Hyundai demonstrates automated hydrogen refuelling robot and higher-durability fuel-cell system

The demonstrations took place at the World Hydrogen Expo 2026 in South Korea, where the company presented technologies covering hydrogen production, mobility and industrial applications. Hyundai also showcased an enhanced-durability fuel-cell system designed for commercial vehicles, where long operating hours and high utilisation rates place greater demands on fuel-cell stack performance.

The exhibits also included hydrogen-powered commercial vehicles and rail applications, reflecting the company’s ambition to extend fuel-cell technology across different transport segments. However, the demonstrations represent Hyundai’s technology development programme and should not be interpreted as evidence of widespread commercial deployment.

The developments are relevant to heavy-duty mobility, where hydrogen could offer an alternative to battery-electric systems in applications requiring high utilisation and long operating ranges. On the hydrogen production side, the company presented modular proton exchange membrane electrolysis technology, including a 5-MW-class electrolyser system module configuration.

The Automatic Charging Robot-Hydrogen (ACR-H) was demonstrated refuelling a hydrogen fuel-cell-powered cleaning truck. The system is designed to automate the refuelling process, reducing repetitive manual operations for commercial vehicle drivers. Hyundai Motor Group has demonstrated an automated hydrogen refuelling robot for commercial vehicles and showcased an upgraded fuel-cell system as it expands its hydrogen technology development beyond passenger cars