Hyundai Motor and Kia Corporation have unveiled the X-ble Shoulder, a wearable robot designed to revolutionise industrial efficiency while significantly reducing musculoskeletal injuries.
Introduced at the Wearable Robot Tech Day at Hyundai Motorstudio Goyang, this pioneering device promises to be useful for industries as diverse as construction, shipbuilding, and agriculture.
The X-ble Shoulder is designed with overhead tasks in mind; this robot assists upper arm muscles, reducing shoulder strain by up to 60% and muscle activity by 30%.
Weighing just 1.9kg, the X-ble Shoulder is crafted from high-strength carbon composite and wear-resistant materials.
The parts that touch the user’s body feature impact-resistant materials, ensuring safety even in demanding environments. The modular design makes maintenance a breeze, while the detachable vest means it’s easy to clean.
What sets this wearable apart is its muscle compensation module, which provides assistive force without needing a battery. This patented multi-link system allows for up to 700,000 folding and unfolding actions annually, adapting seamlessly to various industrial tasks.
Available in basic and adjustable versions, the X-ble Shoulder offers customised solutions: the basic model caters to dynamic, ever-changing postures, while the adjustable variant is ideal for repetitive tasks.
Hyundai and Kia conducted a two-year trial involving 300 workers and health managers, incorporating feedback into the design. From unrestricted arm movement to adjustable assistive force, every feature reflects what users need most in a high-performance wearable.
The Robotics Lab plans to roll out additional devices, including the X-ble Waist for heavy lifting and the X-ble MEX, a medical robot aimed at rehabilitating walking impairments.
As Dong Jin Hyun, Vice President and Head of Robotics Lab, puts it: “We aim to create products that work naturally with users to enhance their daily lives. By pushing technological boundaries, we will make these beneficial products accessible to more people.”
While the X-ble Shoulder is set to debut in Hyundai and Kia’s production and maintenance departments, the companies have bigger plans. By 2026, they aim to expand sales to Europe, North America, and beyond, tapping into industries ranging from aviation to automobiles.
Interested businesses can already inquire through Hyundai Robotics Lab’s official site, where they’ll also find integrated consulting services to assess how the wearable could transform their operations.
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