Joining a wearable robot trend also seen at other automakers, including BMW, GM and Ford, Hyundai Motor Group has revealed its Vest EXoskeleton (VEX), created to assist factory workers who spend long hours working in overhead environments. The company said almost a year ago it was developing such industrial robots.
HMG said VEX enhances productivity and reduces worker fatigue by imitating the movement of human joints to boost load support and mobility.
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The wearable vest uses a polycentric axis – combining multiple pivot points with multi-link muscular assistance – to function, eliminating the need for a battery.
At 2.5kg, the VEX weighs 22-42% less than competing products and is worn like a backpack.
The user places arms through the shoulder straps, then fastens the chest and waist buckles. The back section can adjust in length by up to 18cm to fit a variety of body sizes while the degree of force assistance can be adjusted over six levels – up to as much as 5.5kgf.
"VEX gives workers greater load support, mobility, and adaptability when operating in overhead environments." said DongJin Hyun, head of the automaker's robotics team.
"Workers will also appreciate how light VEX is to wear and work with."
The newly-developed VEX is targeted at production line workers whose job is primarily overhead, such as those bolting components like fuel tanks on to the underside of vehicles, fitting brake tubes, and attaching exhausts.
Development included a pilot programme in two group plants in the US. The trial was widely successful in assisting workers and boosting productivity and both plants incorporated VEX systems in their production lines.
The group is now considering implementing VEX in plants around the world.
Hyundai Rotem is expected to start commercial production in December and the vest is projected to cost as much as 30% less than existing products which usually are priced around US$5,000.
As part of the group's plans to develop a diverse range of robotics technologies, another lightweight wearable device is soon to be commercialised.
The 'chairless EXoskeleton' (CEX) – a similar product was developed by BMW – supports workers to maintain a sitting position without a stool or chair. At 1.6kg, it is light yet durable and able to withstand weights of up to 150kg.
The CEX's waist, thigh, and knee belts adjust to the user's body size and height. It also features three different angle settings (85/70/55 degrees). By reducing the user's back and lower body muscle activity by 40%, it reduces fatigue and improves efficiency.
"The development of the VEX and CEX demonstrates Hyundai Motor Group's steadfast commitment to the health and wellbeing of its industrial workers and its ongoing exploration of advanced robotics," the automaker said.
The group also plans to showcase diverse robotics technology, including a 'Hotel Service Robot,' 'Sales Service Robot,' 'Electric Vehicle Charging Manipulator,' and other 'Robotic Personal Mobility' solutions in the future.
According to the International Federation of Robotics, the wearable robotics industry is growing 14% annually and the rate is accelerating.
By 2021 approximately 630,000 commercial robots will be sold worldwide, with the greatest demand coming from the automotive sector.
In 2017, 126,000 robots were supplied to the auto sector, accounting for a third of all commercial robots.
