X-ble Wearable Robot to Support Aerospace Operations at Korean Air
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Photo courtesy of Hyundai Motor Group
SEOUL—Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation have officially launched their industrial wearable robot, the X-ble Shoulder, in the Korean market, delivering the first unit to Korean Air on July 8. The handover ceremony took place at Korean Air’s aircraft maintenance hangar in Incheon, marking the beginning of the robot’s deployment in aviation environments.
Developed by Hyundai and Kia’s Robotics LAB, the X-ble Shoulder is engineered to assist with physically demanding overhead tasks by supporting upper-arm strength and reducing shoulder strain. Korean Air, the product’s first official customer, will use the wearable device throughout its aerospace operations, including the assembly and maintenance of commercial and military aircraft, drones, stealth vehicles, and satellite systems.
The X-ble Shoulder is designed to help prevent injury and boost workplace efficiency by easing musculoskeletal stress during repetitive tasks. One of its standout features is a non-powered torque generation mechanism that eliminates the need for batteries or charging, making the unit lightweight and easy to maintain. It includes a muscle compensation module that reduces shoulder joint loads by up to 60 percent and deltoid muscle activity by up to 30 percent.
Since prototype testing began in 2022, over 300 workers at Hyundai and Kia global production sites have provided direct feedback, helping refine the robot’s ergonomics and functionality. Following the Korean Air delivery, the company plans to distribute the device to pre-order customers, including Hyundai Motor Group affiliates and other domestic manufacturers. Sales will expand into additional sectors such as construction, shipbuilding, and agriculture, with global market entry planned for 2026.
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