Hyundai Motor and Kia have officially handed over their first wearable robotic device, the ‘X-ble Shoulder’, to Korean Air. The milestone was marked with a ceremony at Korean Air’s aircraft maintenance facility in Incheon, signaling the start of the robot’s use in practical, on-site operations.
The ‘X-ble Shoulder’ is designed to support upper body movement and ease physical strain for workers handling overhead tasks. By reducing musculoskeletal stress, especially in demanding maintenance environments, the exoskeleton aims to enhance productivity and safety. Hyundai states that the device will be utilized in aircraft maintenance, with future applications anticipated in vehicle and launch system assembly.
Designed by the Robotics Lab at Hyundai Motor and Kia, the X-ble Shoulder is a wearable robotic system created to assist workers involved in frequent overhead tasks. It is especially useful in sectors like aviation, where maintenance crews often need to look and work upwards for long durations.
Unlike powered exoskeletons, the X-ble Shoulder uses a passive torque generation mechanism. This makes it lightweight and eliminates the need for charging, allowing workers to use it with minimal maintenance. The exoskeleton includes a muscle support system that reduces pressure on the shoulder joints and cuts the activation of deltoid muscles by up to 60% in the front and 30% on the sides, helping to prevent long-term injuries.
The wearable robot meets global safety standards, having earned ISO 13482 certification from DNV, a respected European certification body. It has also gained international recognition for its design, winning the top honor in the product category at the 2025 iF Design Awards.
Korean Air is the first official customer to adopt the X-ble Shoulder, deploying it within its Aerospace Business Division. The airline plans to utilize the robot across a range of operations, including the maintenance of both commercial and military aircraft, as well as newer technologies such as unmanned aerial vehicles and space launch vehicles. The physically demanding nature of these roles makes them ideal for exoskeleton support.
Hyundai and Kia began pilot testing the X-ble Shoulder in 2022 at various global manufacturing sites. More than 300 field workers provided feedback during the trials, helping engineers refine the design for practical use in real-world industrial environments. This user-centered development process ensured that the final product met the actual needs of workers.
Executives from both companies emphasized the broader potential of the X-ble Shoulder. Hyundai’s Robotics Lab Executive Director, Hyun Dong-jin, highlighted its usefulness beyond automotive production, while Korean Air’s Aerospace Division Executive Director, Jung Hyun-bo, noted the exoskeleton’s ability to enhance both worker well-being and operational quality.
Following the initial deployment to Korean Air, Hyundai Motor and Kia plan to begin full-scale deliveries of the X-ble Shoulder to other clients. These include subsidiaries within the Hyundai Motor Group and various South Korean manufacturing firms that have already signed supply agreements. This marks the beginning of a broader rollout aimed at bringing wearable robotics into more industrial workplaces.
Looking ahead, the companies aim to introduce the exoskeleton across additional sectors, such as construction, shipbuilding, and the agricultural industries, where workers face similar physical challenges. Hyundai and Kia also have plans to expand internationally, with global sales of the X-ble Shoulder expected to begin in 2026.
Image credits: Hyundai
