Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation have introduced the wearable robot X-ble Shoulder, a groundbreaking device designed to enhance industrial work efficiency and reduce musculoskeletal injuries. By simply being worn, the X-ble Shoulder can support workers in lifting and overhead tasks, easing the strain on upper arm muscles and the musculoskeletal system. Two videos released on Hyundai Motor Group’s YouTube channel show the X-ble Shoulder in action, including product features and the development story.
The X-ble Shoulder was unveiled at the Wearable Robot Tech Day, held at Hyundai Motorstudio Goyang near Seoul. The name X-ble combines “X” for infinite potential and “able” for achieving the impossible, signaling a new era in wearable robotics.
As the first product in the X-ble line, the X-ble Shoulder is an industrial wearable robot developed by Hyundai and Kia’s Robotics LAB. It is designed to assist with overhead work by supporting the user’s arm strength, reducing physical strain. The companies envision its use across various industries, including construction, shipbuilding, aviation, and agriculture, with plans to expand its availability to international markets following its domestic launch.
Hyundai Motor and Kia are expanding their wearable robotics lineup with plans to develop the ‘X-ble Waist,’ an industrial robot designed to support the waist during heavy lifting, and the ‘X-ble MEX,’ a medical wearable robot aimed at aiding in the rehabilitation of individuals with walking impairments.
“The X-ble Shoulder is a wearable robot that integrates the advanced capabilities of our Robotics LAB, informed by real-world feedback from users,” said Dong Jin Hyun, Vice President and Head of the Robotics LAB at Hyundai Motor and Kia. “Looking ahead, we are committed to expanding the range of wearable robots, creating products that naturally integrate with users to improve their daily lives. Through continuous innovation, we aim to make these beneficial devices accessible to more people.”
Improving Worker Safety and Comfort with X-ble Shoulder
The X-ble Shoulder can reduce shoulder strain by up to 60% and decrease anterior/lateral deltoid muscle activity by up to 30%, enhancing the quality of life for workers.
Prioritizing user safety, the X-ble Shoulder is crafted from carbon composite and wear-resistant materials, similar to those used in high-end vehicles. Its high strength and lightweight design ensure comfort and stability during long hours of work. Additionally, the parts in direct contact with the user’s body are built to prevent injuries commonly seen in industrial environments, using impact-resistant materials sourced from vehicle crash pads.
The modular robotic components and the detachable, washable vest make this product not only easy to manage and adaptable to various work environments, but also compatible with standard work attire across different industries.
The biggest feature of the X-ble Shoulder is that it generates assistive force through the muscle compensation module instead of the electric system with a non-powered torque generation structure. There is no need to charge separately, making it convenient to maintain and manage, and it can be used lightly and safely without a battery.
The X-ble Shoulder’s assistive force is generated by a patented multi-link structure in the muscle compensation module. Each link in the multi-link can be adjusted for optimal assistive force in various work environments. The module is expected to perform around 700,000 folding and unfolding actions yearly in industrial settings.
The X-ble Shoulder comes in two versions: basic and adjustable. The basic version is best for tasks where the posture is not fixed and continues to change and offers up to 2.9 kgf of assistive force. The adjustable version, ideal for tasks that repeat the same movement, allows users to set the angle for maximum torque based on their work posture, providing up to 3.7 kgf of assistive force.
The X-ble Shoulder weighs roughly 1.9 kg and can be sized to fit the wearer. Its body length is adjustable between 406 mm and 446 mm. It allows full arm movement from 0 to 180 degrees without hindering work or rest activities.
User feedback significantly influenced the X-ble Shoulder’s development. A pilot trial conducted from 2022 to 2024 involved approximately 300 workers and health managers from Hyundai Motor and Kia plants. User suggestions, including ease of use, comfort, unrestricted arm movement, adjustable assistive force, and easy cleaning, were incorporated into product improvements and new features.
Companies interested in purchasing the X-ble Shoulder can inquire via the Robotics LAB’s official website. The technology, available in limited quantities, is exclusively for corporate customers. The Robotics LAB offers X-ble Shoulder Integrated Consulting, assisting companies in making data-driven decisions about introducing the wearable robot into their operations.
