- Hyundai Motor and Kia signal an MoU with Korea’s Rural Growth Administration (RDA) to introduce the wearable robotic X-ble Shoulder to agriculture
- Collaboration focuses on enhancing farmers’ well being, security, and operational effectivity by wearable robotic
- Each events will collaborate on testing, selling and scaling the usage of wearable robots in farming to advance sustainable agriculture
Hyundai Motor Firm and Kia Company are collaborating with Korea’s Rural Growth Administration (RDA) to revolutionize agricultural practices by wearable robotic. The businesses intention to deploy their wearable robotic, the X-ble Shoulder, developed by Hyundai Motor and Kia’s Robotics LAB, to farming websites throughout Korea.
On September 23, Hyundai Motor and Kia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the RDA on the Uiwang Analysis & Growth (R&D) Heart. This strategic partnership is designed to boost farmers’ well being and security whereas enhancing operational effectivity in agricultural work.
“Hyundai Motor and Kia have lengthy sought methods to help staff throughout various industries, and the X-ble Shoulder is the results of these efforts,” stated Heui Received Yang, President and Head of Hyundai Motor and Kia’s R&D Division. “By means of this collaboration, we hope the X-ble Shoulder will scale back the shoulder joint load for farmers and contribute to making a extra sustainable agricultural setting.”
Seung-don Lee, Head of the RDA, added, “Enhancing security and effectivity in agricultural fields is a key activity for the way forward for farming. By actively introducing superior know-how by our collaboration with Hyundai Motor and Kia, we intention to assist farmers work extra safely and healthily whereas fostering innovation within the agricultural sector.”
Validating effectiveness in agriculture and increasing cross-industry adoption
Earlier this 12 months, Hyundai Motor and Kia’s Robotics LAB carried out two rounds of discipline exams in collaboration with the RDA—in Could and September—to guage the effectiveness of the X-ble Shoulder in agricultural environments. Utilizing electromyography (EMG) sensors, the exams measured adjustments in deltoid muscle exercise throughout high-load shoulder duties. The outcomes confirmed that sporting the X-ble Shoulder diminished shoulder muscle activation by roughly 22 p.c, confirming its potential to alleviate shoulder joint load for farmers.
The collaborators will set up a framework for integrating wearable robotic into agricultural practices, reveal and develop their software in farming environments, and promote consciousness of this know-how at agricultural websites. Hyundai Motor and Kia plan to validate the usability of the X-ble Shoulder in farming situations, share insights and develop optimized, agriculture-tailored options whereas actively speaking the outcomes to help broader adoption.
The RDA will play a important position in supporting the demonstration and value assessments of wearable robotic within the discipline, figuring out demand sources, and connecting with associated establishments to facilitate wider adoption. Moreover, the RDA will produce and distribute academic content material showcasing the progress of this collaboration.
Since its launch in November final 12 months, Hyundai Motor and Kia have been exploring the applying of X-ble Shoulder throughout a variety of industries, together with manufacturing, development, shipbuilding and agriculture. Following the primary supply to Korean Air in July 2025, the businesses have expanded provide to shoppers resembling Korea Railroad Company (KORAIL), Hyundai Transys and Hyundai Rotem, additional broadening the applying of wearable robotic throughout industrial sectors.
For inquiries about acquiring the X-ble Shoulder, please go to Hyundai Motor and Kia’s official Robotics LAB web site.
