[Edaily Reporter Shin Yeong-bin ] HyundaiMotor(005380)is accelerating its “wearable robot” business. With the basic model of its industrial wearable robot, the “Xbl Shoulder,” receiving Korean Standard (KS) certification, the entire product line has now been certified.

According to the information technology (IT) industry on the 9th, the Korea Institute for Robot Industry Promotion granted KS B 7322 certification to the basic model of the Xbl Shoulder, “XS-0-BV,” manufactured by INTOPS CO., LTD., on the 31st of last month. With this, both the basic and adjustable models of the Xbl Shoulder have now received KS certification. Previously, in March, the adjustable X-Bl Shoulder model “XS-0-AV” became the first wearable robot in South Korea to receive KS certification.

The X-Bl Shoulder is a non-powered shoulder muscle-assist robot developed by the HyundaiMotor·KIA CORPORATION Robotics Lab. It reduces the strain on the shoulders when workers lift their arms to perform tasks. A key feature is that it does not use electric motors or batteries, allowing it to be used without the need for separate charging. It is currently being produced at the INTOPS CO., LTD. Gumi Plant.

The two products differ in the work environments for which they are intended. The standard model provides uniform assistive force to enable broad use in tasks where the worker’s posture changes frequently. The adjustable model is designed for tasks involving repetitive, static postures. It allows the worker to adjust the angle at which maximum assistive force is applied, and the maximum assistive force is approximately 28% greater.

KS certification is a system that verifies not only that a product meets the standards set by national standards but also that the manufacturer has a management system in place to consistently produce products of that quality. In the robotics sector, the Korea Institute for Robot Industry Promotion evaluates factories and products. KS-certified products may be given priority for procurement by the national government, local governments, and public institutions, and may also receive certain inspection exemptions and bidding-related benefits.

HyundaiMotor and KIA CORPORATION are steadily expanding the applications of the X-Bl Shoulder. In July of last year, they secured KoreanAirLines as their first external customer and began supplying the product to aircraft assembly and maintenance sites. It is being utilized not only at HyundaiMotor and KIA CORPORATION production sites but also at group affiliates such as Hyundai Transys and HYUNDAI ROTEM, as well as at organizations like the Korea Railroad Corporation. In July of this year, HyundaiEngineering&Construction deployed the X-Bl Shoulder at the “DH Class” construction site in Seocho-gu, Seoul.

The product is also expanding into the public sector. This month, HyundaiMotor donated 10 X-Bl Shoulders to the Cultural Heritage Administration. These units will be distributed to four Regional Cultural Heritage Care Centers—in Gyeonggi, North Chungcheong, Northern North Gyeongsang, and Western Gwangju, South Jeolla—and will be used for the repair and maintenance of national heritage sites.

HyundaiMotor and KIA CORPORATION plan to apply the X-Bl Shoulder not only to manufacturing but also to various industrial settings, including construction, shipbuilding, aviation, agriculture, and logistics. Having secured KS certification for both the adjustable and standard models, the companies are expected to accelerate commercialization, focusing on domestic industrial sites and the public sector.

The wearable robot market is also continuing its growth trend. According to market research firm The Business Research Company, the global industrial exoskeleton market is projected to grow from $970 million (approximately 1.2974 trillion won) in 2025 to $1.65 billion (approximately 2.2069 trillion won) in 2030. Demand is expected to rise in manufacturing, construction, and logistics sectors as companies seek to reduce the risk of worker injuries and physical strain.