Hyundai and Kia Provide Exoskeletons to Korean Air

The Korean cousins Hyundai and Kia take a new step in their technological diversification

The official delivery to Korean Air of the very first X-ble Shoulder industrial exoskeleton, a wearable assistance robot developed by Kia and Hyundai’s specialized department marks the product’s commercial launch in the Korean market.

Designed to alleviate the efforts of operators performing repetitive tasks above shoulder height, the X-ble Shoulder aims to enhance comfort, safety, and productivity in demanding work environments. Korean Air plans to use it across a wide range of activities related to assembly and maintenance: commercial aircraft, military aircraft, drones, urban air mobility systems, and space launch vehicles.

With this initial deployment, Hyundai and Kia confirm their ambition to become major players in professional assistive robotics. The development of the X-ble Shoulder illustrates their strategy of expanding well beyond the automotive sector, with increasing attention to robotics, heavy industry, and ergonomic innovation.

A little technology and a lot of research!

The device stands out with a purely mechanical approach, without battery or motor. This choice allows for continuous use without recharging while significantly reducing the load on the shoulders and muscles of operators. Lightweight and compact, the exoskeleton easily integrates into daily tasks, especially in sectors where working at height is common.

Hyundai and Kia began trials in 2022 at several of their own industrial sites, involving more than 300 operators. These tests were used to refine the product before its market launch. Deliveries to the first Korean industrial clients are now underway, with an expected expansion into sectors such as construction, shipbuilding, and agriculture. International expansion is scheduled to begin in 2026.

The X-ble Shoulder has already received several awards, both for its design and compliance with international safety standards. This advancement confirms the group’s ambition to establish itself as a cross-cutting technology player, capable of providing concrete solutions to diverse industrial challenges.

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