{"id":24336,"date":"2019-09-04T10:09:23","date_gmt":"2019-09-04T09:09:23","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.tyretrade.ie\/?p=24336"},"modified":"2019-09-04T14:12:17","modified_gmt":"2019-09-04T13:12:17","slug":"hyundai-develops-wearable-vest-to-alleviate-burden-in-overhead-work","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tyretrade.ie\/index.php\/hyundai-develops-wearable-vest-to-alleviate-burden-in-overhead-work\/24336","title":{"rendered":"Hyundai develops wearable vest to alleviate burden in overhead work"},"content":{"rendered":"

Hyundai Motor Group has developed the Vest EXoskeleton (VEX), a new wearable robot created to assist industrial workers who spend long hours working in overhead environments.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

The VEX enhances productivity and reduces fatigue of industrial workers by imitating the movement of human joints to boost load support and mobility. The wearable vest the polycentric axis \u2013 combining multiple pivot points with multi-link muscular assistance \u2013 to function, eliminating the need for a battery.<\/p>\n

At 2.5kg, Hyundai says the VEX weighs considerably less than competing products and is worn like a backpack. The user places their arms through the shoulder straps of the vest, then fastens the chest and waist buckles. The back section can adjust in length by up to 18 cm to fit a variety of body sizes, while the degree of force assistance can be adjusted over six levels \u2013 up to as much as 5.5 kgf.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\u201cVEX gives workers greater load support, mobility, and adaptability when operating in overhead environments.\u201d stated DongJin Hyun, head of Robotics team of Hyundai Motor Group. \u201cWorkers will also appreciate how light VEX is to wear and work with.\u201d<\/p>\n

The newly-developed VEX is targeted at production-line workers whose job is primarily overhead, such as those bolting the underside of vehicles, fitting brake tubes, and attaching exhausts. The development of the VEX included a pilot program in two Hyundai Motor 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.<\/p>\n

The Group is considering on implementing the VEX on plants around the world. It is expected to go into commercial production in December by Hyundai Rotem and is projected to cost around $3,500.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

As part of the Group\u2019s plans to develop a diverse range of robotics technologies, another lightweight wearable device is soon to be commercialized. The \u2018Chairless EXoskeleton\u2019 (CEX) supports workers to maintain a sitting position without a stool or chair. At 1.6kg, it is light yet highly durable and able to withstand weights of up to 150kg.<\/p>\n

The CEX\u2019s waist, thigh, and knee belts can be easily fitted and adjusted to the user\u2019s body size and height. It also features three different angle settings (85 \/ 70 \/ 55 degrees). By reducing the user\u2019s back and lower body muscle activity, it reduces fatigue and improves efficiency.<\/p>\n

The Group also plans to showcase diverse robotics technology, including a \u2018Hotel Service Robot,\u2019 \u2018Sales Service Robot,\u2019 \u2018Electric Vehicle Charging Manipulator,\u2019 and other \u2018Robotic Personal Mobility\u2019 solutions in the future.<\/p>\n