A farmer works in a grape vineyard wearing the X-ble Shoulder wearable robot developed by Hyundai Motor and Kia. Under a partnership signed Tuesday with the Rural Development Administration, the carmakers plan to provide the robotic suits to farmers. Originally designed to ease above-shoulder industrial tasks, the device is now being tested for agricultural use through joint projects with the state agency. (Hyundai Motor Group)

Yang Heui-won (left), head of Hyundai Motor and Kia's research and development division, and Lee Seung-don, administrator of Korea's Rural Development Administration, hold a partnership certificate at the companies' R&D Center in Uiwang, Gyeonggi Province, Tuesday. (Hyundai Motor Group)
Yang Heui-won (left), head of Hyundai Motor and Kia's research and development division, and Lee Seung-don, administrator of Korea's Rural Development Administration, hold a partnership certificate at the companies' R&D Center in Uiwang, Gyeonggi Province, Tuesday. (Hyundai Motor Group)

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