Hyundai Motor and Kia’s Robotics Lab Delivers First ‘X-ble Shoulder’ Wearable Robot to Korean Air

• Hyundai Motor and Kia have begun sales of their industrial wearable robot, the X-ble Shoulder, in Korea, with Korean Air as the first customer.

  
  

• The robot will be used across multiple aviation sites, supporting tasks in commercial and military aircraft, drones, and satellite launch vehicle operations.

  
  

• It is specifically engineered to relieve shoulder strain caused by repetitive overhead work, which is common in aircraft maintenance.

  
  

• Deliveries to early customers are now underway, with plans for international rollout by 2026.

  
  

  Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation have officially introduced their industrial wearable robot, the X-ble Shoulder, to the Korean market, marking the launch with a handover ceremony on July 8 at Korean Air’s aircraft maintenance hangar in Incheon.

  Korean Air, the first official customer, plans to implement the wearable robot across its aerospace operations. This includes maintenance and assembly work for commercial jets, military aircraft, drones, urban air mobility (UAM) vehicles, stealth aircraft, and satellite launch platforms.

  
  
  
  

  Following the first delivery, Hyundai Motor and Kia’s Robotics LAB plans to roll out the X-ble Shoulder wearable robot to pre-order customers, including Hyundai Motor Group affiliates and other domestic manufacturers in Korea. The companies also intend to expand sales into sectors like construction, shipbuilding, and agriculture. Looking ahead, they are targeting international market entry starting in 2026.

  
  

  Built to Ease Shoulder Strain During Overhead Work

  
  

  Developed by Hyundai Motor and Kia’s in-house Robotics LAB, the X-ble Shoulder is a wearable robotic device designed to support upper-arm strength and reduce shoulder strain during repetitive overhead tasks—common in aircraft maintenance. By lightening the load on muscles and joints, the device helps lower the risk of fatigue and injury, ultimately boosting worker efficiency.

  
  

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  One of the key innovations of the X-ble Shoulder is its battery-free torque assist system. This non-powered mechanism eliminates the need for charging, keeping the unit lightweight, low-maintenance, and always ready to use. The robot includes a muscle compensation module that delivers assistive torque, reducing shoulder joint strain by up to 60% and easing the workload on deltoid muscles by up to 30%.

  
  

  Initial prototype testing began in 2022 at Hyundai and Kia’s global production facilities. More than 300 workers participated in on-site trials, offering hands-on feedback that helped shape the final design and improve comfort and performance.

  
  

  For more information or to make a purchase inquiry, visit the Robotics LAB’s official website or refer to the X-ble Shoulder product launch press release from November 2024.

  
  

  Global Recognition for Safety and Design Excellence

  
  

  Since its debut, the X-ble Shoulder has received international acclaim for both its safety features and innovative design. In February 2025, it achieved ISO 13482 certification for personal assistant robots from DNV (Det Norske Veritas), a respected certification authority based in Norway. Just a few months later, it also secured certification under the EU Machinery Directive, confirming its mechanical safety for industrial applications across Europe.

  
  

  On the design front, the X-ble Shoulder took home a win in the Product – Industry category at the 2025 iF Design Awards, one of the world’s most prestigious design competitions. It was also honored with the GOOD DESIGN Award in 2024 in the Robotics category, further solidifying its reputation for design excellence.