Hyundai Motor Group announces two new exoskeletons to relieve workers while performing their duties. The Vest EXoskeleton (VEX) supports individuals who do a lot of overhead work, such as on the underside of a vehicle. Chairless EXoskeleton (CEX) makes it possible to assume a seated position without the need for a chair.
With the VEX, Hyundai aims to increase employee productivity while reducing fatigue. The exoskeleton mimics the movements of human joints to provide support and increase workers' mobility. The exoskeleton features polycentric axes, combining multiple pivot points. It is a passive exoskeleton, which does not use a battery or battery.
Lightweight
Notable features of the VEX include its light weight; Hyundai claims that the exoskeleton is 22 to 42 lighter than similar products from competitors. According to the company, this is partly due to the lack of a battery, although several others have also launched battery-free exoskeletons. These include the Laevo V2.5 and the Comau MATE.
The VEX is worn like a backpack, with the exoskeleton attached to the back using shoulder straps and buckled over the chest and abdomen. The back section is adjustable over 18 centimetres, making the exoskeleton suitable for users of different heights. The degree of support can be adjusted to six levels and goes up to 54 Newtons.
The Vest EXoskeleton (source photo: Hyundai)
Sitting without a chair
In addition to the VEX, Hyundai will soon launch the CEX. This exoskeleton allows users to assume a seated position without the need for a chair or stool. To make this possible, the CEX supports the user's knee joints, spine and muscles, reducing the strain on muscles in the back and lower body by 40 per cent. The CEX weighs 1.6 kilograms and, like the VEX, is worn on the back. The exoskeleton can support up to 150 kilograms.
The VEX is expected to be produced by Hyundai Rorem from December. The exoskeleton should become available for about 30% less than existing products, which cost an average of $5,000, according to Hyundai. This would mean that the VEX will become available for around $1,500. When the CEX will go into production is not known.
Previous exoskeletons
Exoskeletons are not new to Hyundai. Back in 2015, for instance, the company presented the H-LEX exoskeleton, intended for medical applications. A prototype exoskeleton based on the H-LEX platform followed in 2016. This prototype enabled users to lift hundreds of kilos and was aimed at industrial applications and defence, among others. In 2017, Hyundai presented two medical exoskeletons:
- the H-MEX (Hyundai Medical EXoskeleton) to enable patients with spinal cord injury to walk again;
- the HUMA (Hyundai Universal Medical Assist) to provide mobility support to people with limited muscle strength.
The H-WEX is also based on this platform. This exoskeleton helps users in the workplace lift heavy loads and perform from other strenuous repetitive activities. The exoskeleton supports the user's body and also ensures that the user adopts an optimal body position.
Author: Wouter Hoeffnagel
Source: Hyundai
