Hyundai and Kia launch X-ble Shoulder for safer, efficient industrial work

Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation have introduced the "X-ble Shoulder," a wearable robot designed to enhance efficiency and reduce musculoskeletal strain in industrial settings.

Debuting at Wearable Robot Tech Day in Goyang, South Korea, the X-ble Shoulder is part of a broader initiative to integrate advanced robotics into various industries, including construction, shipbuilding, aviation, and agriculture.

The X-ble Shoulder operates without the need for batteries, utilising a non-powered torque generation system that reduces shoulder load by up to 60% and muscle activity by 30%. Made from lightweight, impact-resistant materials, it prioritises user safety and comfort, featuring modular components, a washable vest, and adjustability for various tasks.

The device can perform up to 700,000 repetitive actions annually, making it ideal for demanding industrial environments.

Two versions are available: a basic model for dynamic tasks and an adjustable version tailored to repetitive work, offering assistive forces of up to 2.9 kgf and 3.7 kgf, respectively. Following extensive trials with 300 workers, Hyundai and Kia incorporated user feedback to refine the product.

Commercialisation plans include initial applications in Hyundai and Kia facilities, with global market expansion to industries such as construction and agriculture by 2026.

Interested businesses can access consulting services through Hyundai’s Robotics LAB to evaluate the X-ble Shoulder’s suitability for their operations.

Production is slated to begin in 2025, with the Robotics LAB also focusing on developing a comprehensive robotics solution for seamless human-robot collaboration.

“The X-ble Shoulder is a wearable robot that leverages the technical capabilities of the Robotics LAB and implements feedback from actual users,” said Dong Jin Hyun, vice president and head of Robotics LAB at Hyundai Motor and Kia. “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.”