Hyundai and Kia unveil X-ble robot that reduces shoulder strain by 60% in industry breakthrough

• The “X-ble shoulder” portable robot to increase industrial efficiency and reduce musculoskeletal injuries
• Designed to facilitate overhead work by improving upper arm muscle strength, it is expected to be used in a variety of industries
• The strong yet lightweight X-ble shoulder improves worker comfort by reducing the load on the shoulder 60% and muscular activity by 30%
• Hyundai Motor and Kia’s Robotics LAB announced a commercialization plan for X-ble Shoulder, with deliveries expected to begin in the first half of 2025

SEOUL, South Korea, November 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation have unveiled a reliable companion for industrial work, the “X-ble Shoulder” wearable robot. This device, simply by wearing it, can increase worker efficiency and reduce musculoskeletal injuries. Two videos posted to the Hyundai Motor Group YouTube channel show the X-ble Shoulder in action, including product features and the development history.

Hyundai Motor and Kia unveiled the X-ble Shoulder at the Wearable Robot Tech Day held at Hyundai Motorstudio Goyang near Seoul. The X-ble brand – a combination of “X”, symbolizing infinite potential, and “capable”, indicating that anything can be achieved – heralds a new era in wearable technology.

The X-ble Shoulder, the first product in the X-ble range, is a wearable industrial robot developed by Hyundai Motor and Kia’s Robotics LAB. When used for “work at height” where the arm is raised, it can build muscle strength in the user’s upper arm and reduce the load on the musculoskeletal system of the upper extremities.

The X-ble Shoulder will be used in various industries including construction, shipbuilding, aviation and agriculture, not just automotive. After its domestic launch, the companies plan to gradually expand sales to overseas markets.

In addition to the X-ble Shoulder, Hyundai Motor and Kia plan to develop a wearable industrial robot “X-ble Waist” to assist the waist when lifting heavy loads, and a wearable medical robot “X-ble MEX” for rehabilitation people who have difficulty walking.

“The X-ble Shoulder is a wearable robot that leverages the technical capabilities of the Robotics LAB and implements feedback from real users,” said Dong Jin Hyun, vice president and head of the Robotics LAB at Hyundai Motor and Kia. “In the future, we aim to expand the availability of wearable robots, creating products that work naturally with users to improve their daily lives. By pushing technological boundaries, we will make these beneficial products accessible to more people.

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SOURCE Hyundai Automobile Company; Kia Company