Hyundai and Kia Unveil X-ble Shoulder: A Breakthrough in Wearable Robotics

Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation have launched the ‘X-ble Shoulder,’ a wearable robot designed to assist workers with overhead lifting tasks, enhancing muscle strength and significantly reducing shoulder load and muscle activity. The X-ble Shoulder is available for commercialization in 2025 and aims to penetrate various industries while prioritizing user safety and comfort. This innovative device is part of a broader strategy to establish Hyundai and Kia as leaders in the wearable robot market, supported by thorough user feedback and consultation services for potential buyers.

Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation have introduced the innovative wearable robot known as the ‘X-ble Shoulder’ at the Wearable Robot Tech Day held at the Hyundai Motorstudio Goyang near Seoul. This advanced device assists with overhead tasks, significantly enhancing upper arm muscle strength and comfort while reducing shoulder load by up to 60% and anterior/lateral deltoid muscle activity by 30%. Its design focuses on minimizing musculoskeletal injuries, and it is poised to be adopted across various industries, including construction, shipbuilding, aviation, and agriculture. Commercialization is projected for the first half of 2025, with plans for subsequent international expansion.

The X-ble brand stands for infinite potential and the ability to realize that potential, marking a significant development in wearable technology tailored for industrial applications. As the first offering in the X-ble product line, the ‘X-ble Shoulder’ features a muscle compensation module that generates assistive force without an electric system, thus eliminating the need for charging. Each unit weighs approximately 1.9 kg and is easily adjustable to fit the user’s body while promoting unrestricted arm movement.

In addition to the X-ble Shoulder, Hyundai Motor and Kia are also developing other wearable robots, such as the ‘X-ble Waist’ for lifting heavy loads and the ‘X-ble MEX’ for rehabilitation purposes. The introduction of the X-ble Shoulder is driven by the rising demand for wearable robots in both medical contexts and various industrial sectors, as highlighted by market research predicting substantial growth for this market in the coming years.

User feedback played a crucial role in shaping the development of the X-ble Shoulder. Following extensive trials involving approximately 300 participants, the product was refined to focus on ease of use, comfort, and adaptability to diverse work environments. Companies interested in acquiring this technology can request consultations through the Robotics LAB, which will assist potential buyers in determining the suitability of the product for their operations.

Hyundai and Kia’s Robotics LAB is dedicated to pushing technological boundaries further, ensuring that products seamlessly integrate into users’ lives while enhancing workplace safety and productivity. As the market for wearable robotics expands, Hyundai and Kia aim to become key players, leveraging their expertise and innovations to foster a harmonious integration of humans and robots in the workplace.

Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation recently launched the ‘X-ble Shoulder,’ a wearable robot designed to assist workers engaged in overhead tasks by providing significant enhancements to upper arm strength and reducing the burden on shoulder muscles. This development aligns with the growing trend of using robotics in the workplace to improve efficiency and safety. The Robotics LAB at Hyundai and Kia is committed to creating innovative solutions that address real-world mobility challenges, fostering both user safety and operational effectiveness. The X-ble technology is positioned to cater to sectors such as construction, aviation, and agriculture, reflecting a strategic focus on expanding the applications of robotics beyond traditional automotive practices.

In conclusion, the introduction of the X-ble Shoulder signifies a pivotal advancement in wearable robotics, aimed at enhancing worker comfort and safety while addressing overhead task challenges. With significant reductions in shoulder load and muscle activity, this device is set to transform various industries. Hyundai and Kia’s proactive commercialization strategy signals their commitment to leading the wearable robotics market by integrating user feedback and focusing on technological advancements that promote a harmonious coexistence of humans and machines in the workplace.

Original Source: www.zawya.com