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Hyundai Motor And Kia Introduce X-ble Shoulder Wearable Robot To Enhance Worker Efficiency And Safety
Hyundai Motor and Kia have introduced the 'X-ble Shoulder,' a wearable robot designed to enhance industrial efficiency and reduce musculoskeletal injuries. This device improves upper arm muscle strength, making it useful in various industries. The X-ble Shoulder reduces shoulder load by 60% and muscle activity by 30%, enhancing worker comfort. Commercial availability is expected in the first half of 2025.
The X-ble Shoulder was showcased at Wearable Robot Tech Day at Hyundai Motorstudio Goyang near Seoul. The name 'X-ble' combines 'X' for infinite potential and 'able' for capability, marking a new era in wearable tech. This robot assists with overhead work by boosting upper arm strength, reducing strain on the musculoskeletal system.
Hyundai Motor and Kia foresee the X-ble Shoulder being used in construction, shipbuilding, aviation, agriculture, and more. Following its domestic launch, they plan to expand sales internationally. Additionally, they aim to develop other robots like the 'X-ble Waist' for heavy lifting and 'X-ble MEX' for rehabilitation.
Dong Jin Hyun, Vice President of Robotics LAB at Hyundai Motor and Kia, stated: "The X-ble Shoulder is a wearable robot that leverages the technical capabilities of the Robotics LAB and implements feedback from actual users." He emphasized their goal to make wearable robots more accessible to enhance daily life.
The X-ble Shoulder prioritizes user safety with carbon composite materials used in high-end vehicles. Its lightweight design allows stable use for long hours without difficulty. Impact-resistant materials protect against injuries common in industrial settings.
This device features modular robotic components and a detachable vest compatible with standard work attire. It generates assistive force through a non-powered torque structure, eliminating the need for charging. A patented multi-link structure allows optimal force adjustment across different environments.
User-Centric Development
The X-ble Shoulder comes in basic and adjustable versions. The basic version suits tasks with changing postures, offering up to 2.9 kgf of assistive force. The adjustable version is ideal for repetitive tasks, providing up to 3.7 kgf of force based on user posture.
Weighing around 1.9 kg, it fits various body sizes with adjustable length between 406 mm and 446 mm. It allows full arm movement from 0 to 180 degrees without hindering activities.
Commercialization Plans
User feedback played a crucial role in developing the X-ble Shoulder. A pilot trial from 2022 to 2024 involved about 300 workers and health managers from Hyundai Motor and Kia plants. Suggestions on ease of use, comfort, unrestricted movement, adjustable force, and easy cleaning were incorporated into product improvements.
The demand for wearable robots is rising due to congenital diseases and accidents in medical sectors, followed by manufacturing and defense industries. Mordor Intelligence estimates the market size will grow from USD 2.55 billion in 2024 to USD 10.25 billion by 2029.
Future Expansion Plans
Hyundai Motor and Kia's Robotics LAB plans to apply the X-ble Shoulder within their production departments initially before expanding sales externally from mid-2020s onward. By 2026, they aim to enter overseas markets like Europe and North America based on domestic sales experience.
The technology is available exclusively for corporate customers through limited quantities via Robotics LAB’s official website. They offer integrated consulting services to help companies decide on implementing this technology into their operations effectively.
Proprietary technologies developed by Hyundai Motor and Kia’s Robotics LAB are already enhancing productivity globally since June at Factorial Seongsu building in Seoul using delivery robots or automatic charging systems among others creating an efficient environment where people focus solely on work tasks ahead without unnecessary distractions involved whatsoever!
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