Korea’s industrial worksites are facing complex structural challenges, including an aging workforce, labor shortages, and a rising incidence of musculoskeletal disorders. As a potential solution, wearable robots are drawing increasing attention.
 

At the 2025 Seoul AI Robot Show, held at COEX in Samseong-dong, Seoul, FRT Robotics showcased its industrial wearable robot lineup, the StepUp series. Designed with a lightweight, ergonomic structure, the robots help reduce worker fatigue across a wide range of environments, including logistics and manufacturing, construction, and agriculture.
 

A company representative explained, “The system alleviates the physical burden placed on the lower back and legs during repetitive bending tasks or when handling heavy loads,” adding that “it reduces lower-back muscle fatigue by approximately 45% when worn and provides up to 16.8 kg of lifting assistance when handling objects.”
 

The newly launched StepUp Neo this year further enhances lightweight design and wearing convenience. Featuring adjustable back, pelvis, and leg lengths along with flexible joint structures, the model can be tailored to fit various body types, helping to reduce fatigue and injury risks even during extended working hours.
 

FRT Robotics has established a mass-production system for wearable robots and has been selected as an Innovative Procurement Product. The company has also verified usability in the public sector through pilot projects with organizations such as the National Fire Agency, the Korea Forest Service, and the Seoul Metropolitan Government.
 

In addition, the company is developing industry-specific wearable robot lineups, including upper-limb strength-support robots for shipyard workers and power-assist robots for defense combat support systems. In caregiving environments, the Free Assist model—featuring adjustable waist and spine lengths—has been introduced to allow workers with smaller body frames to use the device comfortably.
 

A company official stated, “We will continue to improve our products based on feedback from field workers and expand customized solutions tailored to different industries.”

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Meanwhile, the event—held in conjunction with Smart Life Week 2025—opened on September 30 and ran through October 2.