Hyundai and Kia Unveil the X-ble Shoulder Wearable Robot
Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation have taken a bold leap into the future of industrial efficiency and workplace safety with their latest innovation—the X-ble Shoulder.
Unveiled at Wearable Robot Tech Day at Hyundai Motorstudio Goyang, this cutting-edge wearable robot is designed to transform how workers perform physically demanding tasks. By providing muscular support and reducing strain, it aims to revolutionise operations across multiple industries, from construction and aviation to agriculture and shipbuilding.
Developed by Hyundai and Kia’s Robotics LAB, the X-ble Shoulder is more than a technological marvel; it’s a solution crafted from real-world feedback to meet the needs of modern industrial environments. Featuring a sleek, lightweight design and impressive assistive capabilities, this wearable robot is poised to make a global impact.
What Makes the X-ble Shoulder Special?
The X-ble Shoulder stands out as a pinnacle of engineering designed to enhance productivity and protect workers from musculoskeletal injuries. Built with a focus on comfort and safety, it incorporates advanced materials such as carbon composites for strength and impact resistance. At just 1.9 kilograms, the robot allows for unrestricted arm movement, making it suitable for prolonged use without fatigue.
What sets this wearable apart is its muscle compensation module. Unlike many exoskeletons that rely on electric power, the X-ble Shoulder employs a non-powered torque generation structure. This eliminates the need for charging, significantly reducing maintenance while providing up to 3.7 kilograms of assistive force.
Workers can now perform overhead tasks with reduced shoulder load—by up to 60%—and decreased muscle activity in the anterior and lateral deltoids—by up to 30%.
Designed for Versatility and User Comfort
The X-ble Shoulder isn’t just for automotive manufacturing. Hyundai and Kia envision it making waves in industries like construction, agriculture, and shipbuilding, where repetitive or strenuous tasks are common. Two versions of the wearable are available: a basic model for dynamic tasks and an adjustable variant for repetitive motions. The latter allows users to customise the angle of assistance, ensuring ergonomic support tailored to their needs.
Additionally, the device features modular components, a washable vest, and compatibility with standard workwear, making it easy to integrate into various industrial workflows. User safety is a top priority, with impact-resistant materials applied to protect wearers during high-intensity tasks.
From Concept to Reality
The X-ble Shoulder isn’t a theoretical product—it’s the result of rigorous testing and collaboration with real-world users. From 2022 to 2024, Hyundai and Kia conducted extensive trials involving over 300 workers and health managers at their production plants. Feedback on comfort, mobility, and ease of use directly shaped the final product. The outcome? A wearable robot that feels intuitive and natural, seamlessly blending into demanding work environments.
Dong Jin Hyun, Vice President and Head of Robotics LAB, highlighted the importance of user feedback: “The X-ble Shoulder is a wearable robot that leverages the technical capabilities of the Robotics LAB and implements feedback from actual users. By pushing technological boundaries, we will make these beneficial products accessible to more people.”
The Future of Wearable Robotics
Hyundai and Kia’s ambitions for wearable robots extend far beyond the X-ble Shoulder. The Robotics LAB has announced plans to expand the X-ble line with two additional products: the X-ble Waist for heavy lifting and the X-ble MEX for medical rehabilitation. These developments reflect the companies’ commitment to creating solutions that improve lives and foster safer workplaces.
The global market for wearable robots and exoskeletons is booming. According to Mordor Intelligence, the sector is expected to grow from $2.55 billion in 2024 to $10.25 billion by 2029, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 32%. Hyundai and Kia are well-positioned to lead this charge, with plans to commercialise the X-ble Shoulder in 2025, first in South Korea and later in Europe and North America.
Their strategy includes rolling out the wearable within their production facilities and expanding to other industries and corporate clients. By 2026, the Robotics LAB aims to capture international markets, providing comprehensive consulting services to help businesses adopt this innovative technology effectively.
Paving the Way for Human-Robot Collaboration
The Robotics LAB isn’t stopping at wearable technology. Their broader vision includes creating a Robotics Total Solution, integrating systems like delivery robots, EV charging assistants, and facial recognition technologies.
These innovations, already deployed at sites like the Factorial Seongsu building in Seoul, highlight the potential for robotics to optimise human labour and foster harmony between people and machines.
A Game-Changer for Industrial Work
As Hyundai and Kia prepare to launch the X-ble Shoulder in 2025, they’re not just introducing a new product—they’re setting a benchmark for the wearable robotics industry. With its user-centred design, unparalleled versatility, and potential to transform global industries, the X-ble Shoulder is a testament to the companies’ commitment to innovation and worker wellbeing.
By making strenuous tasks safer and more efficient, this wearable robot promises to not only improve productivity but also enhance quality of life for countless workers worldwide.
