Hyundai and Kia roll out wearable robot ‘X-ble Shoulder’ for workers’ safety and efficiency

Hyundai Motors and Kia’s Robotics LAB have announced the launch of ‘X-ble Shoulder’, a wearable robot for industrial workers.

According to a press release by Hyundai on 28 November, the robot suit is aimed at boosting industrial sufficiency and reducing the risk of musculoskeletal injuries.

The wearable robot is specifically designed for safety during overhead work, enhancing worker comfort by reducing shoulder load by 60% and muscle activity by 30%.

Improving industrial work

The X-ble Shoulder is a wearable robot for ‘over head’ work. It assists the user’s upper arm muscle strength and reduces the burden on the upper extremity musculoskeletal system, thus reducing the risk of injury.. 

While the product was first designed and produced by Hyundai and Kia, they anticipate that the robot wear will find use in other industries like construction, shipbuilding, aviation and agriculture as well, not just in automobiles.

Commenting on the new product, Dong Jin Hyun, Vice President and Head of Robotics LAB at Hyundai Motor and Kia said:

“The X-ble Shoulder is a wearable robot that leverages the technical capabilities of the Robotics LAB and implements feedback from actual users. Going forward, we aim to expand the availability of wearable robots, creating 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.”

X-ble Shoulder is the first product in the X-ble line, and the two partners intend to develop another wearable robot, ‘X-ble Waist’ to support the waist when lifting heavy loads, as well as ‘X-ble MEX’ to help people with walking impairment in their recovery process.

Making impact in innovation

Hyundai has made global impact not just as an automaker but also in general innovation, and X-be Shoulder is a proof.

It has also made much progress in electric vehicles and fuel efficiency. The company recently unveiled the concept for the first Hydrogen cell electric vehicle, INITIUM.