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.
28 Nov 2024 | 6466 Views | By Autocar Pro News Desk
Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation announced the introduction of their wearable robot, the 'X-ble Shoulder,' designed to support industrial work. According to the companies, this device aims to enhance workers' efficiency and reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries.
The companies unveiled the X-ble Shoulder at the Wearable Robot ...
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Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation announced the introduction of their wearable robot, the 'X-ble Shoulder,' designed to support industrial work. According to the companies, this device aims to enhance workers' efficiency and reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries.
The companies unveiled the X-ble Shoulder at the Wearable Robot Tech Day event at Hyundai Motorstudio Goyang near Seoul. According to Hyundai and Kia, the X-ble brand name combines 'X,' representing limitless potential, with 'able,' signifying the ability to achieve various outcomes.
According to the announcement, the wearable robot assists with overhead tasks by supporting upper arm muscle strength. Hyundai and Kia state that they envision its application across multiple industries.
Hyundai and Kia claim it provides support during overhead work by enhancing upper arm muscle strength, thereby alleviating strain on the musculoskeletal system. They anticipate its usage across diverse sectors, including construction, shipbuilding, aviation, and agriculture, as well as in automotive-related work. They announced plans to launch the product in the Korean market initially.
Hyundai and Kia stated that future developments in the X-ble line will include the X-ble Waist, designed to assist with lifting heavy loads, and the X-ble MEX, a medical wearable robot aimed at supporting rehabilitation for individuals with walking impairments.
Dong Jin Hyun, Vice President and Head of Robotics LAB at Hyundai Motor and Kia, stated that the X-ble Shoulder incorporates technical expertise and user feedback. He added that the goal is to create wearable robots that work seamlessly with users, making them more accessible and beneficial for everyday use.
According to company specifications, the X-ble Shoulder reduces shoulder load by up to 60% and decreases anterior and lateral deltoid muscle activity by up to 30%. The companies state it is constructed using carbon composite and wear-resistant materials typically found in high-end vehicles.
The companies announced plans to commercialize the X-ble Shoulder to meet what they describe as growing demand for wearable robots in industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and defense. The global wearable robots and exoskeletons market, they pointed out, is set to grow from $2.55 billion in 2024 to $10.25 billion by 2029, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 32.05%.
Sales will be expanded to Hyundai Motor Group affiliates and external organizations by the mid-2020s, with international expansion to markets in Europe and North America planned for 2026.
The development of wearable robotic assistance devices like the X-ble Shoulder represents a significant shift in how physical labor could be performed across various sectors.
Beyond traditional industrial applications, wearable robotic assistance devices could find practical applications in healthcare settings, small businesses, and domestic environments. Physical therapists might utilize such devices to provide more consistent support during rehabilitation sessions, while home healthcare workers could employ them to assist with patient transfers and positioning. In residential settings, these devices could make household maintenance tasks like painting, light fixture installation, or tree pruning more accessible and less physically demanding.
The broader implications for workplace ergonomics and occupational health extend beyond immediate physical assistance. The implementation of wearable robotic support systems could lead to reduced healthcare costs, decreased worker compensation claims, and improved long-term worker health outcomes. Additionally, these devices might enable older workers to remain in physically demanding jobs longer, helping to address workforce challenges in industries facing demographic pressures.
Several companies have developed or are developing competing wearable robotic assistance devices for industrial and workplace applications. SuitX/US Bionics offers the shoulderX, which they say provides similar overhead work assistance. According to SuitX, their device can reduce shoulder muscle activity by up to 30-80% during overhead work.
Ottobock's Paexo Shoulder is another direct competitor. The company claims their device is lightweight at 1.9kg and can reduce shoulder muscle strain by up to 75% during overhead work. They market it particularly for automotive assembly, construction, and maintenance work.
Japan's ATOUN (a Panasonic subsidiary) produces the ATOUN MODEL Y, which they describe as providing upper body support for various industrial tasks. According to ATOUN, their device focuses on reducing strain during both overhead work and lifting tasks.