Developed in line with Hyundai Motor Group’s commitment to the health and safety of its industrial workers, VEX is designed to prevent injuries.
The compact design eliminates the need for a battery, weighs just 2.8 kg and is worn like a backpack. It utilises a polycentric axis to provide a maximum force of 5.5 kgf.
Primarily intended for production-line workers who need to work with their hands above their heads, usually on the underside of vehicles on the assembly line, VEX has already won the hearts of workers who have used it, the company says. Hyundai Motor Group ran pilot programs in its US plants, receiving positive feedback from the workers as it reduced fatigue in their arms and shoulders while boosting productivity and safety.
In addition to VEX, Hyundai Motor Group is working on another lightweight wearable robot, Chairless Exoskeleton (CEX). With CEX, workers can easily maintain a sitting position without a stool or chair.
Hyundai Motor Group has also unveiled Medical Exoskeleton, MEX, and building on these wearable robots, it plans to develop additional ones that will enhance productivity and work safety, as well as support rehabilitation of injured patients.
The Group is considering implementing VEX in plants around the world. Hyundai Rotem will be in charge of the commercial production, expected to cost as much as 30% less than existing products.
“This award is a testament to the collaboration between Robotics Lab and Hyundai Design Center,” said Dong Jin Hyun, head of robotics lab at Hyundai Motor Group. “Under Hyundai’s brand vision of ‘Progress for Humanity’, our lab has been trying to pioneer robotics through converging various technologies. With the success of and recognition on VEX, Hyundai will continue developing novel products that will provide people with better life quality.”
