Angel Robotics Launches Wearable Suit 'AngelX'

Anyone, Anytime, Anywhere, Help When Assistance Is Needed

[Angel Robotics' Wearable Suit for Workers, AngelX]

Angel Robotics Co., Ltd., a specialized company in rehabilitation and healthcare wearable robots, announced the launch of the wearable suit 'AngelX' designed to reduce physical burden and assist muscle strength in work environments.

Since 2020, Angel Robotics has been supplying the wearable robot AngelX M for gait rehabilitation training of patients with spinal cord injuries, stroke, and Parkinson's disease, starting with Sinchon Severance Rehabilitation Hospital, and has expanded distribution to over 20 advanced general hospitals and institutions nationwide.

Angel Robotics, which has been researching and developing wearable robots based on clinical medicine and robotic technology, began joint research and development of wearable suits for logistics workers in September last year in collaboration with CJ Logistics. By incorporating real field feedback into robotic engineering and clinical technology, they developed the wearable suit and plan to continue strengthening cooperation in the future.

The newly launched AngelX is a wearable suit designed for workers in environments involving long hours of repetitive physical burden. Elastic components acting in the same direction as the back muscles assist upper body bending and sitting/standing motions, reducing labor intensity and protecting the musculoskeletal system, thereby preventing potential back injuries or occupational diseases.

Actual measurements of muscle activation before and after wearing AngelX showed a 20% reduction in erector spinae muscle activity and a 30% reduction in biceps femoris muscle activity when wearing AngelX compared to not wearing it, indicating decreased muscle usage. Additionally, the wearable suit must be easy to put on and take off like regular clothing in work environments. AngelX features a structure that allows donning and doffing within 20 seconds and enables movements such as twisting the torso or bending the waist without difficulty while worn, providing excellent comfort and usability during work.

Gong Kyung-cheol, co-founder and CEO of Angel Robotics (Professor of Mechanical Engineering at KAIST), and Na Dong-wook, co-CEO (Professor of Rehabilitation Medicine at Yonsei University College of Medicine), stated, “Although the initial target for release was logistics workers, everyone has moments in daily life when assistance is needed,” adding, “Beyond specialized workplaces such as manufacturing, construction, and logistics, AngelX will broadly help with repetitive movements involving the waist and upper body.”

Meanwhile, Angel Robotics opened an experience center at its headquarters in Seongsu-dong, anticipating that although there are many moments in daily life when wearable suits are needed, most people find it difficult to encounter and experience them. They believed that even if products applying wearable suit technology are released, people might hesitate to purchase them without firsthand experience and consultation.

Professors Gong and Na expressed their aspirations, saying, “Through the experience center, we hope more people can try wearable suits and that many who must perform difficult movements can enjoy a safer life.”