to correctly put the LiftSuit on, how to adjust it to your size and how to use it during
work. This will ensure that you get the most benefits out of using the LiftSuit.
As a wearable device, your body but also your mind will need some time to adjust to the support provided by
the LiftSuit. It will change the work “feeling”. Give yourself enough time to get used to it.
Start using the LiftSuit only for one hour initially on the first day, then increase duration over time. Also give
yourself enough time to find the optimal setting of the Suit to provide the right amount of support. You can also
test the LiftSuit at the beginning of your work when you are well rested, and at the end of your work when your
muscles are already fatigued.
The following tips will help you to quickly learn and understand the support provided. The goal is that you wear
it without noticing it, while you activate and deactivate it intuitively to get the support you want during any given
situation
4.1 Testing the support provided
It is important to understand the level of support the LiftSuit provides. It is designed to reduce the load on your
muscles by around 10%-30%. Before using it during work, test the support of the LiftSuit. Activate the support
and test it. Then deactivate and test it. When focusing on your lower back muscles, you will feel a difference.
TEST WITH ACTIVATED SYSTEM
Activate the system
Lift an abject (around 5kg) five to ten times from the floor.
TEST WITH DE-ACTIVATED SYSTEM
Deactivate the LiftSuit
Lift the same object again. Do you feel the difference?
ACTIVATED
DE-ACTIVATED

14
4.2 Deactivate support while under tension
This test is another way to experience the support provided by the LiftSuit. You will deactivate the support while
you are in a forward leaning position. Focus on how your back muscle react.
Activate the system
Lean forward and feel the support
Deactivate the system by tilting the
activation buckles with your thumbs,
while remaining in the forward-
leaning position.
4.3 Train a good posture by using the LiftSuit
You will feel the support that is provided by the LiftSuit. Use this information as a reminder to correct you back
posture if necessary. Your back should remain straight while lifting.
You will feel the assisting force of the LiftSuit
on your thighs and shoulders.
Every time you feel this force, remind yourself that
you are now lifting and try to keep you back straight.

15
4.4 Adjusting the support according to your current work
You may need different levels of support in different situations. Below you can find some recommendations. But
eventually it is important that you adjust the LiftSuit yourself so that it is supportive and comfortable to you.
When you lean forward only a little bit, the preload of the elastic
energy storage elements can be high to provide support.
When you lean forward for a deep lift, the preload on the elastic
energy storage elements can be lower. It should not restrict you
from bending down.
When kneeling, the preload can also be readjusted. Make sure the
LiftSuit is deactivated when you transfer from a standing to a
kneeling position. Activate once on your knees.
You can adjust the preload on the EES with the activation
mechanism. Left: The Activation Straps on your chest are short. In
this position the suit will only support you during a deep lift. Right:
The Activation Straps on your chest are long. In this position the
suit will already support small upper body movements.

16
4.5 General tips when using the LiftSuit
Before you start working, remember to activate it.
When you are on a break, deactivate the system.
When you sit down, you should deactivate the system. Simply tilt
the activation buckles up while sitting down.
Make sure the LiftSuit is deactivated when climbing stairs.
5 Technical Specifications
The main technical specifications of the LiftSuit are summarized below.
Characteristic
Value
Mass overall
0.9 kg
Dimensions (packed)
Around 25 cm x 50 cm x 10 cm
Dimension on a coat rack
Around 110 cm x 30 cm x 15 cm
Size
One size fits all (M-L)
Back height
45-60 cm
Chest circumference
88-130 cm
Hip circumference
75-120 cm
Thigh circumference
46-75 cm

17
6 Cleaning, Care and Maintenance
6.1 General care
•Avoid touching sharp and piercing objects with LiftSuit.
•Ensure that the LiftSuit is stored in a dry and ventilated place without direct sunlight.
•Keep your LiftSuit clean from oil and chemicals that could damage it.
6.2 Inspections
For the visual inspection, follow the checklist below:
Activation Mechanism:
Are there any signs of
wear and tear on the
activation buckle
(rounded spikes)?
Activation Mechanism:
Are there any signs of
wear and tear on the
activation straps
obviously created by
abrasion and interaction
with the buckle?
CONDUCT A VISUAL INSPECTION OF YOUR LIFTSUIT AT LEAST ONCE A MONTH
TO ENSURE THAT THERE ARE NO PROBLEMS CAUSED BY WEAR AND TEAR. IN
CASE YOU IDENTIFY A POSSIBLE PROBLEM, REMOVE THE LIFTSUIT FROM
OPERATION AND CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER.