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Hyundai Motor And Kia Unveil X-ble Shoulder Wearable Robot For Korean Air's Aircraft Maintenance
Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation have introduced the X-ble Shoulder, an industrial wearable robot, to the Korean market. The first unit was handed over to Korean Air on July 8 at their aircraft maintenance hangar in Incheon. This wearable device is designed to ease shoulder strain from overhead tasks, commonly encountered in aviation maintenance.
The X-ble Shoulder will be used by Korean Air in various aerospace operations, including commercial airliners and military aircraft maintenance. It will also be deployed for urban air mobility vehicles, drones, stealth aircraft, and satellite launch systems. This marks the beginning of broader distribution plans targeting pre-order customers and other industries.
Following its initial deployment with Korean Air, Hyundai Motor and Kia aim to expand sales of the X-ble Shoulder to other sectors such as construction, shipbuilding, and agriculture. The companies plan to enter international markets by 2026. This expansion aligns with their goal of enhancing worker safety and efficiency across various industries.
The X-ble Shoulder features a non-powered torque generation mechanism that eliminates the need for batteries or charging. This design keeps the device lightweight and easy to maintain while ensuring continuous operation. Its muscle compensation module provides assistive torque, reducing shoulder joint loads by up to 60% and muscle activity by up to 30%.
Globally recognized for its safety and design excellence, the X-ble Shoulder received ISO 13482 certification for personal assistant robots from DNV in February 2025. Additionally, it obtained EU Directive on machinery certification in May, confirming its mechanical safety for industrial use in Europe.
The product's design accolades include winning the Product – Industry category at the 2025 iF Design Awards and receiving the GOOD DESIGN Award in Robotics in 2024. These recognitions highlight its innovative approach to addressing workplace challenges through advanced robotics technology.
Development and Testing
Hyundai Motor and Kia’s Robotics LAB began testing prototypes of the X-ble Shoulder at global production sites in 2022. Over 300 workers participated in these trials, providing feedback that helped refine the robot's technology and ergonomics. This iterative process ensured practical usability before its official launch.
"The X-ble Shoulder embodies the technological expertise and collaboration of our employees," stated Dong Jin Hyun, Vice President at Hyundai Motor and Kia's Robotics LAB. "We aim to expand its application across various industries to help prevent injury and improve efficiency for workers."
Korean Air's Commitment
Korean Air is committed to enhancing worker health and job satisfaction through adopting innovative technologies like the X-ble Shoulder. Hyunboh Jung, Managing Vice President at Korean Air’s Aerostructure Business Department, emphasized their dedication to maintaining high standards in aircraft manufacturing safety and quality.
"We anticipate that workers’ health and job satisfaction will be enhanced through the introduction of X-ble Shoulder," said Jung. "We are actively reviewing further adoption to uphold the highest standards in both aircraft manufacturing and maintenance safety."
The introduction of this wearable robot signifies a significant step towards improving workplace conditions by reducing physical strain on workers involved in repetitive overhead tasks. As Hyundai Motor Group continues its global expansion efforts, it remains focused on creating safer work environments through innovative solutions like the X-ble Shoulder.
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