Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation have introduced a groundbreaking wearable robot designed to enhance industrial work while reducing the risk of musculoskeletal injuries. The new device, called the X-ble Shoulder, aims to increase worker efficiency by providing physical assistance during tasks that strain the upper body.
Unveiled at the Wearable Robot Tech Day event at Hyundai Motorstudio Goyang, near Seoul, the X-ble Shoulder is the first product in the X-ble line of wearable robots developed by Hyundai and Kia’s Robotics LAB. The name X-ble combines ‘X,’ symbolising infinite potential, and ‘able,’ suggesting the ability to achieve anything—reflecting the ambitious vision behind the technology.
The wearable device is designed to assist workers during overhead tasks, where the arms are raised for extended periods, such as in construction, shipbuilding, aviation, and agriculture. The robot helps ease the strain on the upper extremities by enhancing the user’s arm strength, thereby reducing the burden on muscles and joints.
In a video released by Hyundai Motor Group on its YouTube channel, the X-ble Shoulder is shown in action, demonstrating its ease of use and its potential to boost productivity while preventing injuries. The company also provided insights into the development journey of the product, highlighting the collaborative effort of its engineers and feedback from actual users in various industries.
Dong Jin Hyun, Vice President and Head of Hyundai and Kia’s Robotics LAB, shared his enthusiasm for the technology: “The X-ble Shoulder is a wearable robot that leverages the technical capabilities of our Robotics LAB and incorporates feedback from real users. This innovation not only enhances efficiency but also prioritises the health and safety of workers. We are excited about the future potential of wearable robots and are committed to expanding their availability to improve people’s daily lives.”
The X-ble Shoulder is expected to be a game-changer in sectors where workers often face the physical toll of repetitive or strenuous tasks. Hyundai and Kia’s Robotics LAB developed the robot after extensive research into ergonomics and the physical challenges posed by demanding industrial work.
The companies also have plans for additional wearable robots under the X-ble brand. Following the launch of the X-ble Shoulder, they aim to introduce the X-ble Waist, designed to assist with lifting heavy loads, and the X-ble MEX, a medical wearable robot intended to aid in the rehabilitation of individuals with walking impairments.
With the X-ble Shoulder set to launch domestically in South Korea, Hyundai and Kia plan to gradually expand availability to international markets. The companies are positioning the wearable robots as part of their broader push to advance wearable technology and robotics, which they believe will have a transformative impact on both industrial and medical sectors.
As the market for wearable robots grows, Hyundai and Kia are optimistic that their innovative designs will create safer, more efficient working environments while paving the way for further advancements in robotics that benefit both workers and patients.
The launch of the X-ble Shoulder marks a significant step towards realising the potential of wearable robotics, with Hyundai and Kia looking to expand the reach of their pioneering technologies in the coming years.