Robotics LAB recently unveiled its new wearable robot, X-ble Shoulder, and we’re thrilled to announce that we’re taking our first steps into the wearable robot world. This news has already started creating a buzz, and we can’t wait to tell you more about it.

■ What exactly is the X-ble Shoulder?

A wearable robot is a device designed to be worn on the body to compensate for our human physical limitations. They come in two main types: industrial wearable robots, which boost work efficiency, and medical wearable robots, which aid patients in their recovery.

Our X-ble Shoulder falls into the industrial category. It’s been specially designed to give workers a helping hand (or arm) by boosting shoulder and arm strength. This nifty device can significantly reduce fatigue and the risk of injury from repetitive tasks and heavy lifting. And the best part? It’s super light. Weighing in at just 1.9 kg, it won’t add to your load, even during long shifts. The X-ble Shoulder is designed like a vest and can be put on in just 20 seconds. Plus, the lining and mechanical parts can be separated for easy cleaning and storage.

■ Why did we create the X-ble Shoulder?

Our goal was to design a wearable robot that could make up for any lack of strength and decrease the risk of injury. We placed rotation axes at key joints like the shoulders, mirroring the complex muscle structure of the human body. This design allows the X-ble Shoulder to distribute and transfer force according to your movements, minimizing any restrictions you might feel while working.

We offer the X-ble Shoulder in two versions: Basic and Adjustable. The Basic model is great for jobs where your posture constantly changes, providing up to 2.9 kgf of assistive force. The Adjustable model, on the other hand, is perfect for tasks where you maintain the same posture. You can adjust the angle (between 75° and 120°) to get the maximum torque for your working posture, and it offers up to 3.7 kgf of assistive force.

What if you only need help with one shoulder? No problem. You can attach the device to just one side. You also can choose a vest with or without zippers or seams to suit your environment.

The X-ble Shoulder is made of automotive-grade materials, making it both lightweight and durable. It uses springs and elastic materials to generate force, so you don’t have to worry about batteries or charging. The pad is made of cool polyester material and the vest is wide mesh for effective ventilation and breathability. 

In a nutshell, the X-ble Shoulder is a game-changer. It offers strength and durability, while also providing you with convenience and practicality.

■ Continuous Research to Upgrade X-ble Shoulder’s Performance

We’ve been busy over at Robotics LAB, putting our new X-ble Shoulder to the test with about 300 field workers at Hyundai and Kia, both domestically and overseas. We specifically tested the X-ble Shoulder in the parts and body assembly departments, where workers often have to work with their arms raised above their heads and their heads tilted back.

Guess what? The feedback was fantastic. By incorporating the suggestions from the test users into the product, we were able to reduce their physical effort by over 40% and significantly increase satisfaction rates.

We didn’t stop there, though. We also confirmed the biomechanical effects of wearing X-ble Shoulder on the shoulder joint using human movement analysis systems. We managed to reduce the muscle activities in the Deltoid by up to 30% when measured by electromyography (EMG), and the shoulder joint loads by up to 60% using a digital human modeling system.

We’ve made the X-ble Shoulder even more robust by using automotive-grade materials known for their high strength and durability. By applying lightweight technology and gravity compensation (offset) techniques, we’ve optimized the user’s strength assistance and ensured the product’s quality. This tech-savvy approach means that the X-ble Shoulder is designed to reduce the user’s physical effort, while ensuring stability and efficiency, even during long shifts.

■ But don’t just take our word for it. Here’s what some users had to say:

     “Using the X-ble Shoulder significantly decreased my fatigue.”

     “Pain and fatigue from repetitive movements have greatly improved.”

     “I regained my self-esteem thanks to X-ble Shoulder.”

     “I look natural and cool wearing X-ble Shoulder.”

     “It requires less physical strength even when working for long periods of time.”

One senior worker summed it up perfectly: “Starting with X-ble Shoulder, I hope we can create an environment where my successors can work safer in the future.”

The X-ble Shoulder doesn’t just reduce physical injuries; it also leads to psychological stability, job satisfaction, and optimism about future work environments.

In conclusion, the X-ble Shoulder is a wearable robot that perfectly blends technology and human needs. Its lightweight design, high strength, durability, ease of use and simple structure (no batteries or charging needed) make it a game-changer for workers in industrial sites.

Based on user feedback, it’s clear that the X-ble Shoulder is set to revolutionize the safety and efficiency of work environments. It’s paving the way for future industrial processes and is a shining example of human-centric technological innovation.

So, let’s get excited about the new world that the X-ble Shoulder is creating. It’s the perfect wearable robot for a safe and smart work environment. The future is here, and it’s wearing an X-ble Shoulder.