X-ble Shoulder is demontrated by a researcher at Hyundai Motorstudio Goyang in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, in this photo provided by Hyundai Motor and Kia, Nov. 28. Yonhap
Hyundai Motor on Thursday introduced a new wearable robot device for industrial workers that increases working efficiency, reducing chances of musculoskeletal injuries.
The company’s Robotics Lab, which is operated jointly with affiliate Kia, unveiled the device, named X-ble Shoulder, at a tech day event held at Hyundai Motorstudio Goyang, just north of Seoul, the previous day.
When used in overhead work where the arm is raised, the X-ble Shoulder can assist the user’s upper arm muscle strength and reduce the burden on the upper musculoskeletal system.
It can reduce shoulder load by up to 60 percent and the burden on muscle activity by up to 30 percent to improve the quality of life of workers, Hyundai said.
Made with a carbon composite material and wear-resistant materials used in high-end vehicles, the X-ble Shoulder’s components are modular and detachable, as well as washable. It weighs roughly 1.9 kilograms and can be sized to fit the wearer.
Hyundai said it plans to apply the device to the company and Kia’s production and maintenance departments and later expand sales to 27 affiliates of Hyundai Motor Group and external companies. The company plans to enter the overseas market with the device in 2026. (Yonhap)
