Hyundai and Kia Motors are innovating with robotics technology through the development of high tech wearable industrial robots.
In early 2018, Hyundai Motor Group identified Robot-Artificial Intelligence as one of five areas of future innovation and growth. In doing so the company established a designated robotics team in its strategic technology headquarters to focus on the development of related tech, and is expanding its cooperation with associated sectors.
Following the Hyundai Chairless Exoskeleton (H-CEX) demonstration conducted at the Hyundai-Kia North American factory last August, the company plans to verify H-VEX’s success through extensive testing later this year.
Dr. Youngcho Chi, Executive Vice President of Strategy & Technology Division and Chief Innovation Officer of Hyundai Motor Group said the field of robotics has the potential to usher in a “new era” in the automotive industry.
“The possibilities for the technology are endless – from future mobility solutions and industrial productivity aids to vital military applications, we think the future is better with robots,” he said.
“The huge collective experience within the Hyundai Motor Group will facilitate rapid progress in the coming years, and [we are] very optimistic for the use of this technology to improve lives around the globe.”
Hyundai Motor Group is developing technology in three areas of robotics: wearable robots, service robots, and micro-mobility. The company is also working in partnership with other talented domestic and international companies that possess robotic and artificial intelligence technology.
The first H-CEX was developed for industrial use. It is a knee-joint protective device that helps maintain a worker’s sitting position. Weighing in at 1.6kg it is light yet highly durable, and can withstand weights of up to 150kg. With waist, thigh and knee belts it can be easily fitted and adjusted to the user’s height.
Along with the H-CEX, the Hyundai team plan to test and apply the H-VEX in its North American factories at the end of the year. H-VEX is a device that alleviates pressure on workers’ neck and back by adding 60kg of strength to the user when their arms are used overhead.
On 10 September 2018, Hyundai initiated a strategic investment in the US-based artificial intelligence technology start-up Perceptive Automata to secure human movement prediction technology. The company is also cooperating with China’s top vision technology equipped artificial intelligence start-up, DeepGlint.
