In a groundbreaking development that underscores the union of technology and industry, Hyundai Motor and Kia Robotics Lab have unveiled the cutting-edge X-ble Shoulder, a wearable robotic device engineered to revolutionize physical labor across various sectors. This state-of-the-art innovation marks a significant leap forward in wearable technology, providing users with augmented upper arm strength specifically designed for overhead tasks, a common challenge in many industrial applications.
Heralded as a transformative tool, the X-ble Shoulder is poised to make a substantial impact across a myriad of industries, including shipbuilding, construction, aviation, agriculture, and notably, the automotive sector, which remains the primary domain for both companies. By integrating this advanced device, workers can experience a notable reduction in muscle strain while simultaneously enhancing safety in their daily operations.
The X-ble Shoulder boasts impressive capabilities, capable of diminishing the load exerted on shoulders by an astounding 60 percent, while also cutting down anterior and lateral deltoid muscle activity by up to 30 percent. Weighing in at a mere 1.9 kilograms, the device is crafted from premium materials typically reserved for high-end vehicles, ensuring both durability and performance.
At the heart of the wearable lies an innovative “muscle compensation module” that generates assistive force, empowering users to execute approximately 700,000 folding and unfolding motions annually within industrial environments. To cater to diverse operational requirements, the device is offered in both basic and adjustable versions, reflecting meticulous refinements made over a comprehensive two-year trial period conducted within Hyundai and Kia’s manufacturing sites.
Initially, the X-ble Shoulder will be introduced to Hyundai and Kia facilities, with plans to broaden its application to other Hyundai subsidiaries and third-party entities within South Korea beginning in the mid-2020s. A strategic international rollout is scheduled for 2026, targeting markets across Europe and North America, paving the way for global adoption.
This pioneering shoulder device represents only the beginning of the X-ble range, as Hyundai and Kia ambitiously aim to expand this innovative line with additional wearables, further asserting their commitment to driving technological advancement and enhancing workforce efficiency in today’s evolving industrial landscape.