Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation have collaborated to develop the “X-ble Shoulder,” a wearable robot designed to improve industrial efficiency and reduce musculoskeletal injuries and fatigue.
The X-ble Shoulder is specifically created to aid workers involved in overhead tasks, such as mechanics working underneath a car, by enhancing upper arm strength and endurance. It can reduce shoulder load by up to 60% and deltoid muscle strain by 30%.
Notably, this wearable robot does not rely on electrical power. It features a lightweight, carbon composite “non-powered torque generation structure” weighing approximately 4.2 lb (1.9 kg). Through its multi-link “muscle compensation module,” it generates assistive force without the need for charging. It is also durable, capable of performing 700,000 repetitive folding and unfolding actions per year.
Hyundai
The vest can be easily detached from the mechanical components for easy management, cleaning, and compatibility with various work attire across different industries.
There are two versions of the X-ble Shoulder: basic and adjustable. The basic version is geared towards providing flexibility and up to 6.39 lbf (2.9 kgf) of assistive force, while the adjustable version is tailored for repetitive tasks that require workers to perform the same movement. The adjustable wearable exoskeleton can be tuned for maximum torque, providing up to 8.16 lbf (3.7 kgf) of assistive force, allowing the robotic shoulder to lift just over 8 lb (3.7 kg) with minimal effort from the user.
Hyundai and Kia suggest that the X-ble Shoulder has applications across various industries, including construction, automotive, aviation, shipbuilding, and agriculture, wherever additional strength and stamina in arm movements are needed.
Hyundai
The car company duo states that the wearable robot and exoskeleton market is valued at approximately US$2.5 billion today, with expectations of reaching $10.25 billion by 2029.
The X-ble Shoulder will initially be used in Kia and Hyundai’s maintenance and production lines by the first half of 2025 before expanding into the international market by 2026.
Furthermore, Hyundai and Kia are collaborating on other wearable robots such as the X-ble Waist for lifting heavy loads and reducing back and waist injuries, and the X-ble MEX for the rehabilitation of individuals with walking impairments.
Notably, Audi, Ottobock, and Skelex have previously experimented with similar exoskeleton technology, but widespread adoption is still pending. Hyundai had previously introduced an exoskeleton called the VEX utilizing springs for assistance, with the X-ble Shoulder representing an updated version.
Hyundai holds approximately 34% of Kia, allowing for a technological exchange while maintaining distinct identities as separate companies.
As of now, the pricing for the X-ble Shoulder has not been disclosed.
Source: Hyundai
