Hyundai Motor Group has developed a wearable robot called Vest Exoskeleton (VEX) to help workers who perform overhead tasks for long hours, the company said Wednesday.
This is the second industrial wearable robot developed by Hyundai Motor Group, following the Chair Exoskeleton (CEX) that was launched last year.
The company expects the VEX will enhance productivity and reduce worker fatigue by imitating the movement of human joints. The exosuit does not require a battery.
The new product weighs about 2.5 kilograms, which is up to 42 percent lighter than competing products. It is easy to wear, as the user simply needs to place their arms through the shoulder straps and fasten chest and waist buckles.
The back section can adjust in length by up to 18 centimeters to fit a variety of body sizes, while the degree of force assistance can be adjusted over six levels ― up to as much as 5.5 kilograms of force per square centimeter. It can also withstand weights of up to 160 kilograms.
“VEX gives workers greater load support, mobility and adaptability when operating in overhead environments,” said Hyun Dong-jin, head of the robotics team at Hyundai Motor Group. “Workers will also appreciate how light VEX is to wear and work with.”
VEX is targeted at production-line workers who perform overhead tasks, such as bolting the underside of vehicles, fitting brake tubes and attaching exhausts.
Hyundai Motor Group ran a pilot program at its two plants in the U.S. to test VEX. The trial was widely successful in helping workers and enhancing productivity, prompting both plants to incorporate VEX systems in their production lines.
The company plans to implement VEX in plants around the world. It is expected to go into commercial production in December.
Hyundai Motor Group said the wearable exoskeleton will cost about 30 percent less than existing products, which are usually around $5,000.