Physical strainFrom the maker's public info

UPLIFT Lite

Mawashi Science & Technology · Canada

Battery-free back exoskeleton with elastic bands, 1.6 kg, switched on and off by hand at the waistband.

Outer side of the complete kitPhoto: Mawashi Science & Technology

UPLIFT Lite is a soft, battery-free back exoskeleton from Canada's Mawashi Science & Technology, weighing 1.6 kg (maker's figure) and worn like a backpack with a waistband and two thigh harnesses. Elastic bands between the back and thighs stretch as the wearer bends or squats and help them straighten up. Pulling straps on the waistband switches the assistance on and sets its strength; release buckles switch it off.

Weight (maker's figure): 1.6 kg
Back length, 2 torso sizes: 35–55 cm
Thigh girth, 4 thigh sizes: 39–78 cm
Operating temperature: −10 to +50 °C

Maker's product page Jump to the sheet

Written from: uplift.mawashi.ca
Information as of: 2026-10-11
Local partner: Not in public info

Reduces

Lower-back strain from repeated bending, stooping and low-level lifting

Suitable for

Tasks with frequent bending, stooping or squatting, repeated handling below waist height, or long forward-leaning work. The maker names assembly, construction and masonry, material handling and logistics, manufacturing, food and beverage, textiles, and planting and harvesting.

Not suitable for

Not for places with a risk of explosion, sparks or fire, or near high-voltage lines. The assistance hampers leg movement when driving and must be switched off before getting into a vehicle. Not for upper-limb or overhead work, not a medical device, and not to be used to increase strength. Users under 18 or over 65, pregnant workers and people with external medical devices or existing back or spine disorders are excluded. Operating range −10 to +50 °C.

The maker's warnings (16)

Back view of UPLIFT Lite being worn, with elastic bands running from the back panel over the buttocks to the thigh harnesses — The elastic bands sit over the buttocks between the back panel and the thigh harnessesPhoto: Mawashi Science & Technology

01 · How it works

Elastic bands that help you straighten up

A passive design: bending stores energy in elastic bands, which give part of it back as the wearer straightens. There is nothing to charge.

The Lite has three parts: a back harness worn like a backpack, a waistband and two thigh harnesses. Elastic bands run from the back panel over the buttocks to the thigh harnesses. With the assistance switched on, the bands stretch when the wearer bends forward or squats, help control the descent and return part of that energy when standing back up. The maker presents it as reducing part of the effort on targeted tasks, not as replacing it.

No motor, battery or charging; about 90% of the device is fabric (maker's figure)
The strength of the assistance depends on how far the waistband straps are pulled
Aimed at bending, stooping, squatting and repeated handling at low level
Not designed for the arms or shoulders, or for work done mainly above shoulder height

02 · Fitting

Sizing, putting it on and switching it on and off

Our summary of the maker's quick reference guide, measurements chart and donning and usage video.

01
Measure and choose the sizes
Measure the back length from the C7 vertebra at the base of the neck down to the hollow of the lower back, and the thigh girth at the fullest part of the thigh. The maker's chart then gives the torso harness (LH1 or LH2) with its setting, and the thigh harness (LT1–LT4).
02
Set the torso length and attach the thigh harnesses
Fix the back panel at the setting that matches the measured back length. Clip each thigh harness to the back-assist buckles, checking the label so that left and right are not swapped.
03
Put it on like a backpack
Fasten the waistband with enough room to move, then the chest strap. Pull the shoulder straps down and slightly back until the reflective edge sits between the top of the shoulder and the collarbone.
04
Wrap and calibrate the thigh harnesses
Close each harness around the thigh with its hook-and-loop strip, leaving room for the muscles to expand, and line the reflective edge up with the side of the leg. Tighten the wide side strap, then the two rear pull handles, so the elastic bands rest over the buttocks. Tuck away loose webbing.
05
Switch on and set the strength
Pull the straps of the tensioning system on the waistband. The tension in the elastic bands rises gradually: the more tension, the more support.
06
Switch off before driving and before removal
Lean slightly forward and pull the rigid release buckles; the bands return to their calibrated state. The maker says to switch the assistance off before getting into a vehicle. To take it off, loosen the thigh straps, remove the thigh harnesses, then undo the chest strap and waistband.

03 · Specs

Specifications from the maker's documents

From the product page, flyer, quick reference guide, measurements chart, kit product sheets and FAQ.

Build and weight

Type: Passive back exoskeleton with elastic bands; no motor or battery
Weight: 1.6 kg (3.5 lb)
Fabric share: About 90% (maker's figure)
Materials: Textile, polymer and aluminium
Kit dimensions: 16 × 11 × 3 in (about 41 × 28 × 8 cm) to 20 × 11 × 3 in (about 51 × 28 × 8 cm), depending on the kit
Package size: 20 × 11 × 7 in (about 51 × 28 × 18 cm)
Colour: Black

Assistance and controls

Switching on: Pull the tensioning straps on the waistband; more tension gives more support
Switching off: Pull the rigid release buckles while leaning slightly forward
Assisted movements: Bending, stooping, squatting and repeated handling at low level
Donning time: About 20 s to put on, about 10 s for quick adjustments (maker's video titles)

Sizes

Torso harness LH1: Back length 35–47 cm, 7 settings
Torso harness LH2: Back length 43–55 cm, 7 settings
Thigh harness LT1: Thigh girth 39–47 cm
Thigh harness LT2: Thigh girth 47–54 cm
Thigh harness LT3: Thigh girth 54–65 cm
Thigh harness LT4: Thigh girth 65–78 cm
Coverage: Designed for up to 90% of the adult population (maker's figure)
Kits: Each kit combines a back size (1–2), an assist size (1–2) and a thigh size (1–4)

Environment, care and warranty

Operating conditions: −10 to +50 °C, 25–100% RH
Storage conditions: −32 to +50 °C, 25–70% RH
Washing: Machine wash, warm or cold, in the supplied laundry bag; air dry only, no tumble dryer
Maintenance: Regular visual inspection; elastic bands replaced as needed, about every 1–2 years
Warranty: 1 year, parts and labour, under normal use

04 · Lite vs UPLIFT

How the Lite differs from the modular UPLIFT

Mawashi also sells the original UPLIFT, a modular system whose required back module can take optional shoulder and knee modules.

Areas assisted
UPLIFT Lite
Lower back
UPLIFT (modular)
Back module (required); optional shoulder and knee modules
Weight
UPLIFT Lite
1.6 kg
UPLIFT (modular)
2.3 kg back module only; 5.5 kg full system
Sizes
UPLIFT Lite
Torso LH1–LH2 (7 settings each); thigh LT1–LT4
UPLIFT (modular)
Torso TO1–TO4; thigh TH1–TH4; arm AR1–AR4
Back assistance on and off
UPLIFT Lite
Waistband straps on, release buckles off
UPLIFT (modular)
Same method; shoulder and knee modules have their own controls
Cleaning
UPLIFT Lite
Whole unit machine washable in the supplied bag
UPLIFT (modular)
Rinse with a garden hose, no pressure washer; removable pads machine washable
Warranty as published
UPLIFT Lite
1 year, parts and labour (FAQ)
UPLIFT (modular)
12 months from delivery, mechanisms only; soft goods, cables and elastics excluded (manual)
Operating temperature
UPLIFT Lite
−10 to +50 °C
UPLIFT (modular)
−10 to +50 °C
Price
UPLIFT Lite
Not published by the maker
UPLIFT (modular)
Not published by the maker

Item	UPLIFT Lite	UPLIFT (modular)
Areas assisted	Lower back	Back module (required); optional shoulder and knee modules
Weight	1.6 kg	2.3 kg back module only; 5.5 kg full system
Sizes	Torso LH1–LH2 (7 settings each); thigh LT1–LT4	Torso TO1–TO4; thigh TH1–TH4; arm AR1–AR4
Back assistance on and off	Waistband straps on, release buckles off	Same method; shoulder and knee modules have their own controls
Cleaning	Whole unit machine washable in the supplied bag	Rinse with a garden hose, no pressure washer; removable pads machine washable
Warranty as published	1 year, parts and labour (FAQ)	12 months from delivery, mechanisms only; soft goods, cables and elastics excluded (manual)
Operating temperature	−10 to +50 °C	−10 to +50 °C
Price	Not published by the maker	Not published by the maker

UPLIFT figures come from the UPLIFT Gen 2.1 user manual (v1.1, November 2023) linked from the maker's support page. The maker introduced the Lite in November 2024 as a lighter, more affordable model built on the same back module.

05 · Cautions

Where it must not be used, and who should not wear it

From the safety instructions in the maker's quick reference guide (v1.0) and its occupational health and safety page. The quotes are the maker's own words.

Our summary, then the maker's own words

Do not use it where there is a risk of explosion.
In the maker's words: Do not use the product where there is risk of explosion. uplift.mawashi.ca
Do not use it where there is a risk of sparks or fire.
In the maker's words: Do not use the product where there is risk of sparks or fire. uplift.mawashi.ca
Do not use it near high-voltage lines.
In the maker's words: Do not use the product in proximity of high-voltage lines. uplift.mawashi.ca
With the assistance on, leg movement is hampered when driving, and the harness can snag on vehicle parts when getting in or out. Assess the vehicle and task first, and switch the assistance off before getting in.
In the maker's words: Turn off assistive function of the product prior to entering in vehicle. uplift.mawashi.ca
It is not meant to increase strength. Keep the weight of handled objects within the limits set by occupational health and safety rules.
In the maker's words: Do not use the product to increase user’s strength. uplift.mawashi.ca
Evaluate the job and its hazards before use. Do not modify the product or add accessories the maker has not approved.
In the maker's words: Before using the product, perform a job task evaluation to ensure there are no hazards or risks that could pose a threat to users. uplift.mawashi.ca
Not to be used by people under 18 or over 65, by pregnant workers, or by people using external medical devices.
In the maker's words: This product is not to be used by persons: under 18 or over 65 years of age, with external medical devices, who are pregnant uplift.mawashi.ca
Also excluded: people with existing musculoskeletal disorders or disease of the back and spine, skin disease, injuries, inflammation or swollen raised scars, or sensory or circulatory disorders in the arms, legs or back.
In the maker's words: with pre-existing musculoskeletal impairment or disease of the back and spine uplift.mawashi.ca
It can chafe and worsen allergic or damaged skin. Wear clothing on the skin it covers, and do not use it on damaged skin.
In the maker's words: Do not use the product if your skin is damaged, for example by inflammations, rashes or raised scars. uplift.mawashi.ca
Loose straps can catch in moving, rotating or reciprocating machinery. Tuck them in and secure them, and follow site rules to decide whether use is safe.
In the maker's words: Tuck in and secure all loose straps if using product in presence of machinery. uplift.mawashi.ca
It may prevent the use of, or alter the protection given by, some PPE and clothing, and clothing worn over it can block the controls. Check compatibility with fall-arrest harnesses, respirators, coveralls and other PPE first.
In the maker's words: The product does not replace protective function of personal protective equipment uplift.mawashi.ca
Mould or bacteria can grow on it, and sharing it can spread infection. Clean it regularly and before passing it to another worker, and let it dry before storage.
In the maker's words: Clean the product regularly, and before passing it for use between personnel uplift.mawashi.ca
Extreme heat or cold, flame, embers, sparks, chemicals and immersion can damage it. Do not submerge it or expose it to salts, check it before every use, and contact the maker before using it near harsh chemicals.
In the maker's words: The product can be damaged if exposed to extreme heat, extreme cold, flame, embers, sparks or chemical agents uplift.mawashi.ca
The wrong size or poor adjustment can cause discomfort. If discomfort, joint tenderness or pain appears, stop using it and tell a supervisor.
In the maker's words: If you experience discomfort, joint tenderness and/or pain as a result of using the product, discontinue use and alert your supervisor. uplift.mawashi.ca
It is not a medical device and is not intended for clinical, rehabilitation or walking-assistance use.
In the maker's words: Not a medical device (clinical / rehabilitation / walking) uplift.mawashi.ca
It is not designed for the arms or shoulders, for unusually heavy loads, or for pushing up the work pace.
In the maker's words: Not designed for the upper limbs. uplift.mawashi.ca

06 · FAQ

What the maker's FAQ says

Which tasks is UPLIFT Lite meant for?

Mainly bending, repeated material handling and tasks that keep the back bent. The maker says it does not cover upper-limb needs such as the neck, shoulders or elbows, and that it reduces part of the effort rather than all of it.

From the maker's site

Can it be worn with PPE and work clothing?

The maker says it is designed to work with most PPE and workwear, and that it sits close to the body so it can go under or over some garments. It recommends checking the fit on the actual tasks.

From the maker's site

Can it be washed?

Yes. It goes in the washing machine, in warm or cold water, inside the laundry bag supplied with it. Air dry only; do not tumble dry.

From the maker's site

What maintenance and warranty apply?

Regular visual checks are the main task. The elastic bands are consumables, replaced as needed about every 1–2 years depending on use. The warranty is one year on parts and labour under normal use.

From the maker's site

Can we try it before buying?

In some cases. The maker asks companies to contact it to find out whether they qualify for a trial, depending on their tasks and site constraints.

From the maker's site

Can a worker with a back injury use it?

The maker advises healing and stabilising the injury with a physician first. In some cases it may support a gradual return to work, but only with the physician's guidance and approval. Note that the quick reference guide lists existing back and spine disorders among its exclusions.

From the maker's site

07 · Videos

Official fitting, measuring and site videos

UPLIFT Lite - Donning & Usage
Mawashi Science & Technology · 3:35 · English
Plays from YouTube once started. Open on YouTube
UPLIFT Lite - User Measurements
Mawashi Science & Technology · 2:49 · English
Plays from YouTube once started. Open on YouTube
UPLIFT Lite | The Ultimate Lightweight Exoskeleton for Masonry
Mawashi Science & Technology · 0:48 · English
Plays from YouTube once started. Open on YouTube

08 · Sheet

Side by side, on the same sheet.

Every product in the catalog is described with the same fields, in the same order, so you can compare them side by side. What it reduces and where it fits are at the top of this page.

Key specs: Passive back exoskeleton: elastic bands link the back harness to two thigh harnesses; no motor or battery. 1.6 kg, about 90% fabric (maker's figures); textile, polymer and aluminium. Pulling straps on the waistband switches assistance on and sets its strength; release buckles switch it off. Torso harness LH1/LH2, 7 settings each, for back lengths 35–55 cm; thigh harness LT1–LT4 for 39–78 cm. Operating −10 to +50 °C. Machine washable in the supplied bag; air dry.
Price conditions: Not in public info
Trial: Not in public info
Lead time: Not in public info
Service and repair: 1-year warranty on parts and labour under normal use (maker's FAQ). Elastic bands are consumables, replaced as needed about every 1–2 years depending on use.
Local partner: Not in public info
StandardsMaker's declaration: Not in public info

09 · Documents

Documents and links.

Official files and pages from Mawashi Science & Technology. Each opens on the maker's site.

10 · Maker

Mawashi Science & Technology

Canada

Mawashi Science & Technology was founded in Quebec in 2003 and develops body-worn equipment, first for defence, law enforcement and correctional services. After joining a US Special Operations Forces exoskeleton project in 2014, it introduced the UPRISE load-carriage exoskeleton in 2017, then developed UPLIFT for industry from 2019 and launched it in June 2023. It takes part in the ASTM F48 committee on exoskeletons.

Founded: 2003
Headquarters: Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, Canada
Website: mawashi.ca

Sources34

Read on 2026-10-11. Each date below is the version we read: an archived copy's capture date, or a document's own date.

UPLIFT Lite product page (EN; page modified 2026-03-27)uplift.mawashi.ca · 2026-10-11
UPLIFT Lite product page (FR)uplift.mawashi.ca · 2026-10-11
UPLIFT Lite – Support and Resources (page modified 2026-03-20)uplift.mawashi.ca · 2026-10-11
UPLIFT Lite – Occupational Health & Safety: limits of use, FAQ (page modified 2026-05-06)uplift.mawashi.ca · 2026-10-11
UPLIFT Lite: prepare your meeting (page modified 2026-08-10)uplift.mawashi.ca · 2026-10-11
Construction & Masonry Industry, UPLIFT Lite FAQ (page modified 2026-08-06)uplift.mawashi.ca · 2026-10-11
Material Handling & Logistics Industry (page modified 2026-07-20)uplift.mawashi.ca · 2026-10-11
Manufacturing Industry (page modified 2026-08-06)uplift.mawashi.ca · 2026-10-11
Food & Beverage Industry (page modified 2026-08-06)uplift.mawashi.ca · 2026-10-11
Textile Industry (page modified 2026-08-06)uplift.mawashi.ca · 2026-10-11
UPLIFT (modular) product page (page modified 2026-10-08)uplift.mawashi.ca · 2026-10-11
UPLIFT – Support and Resourcesuplift.mawashi.ca · 2026-10-11
UPLIFT Technologyuplift.mawashi.ca · 2026-10-11
UPLIFT site homeuplift.mawashi.ca · 2026-10-11
Contact & Distribution (page modified 2026-10-08)uplift.mawashi.ca · 2026-10-11
Legal Notices (terms of use)uplift.mawashi.ca · 2026-10-11
About Mawashimawashi.ca · 2026-10-11
Mawashi corporate homemawashi.ca · 2026-10-11
Find a distributor (EN)mawashi.ca · 2026-10-11
Trouver un distributeur (FR, page modified 2025-10-23)mawashi.ca · 2026-10-11
UPLIFT Lite Quick Reference Guide v1.0 (PDF, created 2025-03)uplift.mawashi.ca · 2026-10-11
UPLIFT Lite Measurements Chart v1.1 (PDF, created 2025-08)uplift.mawashi.ca · 2026-10-11
UPLIFT Lite promotional flyer EN_01 (PDF, created 2024-11)uplift.mawashi.ca · 2026-10-11
Product sheet 02-10-2111-00-S-01-00, kit back 1 / assist 1 / thigh 1 (PDF)uplift.mawashi.ca · 2026-10-11
Product sheet 02-10-2224-00-S-01-00, kit back 2 / assist 2 / thigh 4 (PDF)uplift.mawashi.ca · 2026-10-11
Product sheet 02-10-9003-00-S-01-00, laundry bag (PDF)uplift.mawashi.ca · 2026-10-11
UPLIFT Gen 2.1 user manual v1.1, November 2023 (PDF, modular UPLIFT)uplift.mawashi.ca · 2026-10-11
Maker's WordPress media library listing (image files)uplift.mawashi.ca · 2026-10-11
YouTube: UPLIFT Lite - Donning & Usage (2025-05-15), incl. auto-captionsyoutube.com · 2026-10-11
YouTube: UPLIFT Lite - User Measurements (2025-05-13), incl. auto-captionsyoutube.com · 2026-10-11
YouTube: UPLIFT Lite | The Ultimate Lightweight Exoskeleton for Masonry (2025-01-09)youtube.com · 2026-10-11
YouTube: Mawashi | UPLIFT Lite Launch (2024-11-08), descriptionyoutube.com · 2026-10-11
YouTube channel video list, Mawashi Science & Technologyyoutube.com · 2026-10-11
Exoskeleton Report catalog entry for UPLIFT Lite (third party, corroboration only)exoskeletonreport.com · 2026-10-11

We wrote this page from Mawashi Science & Technology's public website and documents as of 2026-10-11. Mawashi Science & Technology has not confirmed anything on it and is not involved with this site. Photos and videos are Mawashi Science & Technology's own, each linked to where it appears. Items the maker does not publish are marked “Not in public info”. Standards are the maker's declarations; we do not judge compliance.

Other products on the same sheet

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Custom Fit Kneepads
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Full-length kneepads that move kneeling weight onto the shins, sized to each worker's leg measurements.
Hapo BACK
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At a glance

Reduces

Suitable for

Not suitable for

Elastic bands that help you straighten up

Sizing, putting it on and switching it on and off

Measure and choose the sizes

Set the torso length and attach the thigh harnesses

Put it on like a backpack

Wrap and calibrate the thigh harnesses

Switch on and set the strength

Switch off before driving and before removal

Specifications from the maker's documents

Build and weight

Assistance and controls

Sizes

Environment, care and warranty

How the Lite differs from the modular UPLIFT

Where it must not be used, and who should not wear it

What the maker's FAQ says

Official fitting, measuring and site videos

Side by side, on the same sheet.

Documents and links.

Mawashi Science & Technology

Other products on the same sheet

BionicBack

Custom Fit Kneepads

Hapo BACK