Kia Motors' 'Wearable Robot' Pilot Operation

The wearable robots 'Bex' (left) and 'Chex' developed by Hyundai-Kia Motors' robotics team.

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[Asia Economy Reporter Kiho Sung] Kia Motors has begun pilot operations of 'wearable robots' (robots in wearable form) at its production sites. This measure aims to improve workers' working conditions and reduce injury risks. Based on the data obtained from this pilot operation, Kia's labor and management plan to discuss whether to expand the use of wearable robots early next year.

According to Kia Motors and the labor union on the 2nd, Kia started the pilot operation of wearable robots beginning with the Hwaseong Plant on the 27th of last month. The Hwaseong Plant will conduct the pilot operation until the 13th, the Gwangju Plant from the 9th to the 20th, and the Sohari Plant from the 23rd until December 4th.

Wearable robots are devices that assist the user's muscle strength and are designed to be worn like clothing. The robots used this time are 'CEX' and 'VEX,' developed by Hyundai Motor Group and completed in September last year. CEX is a chair-type wearable robot weighing 1.6 kg but can withstand a load of 150 kg. Wearing CEX can reduce the burden on the waist and knees by up to 80%.

VEX is a wearable robot for overhead work that assists workers who lift heavy tools above their shoulders. Since it adds up to about 60 kg of force, it reduces the burden on the neck and shoulders by up to 42%. For an average adult, holding a 3 kg tool feels almost weightless. Both robots operate passively without requiring a separate power supply and were tested last year at Hyundai's Alabama plant and Kia's Georgia plant in the United States.

Kia's labor and management plan to discuss specific operational measures, including full-scale adoption, based on the results of this pilot operation. A representative of the Kia labor union said, "We expect that operating wearable robots will significantly alleviate musculoskeletal injuries among workers," adding, "We will compile data collected during the pilot period and user feedback to engage in discussions with management early next year regarding full-scale adoption."

The industry is showing great interest in this pilot operation. If Kia decides to adopt the technology, it will be the first case of using wearable robots in South Korea's production processes. Additionally, since VEX and CEX operate passively, they offer high safety and low cost, increasing their potential for widespread use.

Professor Kwanwoong Kwak of the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Sejong University explained, "Wearable robots are divided into electric types using motors and passive types using springs and other mechanisms," adding, "Electric types may cause unintended injuries to wearers due to motor malfunctions, but passive types are safer." Professor Kwak also said, "Passive types do not include motors or batteries like electric types, making them cheaper and offering vast potential for industrial applications," and "Wearable robots may spread throughout the industry faster than we expect."

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