The development of wearable robots or exoskeletons by Hyundai to support workers in the automotive industry has been a common practice in recent years.
Now the South Korean brand has gone further by announcing a strategic collaboration with the Rural Development Administration of Korea (RDA) to transform agricultural practices through the introduction of the wearable robot or robotic exoskeleton X-ble Shoulder.
Developed by the Robotics LAB of Hyundai Motor Group, the new equipment will be implemented on farms throughout the Korean territory to reduce worker strain, enhancing the health and safety of farmers, and promising to improve operational efficiency in the agricultural sector.
“Hyundai Motor Group has been looking to support workers in various sectors over the years, and the X-ble Shoulder is the result of that commitment”, said Heui Won Yang, president and head of the R&D Division of Hyundai Motor Group. “With this collaboration, we hope to reduce the strain on farmers’ shoulder joints and contribute to a more sustainable agricultural environment.”
The implementation of Hyundai’s new exoskeleton comes after five months of field tests conducted by the brand to assess the effectiveness of the X-ble Shoulder in agricultural environments.
Using electromyography sensors, the trials measured the activity of the deltoid muscle during intense shoulder effort tasks. The results demonstrated that the use of the wearable robot reduced muscle activation by about 22%, proving its potential to relieve joint load on farmers’ shoulders.
The collaboration between Hyundai and RDA also aims to create a framework to integrate the wearable robot into agriculture, conduct field demonstrations, and promote its use among agricultural communities.
Hyundai Motor Group will validate the applicability of the X-ble Shoulder robotic exoskeleton in different agricultural scenarios, share results, and develop tailored solutions, thus reinforcing the wider adoption of this technology that promises to revolutionize agricultural work.
Since its launch in November of last year, Hyundai Motor Group has been exploring the application of the X-ble Shoulder in sectors such as the manufacturing industry, construction, shipbuilding, and agriculture. After the first delivery to Korean Air in July 2025, the technology will be expanded to other companies, consolidating the presence of wearable robots in different industrial areas.
