Hyundai and Kia unveil wearable robot ‘X-ble Shoulder’

Hyundai Motor and Kia's Robotic LAB have unveiled its new 'X-ble Shoulder', a wearable robot intended for industrial work, with the aim of increasing workers' efficiency and reducing musculoskeletal injuries by reducing shoulder load by 60% and muscle activity by 30%.

The product was showcased at the Wearable Robot Tech Day at Hyundai Motor Studio Goyang on 27 November 2024 and is the first product in the X-ble line, heralding a new era in wearable technology.

When used in 'overhead work', the X-ble Shoulder assists the user's upper arm muscle strength and reduces the burden on the upper extremity musculoskeletal system

Hyundai and Kia anticipate the X-ble Shoulder to also be used in various industries like construction and shipbuilding, and not just limited to automobiles. Following its domestic launch, both brands plan to gradually expand sales to overseas markets.

The X-ble Shoulder uses carbon composite material and wear-resistant material, with impact-resistant material applied on parts that come into contact with the user's body to protect against bodily injury.

Its modular robotic components and the detachable, washable vest makes the X-ble Shoulder easy to manage and adaptable to different environments

Its biggest feature is generating assistive force through the muscle compensation module instead of the electric system with a non-powered torque generation structure. This reduces the need to charge it separately for convenience of maintenance and management, and it can be used without a battery.

Two versions are offered: Basic and adjustable. The former is best suited for tasks where the posture is not fixed, and the latter is ideal for tasks repeating the same movement. The X-ble Shoulder weighs roughly 1.9kg and can be sized to fit the wearer, with an adjustable body length between 406mm and 446mm and full arm movement from 0-180 degrees.

The module is expected to perform about 700,000 folding and unfolding actions yearly in industrial settings

In addition, there are also plans to develop an industrial wearable robot 'X-ble Waist' for assistance to the waist when lifting heavy loads, and a medical wearable robot 'X-ble MEX' for the rehabilitation of the walking impaired.

Hyundai and Kia have also announced a commercialisation plan for X-ble Shoulder, with post-consultation production and delivery expected to begin in the first half of 2025.