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Korean Air introduces 'wearable robot' for aerospace operations

Korean Air introduces 'wearable robot' for aerospace operations
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Korean Air | Official Website

On July 8, 2025, Korean Air held a ceremonial event at its aircraft maintenance hangar in Incheon to mark the delivery of the first "X-ble Shoulder." This device is a wearable industrial robot developed by Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation's Robotics LAB. Korean Air is the first official launch customer for this joint program.

The X-ble Shoulder will be used across various divisions of Korean Air's aerospace operations, including military aircraft, urban air mobility vehicles, drones, stealth aircraft, and satellite launch systems. The device provides "assistive force" through a muscle compensation module without needing a conventional electrical motor or charging. It is designed to reduce shoulder load by up to 60% and muscle strain by up to 30%, improving workplace safety and quality of life for workers.

The wearable robot has been tested since 2022 with feedback from over 300 testers. In February 2025, it received ISO 13482 certification for personal assistant robots and was approved for use in Europe in May under the EU Directive on machinery certification.

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Hyunboh Jung, Managing Vice President and Head of Aerostructure Business Department at Korean Air, expressed optimism about the introduction of X-ble Shoulder: “We anticipate that workers’ health and job satisfaction will be enhanced through the introduction of X-ble Shoulder. We are actively reviewing further adoption to uphold the highest standards in both aircraft manufacturing and maintenance safety and quality.”

Korean Air is not only South Korea's largest airline but also operates an extensive aerospace division that manufactures civil and military products. The company has been involved in producing MD Helicopters MD 500, Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters, Northrop F-5 Tiger II fighter jets under license, major structures for KF-16 fighter aircraft, unmanned aircraft, Boeing models like the 737 and Airbus A330s among others.

Korean Air is part of Hanjin Group, one of South Korea’s family-owned conglomerates known as "Chaebol," which have played a significant role in the country's industrialization.

South Korea remains a key defense partner to the United States with its aerospace industry supporting its large military as a deterrent against North Korea.

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