Hyundai Rotem to Pioneer Domestic Commercialization of 'Agricultural Wearable Robot'

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter]Hyundai Rotem, based on the 'wearable robot' jointly developed with Hyundai Motor Company, is pushing for the first domestic commercialization for agricultural use to target the agricultural sector following the industrial sector.

On the 29th, Hyundai Rotem announced that it is exhibiting strength-assist wearable robots at the '2021 International Agriculture Expo' held at the Jeonnam Agricultural Research and Extension Services in Naju, Jeonnam, until the 31st.

The robots on display this time are three types: ▲vest-type wearable robot VEX ▲backpack-type wearable robot H-Frame ▲chair-type wearable robot CEX.

VEX is equipment that reduces fatigue in the arms and shoulders during long hours of arm lifting work, does not require a separate power supply, and weighs only 2.5 kg, making it lightweight. H-Frame is effective for lifting objects from the ground to waist height, and CEX helps support the wearer’s posture while sitting.

These products can be used in various ways in agricultural fields, such as harvesting fruit from high places, carrying heavy harvests, and managing short crops.

In August, Hyundai Rotem was selected as the lead company for the project 'Development and distribution of wearable robots suitable for agricultural work mechanization' under the 'Service Robot Distribution Project' promoted by the Korea Institute for Robot Industry Advancement.

The purpose of this project is to provide robots that prevent musculoskeletal disorders among farmers and improve work efficiency. Notably, this is the first time that the research and development (R&D) and commercialization of agricultural wearable robots have been designated as a national project.

Hyundai Rotem’s wearable robots have already been commercialized in industries including automobiles with Hyundai Motor Company and Kia, heavy industries with Hyundai Steel, shipbuilding, logistics, and distribution, proving product performance in safety and convenience at industrial sites.

In June, Hyundai Rotem signed a business agreement with Korea Electric Power Corporation and KEPCO Research Institute in Daejeon for the 'Development of robots for safety and strength reinforcement of workers in the power sector.' The core is to develop dedicated wearable robots to reduce fatigue during live-line work by power sector construction workers and apply them on-site.

Hyundai Rotem plans to mass-produce and distribute 'agricultural wearable robots' in domestic and international markets after demand surveys and product performance verification stages. Through this, the company aims to expand the distribution of wearable robots required not only in agriculture but also in other industrial sectors.

A company official said, "Since purchase demand is already continuing in various industries, we are establishing domestic and international distribution and service networks for wearable robots," adding, "We will strive to develop and produce wearable robots optimized for the overall market."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.