• by Chuck Martin , October 22, 2018

Kia Motors, part of Hyundai Motor Group, is testing robotics technology through the development of the Hyundai Vest Exoskeleton wearable industry robot.

The company is in the process of verification testing through the end of this year, following a demonstration of the technology in August.

Hyundai identified robot artificial intelligence as one of five areas of its future growth and innovation and established a robotics team at its technology headquarters to develop it along with related technology.

The automaker is developing technology in three areas of robots: wearable robots, service robots and micro-mobility, according to a company statement.

The first exoskeleton is a knee-joint protective device that helps maintain a worker’s sitting position. Testing of another device that alleviates pressure on workers’ neck and back is also planned.

The company is also developing a hotel service robot that provide room service and guide guests around a hotel. Those robots will be bested at South Korea’s Haevichi hotel and resort and the Rolling Hills hotel.