Description

X-ble Shoulder is an upper-body industrial wearable robot developed by Hyundai Motor Group Robotics LAB / Hyundai Motor and Kia Robotics LAB for workers who perform repetitive or sustained overhead tasks. It is intended to reduce musculoskeletal load and shoulder joint burden in industrial environments, with target sectors listed as construction, shipbuilding, aviation, agriculture, automotive work, and logistics.

Hyundai lists two versions: an adjustable type for repetitive motions and a standard type for work that requires more frequent posture changes. Key design features include carbon-composite construction, a flexible ball-joint structure, a magnetic catch for easier wear and storage, a detachable washable vest, workwear compatibility, and a stated shoulder/arm motion range of 0–180°.

Statistics:

• Applications: Industrial overhead work; shoulder and upper-arm assistance; construction, shipbuilding, aviation, agriculture, automotive, and logistics applications.
• Certifications: Korea Industrial Standards (KS) certification from the Korea Institute for Robot Industry Advancement (KIRIA); Hyundai states it was the first wearable robot in Korea to receive KS certification. Hyundai also states that X-ble Shoulder received ISO 13482 safety certification from DNV in February 2025 and EU Machinery Directive certification in May 2025. (external link to press release)
• Weight:  Adjustable type is listed at 0.70 kg (1.54 lb) per side; standard type is listed at 0.68 kg (1.50 lb) per side. Total device weight, including vest, is listed at 1.9 kg (4.2 lb).
• Supplied Torque: No electrical power source; passive assistance. Hyundai lists the adjustable type’s assistive output as up to 6.2 Nm (4.6 lb-ft) and the standard type’s as up to 4.9 Nm (3.6 lb-ft).
• User Limits: Product length listed as 406–446 mm (16.0–17.6 in) with 5-step adjustment. Armrest sizes are listed by arm circumference: 28 cm (11.0 in), 32 cm (12.6 in), 34 cm (13.4 in), and 37 cm (14.6 in). Vest sizes are XS–2XL, with a listed chest circumference range of 91–117 cm (35.8–46.1 in).

Personal experience:

Both Dr. Sugar and I have had the opportunity to try the X-Ble Shoulder at the A+A Trade Fair / ExoPark 2025.

Hyundai Motor Company / Hyundai Motor Group Robotics LAB, HQ: Seoul, South Korea, see the full directory entry for additional information

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