Hyundai Motor Co and Kia Corp have partnered with Korea’s Rural Development Administration (RDA) to roll out wearable robotic technology aimed at reducing physical strain for farmers and improving efficiency in agricultural work.
The two automakers signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the RDA on Sept. 23 at Hyundai’s Uiwang Research & Development Center. The agreement focuses on deploying the X-ble Shoulder, a wearable exoskeleton developed by Hyundai and Kia’s Robotics LAB, to farming sites across South Korea.
The X-ble Shoulder is designed to ease shoulder joint load during high-intensity agricultural tasks. Field tests conducted in May and September this year measured muscle activity using electromyography sensors, showing that the device reduced deltoid activation by about 22%. The results indicate potential benefits for safety and long-term health in farming environments.
Under the partnership, Hyundai and Kia will continue testing and optimizing the exoskeleton for agricultural use while promoting broader adoption. The RDA will support demonstration projects, provide field assessments, and distribute educational material to raise awareness of the technology among farmers.
Since its launch in late 2024, the X-ble Shoulder has been introduced to several industries including manufacturing, shipbuilding and construction. It has already been supplied to companies such as Korean Air, Korea Railroad Corporation (KORAIL), Hyundai Transys and Hyundai Rotem, reflecting wider industrial interest in wearable robotic systems.
Source: Hyundai