Hyundai Motor and Kia Robotics Lab Unveil X-ble Shoulder Wearable Robot to Boost Worker Efficiency and Safety

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Unlike traditional robotic systems, the X-ble Shoulder generates assistive force through a non-powered torque generation structure, eliminating the need for charging and making it easy to maintain.

November 2024 : Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation have introduced the X-ble Shoulder, a groundbreaking wearable robot designed to enhance worker efficiency while reducing the risk of musculoskeletal injuries. Developed by Hyundai Motor and Kia’s Robotics LAB, the X-ble Shoulder is the first product in the X-ble line and marks a significant step forward in wearable industrial technology. The device is specifically tailored for overhead tasks requiring prolonged arm elevation, providing support by augmenting upper arm muscle strength and reducing strain on the upper musculoskeletal system. It can decrease shoulder load by up to 60 percent and reduce anterior and lateral deltoid muscle strain by 30 percent, improving both safety and comfort for workers.

Unlike traditional robotic systems, the X-ble Shoulder generates assistive force through a non-powered torque generation structure, eliminating the need for charging and making it easy to maintain. Its durable design incorporates high-strength carbon composites and wear-resistant materials to ensure safety and stability, even during extended use. Impact-resistant materials protect users from potential injuries, and its lightweight construction enables seamless movement and comfort throughout the workday.

The wearable robot’s design reflects significant input from workers and health managers involved in a pilot trial conducted from 2022 to 2024 at Hyundai and Kia plants. This feedback led to enhanced usability, adjustable assistive force, and unrestricted arm movement. The X-ble Shoulder also features modular components and a detachable, washable vest, making it adaptable to various industrial settings and easy to integrate with standard work attire. With its robust design, the device is capable of performing approximately 700,000 folding and unfolding actions annually, making it reliable for even the most demanding tasks.

The X-ble Shoulder is designed for diverse industries, including construction, shipbuilding, aviation, agriculture, automotive, and logistics. It comes in two versions: basic and adjustable.The basic version is designed for tasks where the human posture continues to change and offers up to 2.9 kgf of assistive force. The adjustable version is ideal for tasks that repeat the same movement and allows users to set the unit’s angle for maximum torque assistance, providing up to 3.7 kgf of assistive force.

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