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The X-ble Shoulder exoskeleton, unveiled at the Wearable Robot Tech Day in South Korea, is an innovative solution that reduces physical stress on workers' shoulders, increasing productivity and reducing the risk of injury.
X-ble Shoulder allows you to reduce the load on the shoulders by 60% and reduce the activity of the deltoid muscles by 30%, which makes it useful for both industrial workers and people with disabilities. The device weighs only 1,9 kg, and thanks to the mechanical "muscle compensation module" it works without charging. Carbon composites in the design provide lightness and strength, which allows you to use the exoskeleton for a long time.
The model comes in two versions: a basic one, suitable for tasks with high mobility, and an adjustable one, which provides more support for repetitive movements. The basic version supports a load of up to 2,9 kg, while the adjustable version supports up to 3,7 kg, reducing effort during monotonous activities such as car repair or assembly work.
Fields of application and prospects
The developers expect the X-ble Shoulder to be in demand in industries such as automotive, aviation, shipbuilding, agriculture and construction. The device was created taking into account user feedback and real operating conditions. Dong Jin-Hyun, Head of Robotics Lab Hyundai and Kia, noted that the device is fully adapted to production processes thanks to close cooperation with the company's laboratory.
The first X-ble Shoulders will begin to be used at Hyundai and Kia plants in South Korea in 2025. In 2026, the company plans to bring the technology to the international market, including the US and Europe. Hyundai predicts that by then, exoskeletons will be used not only in the automotive industry, but also in 27 subsidiary companies of the Hyundai Motor Group.
Other Hyundai projects and the global exoskeleton market
In addition to the X-ble Shoulder, Hyundai and Kia are working on other exoskeletons, such as the X-ble Waist, designed for lifting heavy loads, and the medical X-ble MEX for rehabilitating patients with walking disorders.
The global market for exoskeletons is valued at $2,5 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to $10,25 billion by 2029. Hyundai and Kia strive to take a leading position in this segment, betting on innovation and expanding the scope of applications of exoskeletons.
The X-ble Shoulder exoskeleton is an important step in the implementation of the latest technologies in production processes, which increase the efficiency and safety of work. Due to the adaptability of the device and its mechanical basis, this development has the potential to become a key tool not only in manufacturing, but also in rehabilitation medicine and other fields.
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