Hyundai Motor Group's hydrogen truck and wearable robot backed Genesis Magma Racing's Le Mans debut

Genesis Magma Racing completes Le Mans debut

XCIENT fuel cell truck handles equipment transport

X-ble Shoulder eases strain on pit crew

Box-Buggy concept makes world debut at circuit

The X-ble Shoulder, an industrial wearable robot developed by Hyundai Motor and Kia's Robotics Lab, deployed for the Genesis Magma Racing team. [Hyundai Motor Group]

Hyundai Motor Group's hydrogen logistics and robotics technology underpinned Genesis Magma Racing's completion of its debut at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, one of the world's premier endurance races. The event served as a proving ground not only for the race car's performance but also for the group's operational capabilities — from equipment transport to pit crew support — both inside and outside the circuit.

Genesis Magma Racing competed in the 94th running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, held June 13–14 (local time) at the Circuit de la Sarthe in France. Car No. 19, the GMR-001, entered in the top-tier Hypercar class and completed the full 24-hour race in the team's debut appearance.

The 24 Hours of Le Mans tests not only cars and drivers but also a team's ability to manage maintenance, logistics and overall operations. Equipment, spare parts and precision engineering tools must move on tight schedules, while pit crew members must sustain intense physical work over an extended period.

Hyundai Motor Group deployed the XCIENT Fuel Cell truck and the X-ble Shoulder industrial wearable robot to support those operations.

The XCIENT Fuel Cell truck handled equipment transport for Genesis Magma Racing. The heavy-duty truck runs on a hydrogen fuel cell system and produces no carbon dioxide emissions while driving — demonstrating that low-carbon logistics are possible even in a motorsport setting.

The XCIENT Fuel Cell is the world's first mass-produced hydrogen fuel cell heavy-duty truck. Hyundai Motor has developed it in specialized vehicle configurations, and 175 units are now in operation across five European countries, including Switzerland, Germany and France.

The Hyundai XCIENT Fuel Cell truck provided to the Genesis Magma Racing team. [Hyundai Motor Group]

In the pit area, the X-ble Shoulder — developed by Hyundai Motor and Kia's Robotics Lab — was put to work. The 24 Hours of Le Mans involves continuous repetitive lifting and moving of tires and equipment. A single tire for the GMR-001 Hypercar weighs about 13 kilograms, and each car uses up to 56 tires over the course of the race.

The X-ble Shoulder is an industrial wearable robot designed to reduce strain on workers' shoulders. It cuts the load on shoulder joints by up to 60 percent and reduces anterior and lateral deltoid muscle activation by about 30 percent. At the event, crew members used it for loading and unloading tires and equipment, reducing fatigue over the long race.

Hyundai Motor Group said the deployment confirmed the potential to extend wearable robot use beyond factory production lines. It showed that technology developed in industrial settings such as factories and logistics centers can also perform in high-intensity, time-pressured environments like motorsport.

The Genesis Box-Buggy concept, unveiled for the first time at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. [Hyundai Motor Group]

Outside the circuit, Genesis also unveiled the Box-Buggy concept for the first time. Used for VIP transport at the Le Mans event, the concept features four independently controlled wheels capable of moving in different directions. Its exterior incorporates Genesis's signature dual-line headlamps and a high ground clearance.

The Box-Buggy concept shuttled guests between the fan village and key zones around the venue. Hyundai Motor Group sees it as a pointer toward mobility platforms that could be deployed in logistics environments or specialized spaces.

Luc Donckerwolke, chief design officer of Hyundai Motor Group, said the group deployed a range of technologies at the race to support Genesis Magma Racing's motorsport operations. "The hydrogen-based logistics system and wearable robots improved operational efficiency at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, while the Genesis Box-Buggy concept offered a customer-centered, differentiated experience — proving our practical capabilities not just in everyday life and industry, but on the motorsport stage as well," he said.

kwater@heraldcorp.com