Key Findings
SARTEXO Inc., a spin-off from the Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM), is commercializing the Bionic Suit, a clothing-type wearable robot. The system is designed to be as easy to wear as ordinary clothing, targeting industrial worksites and daily life. The Bionic Suit Full is the first clothing-type wearable robot capable of simultaneously assisting three joints: the lower back, shoulders, and elbows.
Technical Details
The core technology is “Fabric Muscle,” a textile that generates force through shape memory alloy (SMA) wires thinner than a human hair. These wires are coiled into spring-like yarn and woven into fabric. When an electric current is applied, the fabric contracts like a human muscle; it relaxes upon cooling. Technical specifications include:
- Strength-to-weight ratio: 10 g of Fabric Muscle can lift 10–15 kg, which is up to 1,500 times its own weight.
- Bionic Suit Waist: Weighs 1.3 kg, including the controller and battery, and supports the lower back.
- Bionic Suit Full: Weighs 1.8 kg or less and supports the lower back, shoulders, and elbows.
- Performance: Reduces lower-back muscle activity by over 40% during repetitive lifting.
Background and Context
The technology is based on SMA artificial muscle research conducted by CEO Cheol Hoon Park at KIMM since 2012. SARTEXO defines this as a “third-generation” wearable robot. While first-generation robots required users to fit into mechanical frames and second-generation robots used strapped equipment, the Bionic Suit integrates the robot directly into the clothing. To scale production, SARTEXO has implemented an automated weaving system to replace manual processes.
Significance and Outlook
By eliminating heavy frames and high costs associated with conventional industrial robots, SARTEXO intends to move the technology from shared worksite equipment to individual ownership. The suits are washable, storable, and can be integrated directly into uniforms. Beyond logistics, construction, and manufacturing, the company plans to expand into defense, rehabilitation, caregiving, and general daily use.
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