Hyundai Creates Iron Man-Like Exoskeleton For Factory Workers And Military Defense
Hyundai Motor Group isn't just working on fancy new cars these days, it's also dabbling in robotics. It may have a bright future in the field, too—the automaker posted a handful of photos showing off a wearable robot suit that's not totally unlike the one Tony Stark built in Iron Man (minus the electromagnetic chest piece and ability to fly).
The exoskeleton was a joint effort between Hyundai Motor Group, Hyundai Rotem Co., and Kia Motors. It's not clear exactly where the technology will end up, though Hyundai says its robot suits can be used in a wide variety of fields, including (but not limited to) production plants and national defense.
"This wearable robot that we are developing for commercial purposes will be used in diverse areas," Hyundai said. "Such a robot development is in line with Hyundai Motor Group's vision for free mobility of people and things."
As you might imagine, the exoskeleton gives the wearer much improved strength to lift heavy objects, including those weighing over 60 kilograms (around 132 pounds) with ease. If a heavy item needs transported up or down a flight of stairs, that's where something like this would become particularly useful.
Heavy duty grunt work and military defense aren't the only applications, they're just the most obvious ones. Outside of that, a robot suit could be used to help people with disabilities, assist the elderly, and more. That's all assuming the final version isn't cost prohibitive for consumer use (which we imagine it will be).
The exoskeleton was a joint effort between Hyundai Motor Group, Hyundai Rotem Co., and Kia Motors. It's not clear exactly where the technology will end up, though Hyundai says its robot suits can be used in a wide variety of fields, including (but not limited to) production plants and national defense.
"This wearable robot that we are developing for commercial purposes will be used in diverse areas," Hyundai said. "Such a robot development is in line with Hyundai Motor Group's vision for free mobility of people and things."
As you might imagine, the exoskeleton gives the wearer much improved strength to lift heavy objects, including those weighing over 60 kilograms (around 132 pounds) with ease. If a heavy item needs transported up or down a flight of stairs, that's where something like this would become particularly useful.
Heavy duty grunt work and military defense aren't the only applications, they're just the most obvious ones. Outside of that, a robot suit could be used to help people with disabilities, assist the elderly, and more. That's all assuming the final version isn't cost prohibitive for consumer use (which we imagine it will be).
