Opening New Possibilities Through Robotics:
Rising as a weathercaster
to forecast dreams
3 minute read
3,2,1⋯ Standby, Cue— On the night of December 3, a remarkable scene unfolds during the live national news broadcast. Experience an unprecedented weather forecast powered by robotics innovation of Hyundai, and discover the story of technology-driven CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) behind it. Join us as we take you inside a moment filled with tension, excitement, and hope.
International Day of Persons with Disabilities: Breaking Barriers Through Technology
December 3 marks the ‘International Day of Persons with Disabilities’.
To honor this meaningful day, Hyundai takes a challenge that will astonish the world. Chae Soo-min, a 29-year-old woman living with paraplegia, stands again — empowered by Hyundai Robotics Lab’s medical wearable robot, X-ble MEX. And she delivers a live weather forecast, becoming the weathercaster with paraplegia.
As we all know, weathercasters traditionally present forecasts ‘standing up’. For someone with paraplegia, this role might have seemed nearly impossible. But with the support of X-ble MEX, Soo-min is defying limits.
“I hope this challenge gives strength and hope to someone out there,” she says. Her journey demonstrates how technology can expand a person’s daily life and open doors to new opportunities.
X-ble MEX: Opening a New Chapter in Medical Robotics
X-ble MEX is a medical wearable robot developed by Hyundai Motor Company’s Robotics Lab. Designed to assist individuals with limited mobility, the device supports lower-limb muscle activation and joint movement for those who face difficulties walking. The device wraps around the legs and pelvis, combining the strength of metal with ergonomic design to naturally augment the wearer’s movements.
The name “X-ble MEX” reflects the vision and philosophy of Hyundai. “X-ble” merges the limitless possibilities of robotics, symbolized by the letter “X,” with the idea of being “able” — enabling new capabilities. MEX stands for Medical Exoskeleton, highlighting its role in advancing mobility and rehabilitation solutions. The device can be worn even while seated in a wheelchair and is lightweight and slim, offering excellent comfort. It supports a range of movements — walking, standing, turning, and climbing stairs — and is regarded as a highly effective tool in rehabilitation settings.
In November 2025, X-ble MEX received Class III medical device approval from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. This certification marks official recognition of the device’s safety and efficacy as an advanced medical robot, enabling its use not only for patients with paralysis but also for those unable to walk independently due to conditions such as stroke or disabilities, enabling gait correction and rehabilitation.
From a technical perspective, X-ble MEX has been validated as a robotic automation system and approved as a digital medical device incorporating intelligent robotics technology. This milestone is expected to significantly expand its application in clinical environments, paving the way for broader utilization in medical rehabilitation.
Sharing Hope Through Technology: Hyundai’s Robotics-Driven Social Contribution Journey
This project is part of Hyundai Motor Company’s ongoing effort to make its robotics-based social contribution initiatives more widely understood and accessible. Guided by the brand vision of “Progress for Humanity,” Hyundai continues to evolve into a smart mobility solutions provider — working to create a world where everyone can move freely, without discrimination.
In 2023, Hyundai signed MOUs with Asan Medical Center and the National Rehabilitation Center to begin full-scale support for robotics-assisted rehabilitation. Following the agreements, Hyundai donated two X-ble MEX units to each institution — four in total — and supported lower-limb paralysis rehabilitation and related research for two years. Beyond serving as equipment, X-ble MEX became a meaningful source of motivation, offering patients the encouragement that “walking again may be possible.” Its ease of use, even from a seated position, and its ability to reduce the physical burden on medical staff also contributed to more efficient treatment environments.
In 2024, Hyundai donated two additional X-ble MEX devices to the Armed Forces Capital Hospital to support the rehabilitation of service members injured during their military duties. Robotics-based rehabilitation training has played a significant role not only in physical recovery but also in emotional empowerment. Hyundai has continued to provide practical support for service members and their families, helping them return to everyday life with confidence.
We are honored to make X-ble MEX accessible to more people through this achievement. Our mission is to develop technologies that empower individuals to overcome physical limitations and experience transformative changes in their daily lives. - Dong Jin Hyun, Vice President and Head of Robotics LAB at Hyundai Motor and Kia
The protagonist of this weathercaster challenge, Chae Soo-min — a dancer living with paraplegia — also trained with X-ble MEX. Over the course of four months, she completed 14 rehabilitation sessions at Asan Medical Center’s Department of Rehabilitation Medicine to prepare for standing and mobility.
Look Forward to the Full Campaign Unveil on December 17
Content capturing the journey of Soo-min’s weathercaster challenge will be released on Hyundai Motor Company’s official social media channel (@hyundai).
Then, on December 17, a special documentary following her four-month preparation journey in depth will air on KBS1TV. Branded content produced by Hyundai will also be released, sharing a richer narrative and clearer expression of the campaign’s message.
This campaign moves beyond showcasing technology. It carries an inclusive message — expanding public understanding of disability, while demonstrating how technology can create meaningful, tangible change in human lives.
Hyundai Motor Company remains committed to enabling “tomorrow” for more people through technology, and to ensuring that progress continues to reach those who need it most.