Hyundai Motor and Kia held a delivery ceremony at Korean Air’s aircraft maintenance hangar in Jung-gu, Incheon, marking the first official rollout of their X-ble Shoulder wearable robot. The event was attended by key representatives, including Dong-Jin Hyun, Executive Vice President of the Robotics Lab at Hyundai Motor and Kia, and Hyun-Bo Jung, Executive Vice President of the Aerospace Division at Korean Air.
What is the X-ble Shoulder?
Developed in-house by the Hyundai Motor and Kia Robotics Lab, the X-ble Shoulder is a passive exoskeleton designed to support workers engaged in overhead tasks. The device helps reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders and enhances workplace productivity by assisting shoulder movements and minimizing fatigue.
Key Features:
- No Power Required: Its power-free torque generation system eliminates the need for batteries, making it lightweight, low-maintenance, and easy to use.
- Muscle Support Technology: Equipped with a strength-assist module, the X-ble Shoulder can reduce shoulder joint strain by up to 60% and deltoid muscle activity by 30% during forward and lateral lifting.
First Deployment in Aerospace Maintenance
This delivery marks the first customer handoff since Hyundai and Kia announced the commercialization plan for the X-ble Shoulder in November last year. Korean Air, the first official client, will implement the wearable robot across various aerospace operations—including military and commercial aircraft maintenance, unmanned aerial systems (UAS), urban air mobility (UAM), and space launch vehicles.
In the aerospace industry, technicians often perform overhead tasks on large aircraft structures. These tasks can place considerable strain on the shoulders, making the X-ble Shoulder’s ergonomic benefits particularly impactful.
Tested and Refined for Real-World Use
Since 2022, Hyundai and Kia have been piloting the X-ble Shoulder at their global manufacturing plants. Over 300 field workers participated in trials, helping refine the device for optimal industrial use across multiple sectors.
Dong-Jin Hyun from Hyundai Motor and Kia commented:
“We hope the X-ble Shoulder—developed through the dedication and technical expertise of Hyundai Motor Group employees—will not only enhance automotive production lines but also improve work efficiency and prevent musculoskeletal disorders in various industries.”
Hyun-Bo Jung of Korean Air added:
“By expanding the use of the X-ble Shoulder, we aim to improve both worker health and job satisfaction while maintaining the highest safety and quality standards in aircraft assembly and maintenance.”
Future Plans: Expanding Across Industries and Globally
Following this initial deployment, Hyundai and Kia will begin large-scale deliveries of the X-ble Shoulder to pre-contracted clients, including other Hyundai Motor Group subsidiaries and Korean manufacturing companies.
Looking ahead, the automaker plans to expand into additional sectors such as construction, shipbuilding, and agriculture, with global market entry scheduled for 2026.
Product Information and Certifications
Interested buyers can learn more about the X-ble Shoulder and inquire about pricing through the Hyundai and Kia Robotics Lab’s official website.
The device has already gained international recognition for its safety and design excellence:
- ISO 13482 Certification from DNV (Norway) for safety in February 2025
- EU Machinery Directive Certification in May 2025
- Winner of the 2025 iF Design Award (Product Category)
- Recognized in the Good Design Awards (Robotics Category) in the U.S. last year
