In a world where reaching for the top shelf can feel like scaling Everest, Hyundai Motor and Kia’s Robotics LAB have swooped in with the ‘X-ble Shoulder’—the latest in wearable robot technology designed to make overhead work a breeze. Unveiled at the Wearable Robot Tech Day, this gadget promises to turn even the most strenuous tasks into a walk in the park.
But wait, doesn’t this sound familiar? Cast your mind back to 2019, when Hyundai introduced the Vest EXoskeleton (VEX), a wearable vest aimed at assisting industrial workers with overhead tasks. The VEX was a game-changer, offering support without the need for batteries, and weighing in at just 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs). It was like the training wheels for the robotic age.
Fast forward to 2024, and the X-ble Shoulder has taken up the mantle. This new device boasts a 60% reduction in shoulder load and a 30% decrease in muscle activity, all while being strong yet lightweight. It’s as if the VEX hit the gym and came back as the X-ble Shoulder, ready to flex its mechanical muscles.
The X-ble Shoulder is designed to assist with overhead work by enhancing upper arm muscle strength and is expected to find use in various industries, including construction, shipbuilding, aviation, and agriculture. It’s like having a personal spotter for your daily grind.
So, whether you’re painting the ceiling, installing overhead cables, or just trying to change that pesky lightbulb, the X-ble Shoulder is here to give you a lift—literally. With deliveries expected to begin in the first half of 2025, the future of work is looking up. The device was revealed last November. Hit the jump for a product introduction video to see it in action.
Images: Hyundai Motor Group.
