Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation have unveiled their innovative wearable robot, X-ble Shoulder, marking a significant advancement in industrial robotics. Designed by Hyundai Motor and Kia’s Robotics LAB, this device aims to enhance workplace safety and efficiency while addressing the challenge of musculoskeletal injuries in labor-intensive industries.
What is the X-ble Shoulder?
The X-ble Shoulder is the first product in Hyundai and Kia’s X-ble lineup, a brand dedicated to wearable technology that combines innovation and practicality. The name “X-ble” symbolizes infinite potential (“X”) and ability (“able”). The X-ble Shoulder specifically targets tasks that involve overhead work, where workers often experience strain from keeping their arms raised for extended periods.
Using a non-powered torque generation system, the robot reduces the strain on upper arm muscles and shoulders. This patented muscle compensation module eliminates the need for charging, making the device easy to maintain while reducing worker fatigue. The system also features modular components and an adjustable design to ensure optimal functionality across various tasks and industries.
Key Benefits and Features of X-ble Shoulder
The X-ble Shoulder is packed with features that prioritize safety, usability, and efficiency:
- Enhanced Worker Safety:
The robot significantly reduces the load on shoulders—by up to 60%—and decreases anterior and lateral deltoid muscle strain by 30%. It uses carbon composite and wear-resistant materials typically found in high-end vehicles, ensuring both durability and lightweight operation. - User Comfort and Ease of Use:
At just 1.9 kg, the wearable robot is easy to wear for extended periods. The adjustable body length (406–446 mm) and full arm movement range (0–180 degrees) ensure workers can perform tasks without restriction. - Maintenance-Friendly Design:
The detachable vest is compatible with standard work attire and can be easily washed, while the modular robotic components are designed for straightforward maintenance. - Assistive Force Customization:
The device comes in two versions:- Basic Version: Provides up to 2.9 kgf of assistive force for tasks requiring dynamic posture changes.
- Adjustable Version: Offers up to 3.7 kgf of assistive force for repetitive tasks, allowing angle adjustments for maximum torque assistance.
- Robust Performance:
The robot’s muscle compensation module is designed to endure up to 700,000 folding and unfolding motions annually, ensuring reliability in demanding industrial environments.
Target Industries and Applications
The X-ble Shoulder’s versatile design makes it suitable for a range of industries, including:
- Construction
- Shipbuilding
- Aviation
- Agriculture
- Automotive manufacturing
- Logistics
Its ability to enhance productivity and minimize injury risks positions it as a game-changing tool for industrial applications.
Development and Launch Timeline
Hyundai Motor and Kia showcased the X-ble Shoulder at the Wearable Robot Tech Day held at Hyundai Motorstudio Goyang, near Seoul. The wearable robot is set to launch domestically in the first half of 2025, with international rollouts planned for 2026 in key markets such as Europe and North America.
In preparation for widespread adoption, a pilot program was conducted between 2022 and 2024, involving 300 workers and health managers from Hyundai and Kia’s plants. User feedback from this program played a critical role in refining the robot’s design, focusing on comfort, unrestricted movement, and ease of cleaning.
Future Expansion of the X-ble Lineup
Hyundai Motor and Kia plan to expand the X-ble lineup with two additional wearable robots:
- X-ble Waist: Designed to assist in lifting heavy loads, reducing strain on the lower back and preventing related injuries.
- X-ble MEX: A medical wearable robot aimed at aiding individuals with walking impairments through rehabilitation support.
Market Outlook and Growth Potential
The wearable robotics market is poised for rapid growth. According to Mordor Intelligence, the market is expected to grow from $2.55 billion in 2024 to $10.25 billion by 2029. Hyundai Motor and Kia’s Robotics LAB aim to position themselves as leaders in this emerging field by leveraging proprietary technologies and offering data-driven consulting services to businesses integrating wearable robots into their operations.
The X-ble Shoulder represents a bold step forward in industrial and wearable robotics. By addressing critical workplace challenges such as worker safety, comfort, and efficiency, Hyundai Motor and Kia are setting a new standard for innovation in industrial automation. As they prepare for the domestic and international rollout of the X-ble Shoulder, the future of wearable robotics appears promising.
