Hyundai Delivers First Wearable Robot to Korean Air – X-ble Shoulder Enters Aviation Maintenance

 

Hyundai Motor Group has officially delivered its first industrial wearable robot, the X-ble Shoulder, to Korean Air. The delivery ceremony held on July 8, 2025, marks the beginning of real-world applications for wearable robots in the aviation maintenance field.

Table of Contents

• 1. What the First Delivery Means
• 2. What Is the X-ble Shoulder?
• 3. Why Korean Air Chose It
• 4. Power-Free Technology and Field Feedback
• 5. Toward Global Expansion
• 6. Closing Insight: Human–Robot Collaboration Begins
• 7. FAQ

1. What the First Delivery Means

On July 8, 2025, Hyundai Motor Group officially delivered its first X-ble Shoulder robot to Korean Air. This marks the first commercial delivery of a wearable robot developed in-house by Hyundai’s Robotics Lab. The robot has been in development since 2018 and field-tested since 2022 across Hyundai’s global factories.

2. What Is the X-ble Shoulder?

The X-ble Shoulder is a lightweight, wearable robotic exoskeleton designed to assist shoulder and upper-arm movement, particularly for overhead tasks. Weighing just 1.9 kg, the device is worn like a vest and is available in both harness and vest-type configurations, allowing for flexible use across different workwear types.

3. Why Korean Air Chose It

Aviation maintenance requires long hours of working with arms raised and necks tilted upward. The physical strain on technicians can be substantial. Korean Air selected the X-ble Shoulder to reduce shoulder fatigue and repetitive stress injuries among maintenance staff.

This isn’t just a pilot test — it is the first formal delivery to an external customer. Korean Air plans to use the device for aircraft painting and will later expand to military aircraft, drones, UAMs, stealth fighters, and even space vehicles.

4. Power-Free Technology and Field Feedback

The X-ble Shoulder operates without electricity. Its internal mechanical torque structure reduces joint load by up to 60% and deltoid muscle activation by 30%. This makes the robot ideal for long-duration tasks where safety and endurance are key.

From 2022, Hyundai conducted field tests involving over 300 factory workers to refine comfort, mobility, and customization. The result is a durable, user-centric wearable robot optimized for industrial needs.

5. Toward Global Expansion

With the Korean Air deal, Hyundai is now launching full-scale commercial distribution. Over 50 pre-contracted clients from shipbuilding, construction, and agriculture are preparing to receive the device. In addition, global market entry is scheduled for 2026, backed by European Union DNV safety certification.

6. Closing Insight: Human–Robot Collaboration Begins

Rather than replacing human labor, the X-ble Shoulder enhances it. By reducing strain on workers, it allows them to focus on precision and safety. This first delivery is a symbolic step toward future workplaces where robots support human effort in seamless harmony.

7. FAQ

• Q. Can individuals purchase the X-ble Shoulder?
  A. Currently, the product is available only for corporate industrial clients.

• Q. What does “power-free” mean?
  A. The device does not require batteries or electricity. It uses mechanical torque structures to assist movement.

• Q. Will it be sold internationally?
  A. Yes, global distribution is planned for 2026, with EU safety certification already secured.