First Hydrogen Corp. has completed the build of its new unmanned ground vehicle (UGV), marking a development milestone under its agreement covering a patented mobile drone UGV.
The company says the completed platform demonstrates the technology’s core architecture, mobility, and modular payload capabilities.
The milestone also gives First Hydrogen exclusive worldwide rights for the remaining life of the patent, subject to a 1% royalty on gross sales of products that incorporate or use the patented technology.
The completed unmanned ground vehicle is intended as a flexible base platform that can be adapted for different applications through interchangeable modules and payloads.
The UGV combines morphing-wheel technology, a constant-direction drivetrain, semi-robotic suspension and a configurable payload system.
Together, these features are designed to support operation across difficult terrain while allowing the platform to be rapidly adapted to different mission requirements.
Balraj Mann, Chairman and CEO of First Hydrogen, commented: “Completion of the drone UGV build and achievement of the Development Milestone represent significant steps in First Hydrogen’s robotics strategy.
“We now have a completed platform demonstrating the UGV’s core capabilities together with exclusive worldwide rights for the remaining life of the patent.
“Its modular design allows a single platform to support multiple applications, from drone deployment and surveillance to security, defence and other demanding operating environments.
“We believe this provides First Hydrogen with a strong foundation to pursue commercial opportunities in the rapidly developing autonomous robotics market.”
Modular design enables multiple applications
A central feature of First Hydrogen’s UGV is its Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA), which uses interchangeable hardware and standardised open-source software rather than closed, single-vendor systems.
The platform is designed so components such as batteries, sensors, cameras, robotic arms, and computer cards can be exchanged. Mission-specific modules and payloads can also be changed in the field without specialised tools or training.
This allows a single unmanned ground vehicle platform to be configured for roles including logistics, surveillance, communications, and drone deployment.
The completed build includes a custom auto-opening drone launching and carrier module, demonstrating its ability to operate as a mobile platform for deploying aerial drones.
Future systems are intended to accommodate additional sensors, communications systems, surveillance equipment and other specialised payloads.
Drivetrain designed for resilience
The platform’s constant-direction drivetrain is designed to keep operating after damage or the loss of a component.
First Hydrogen has combined this with a semi-robotic suspension system that provides active height and attitude adjustment alongside passive suspension.
According to the company, the configuration is designed to improve manoeuvrability over challenging terrain while reducing robotic power consumption. This could also extend battery life and operating range.
The resulting platform is an efficient, long-range, all-terrain system capable of operating in environments that may be inaccessible to conventional UGVs
UGV market expected to expand
First Hydrogen’s development comes as the global market for unmanned ground vehicles is projected to grow substantially.
Fortune Business Insights forecasts the market will increase from $12.99bn to $32.23bn by 2034, representing a compound annual growth rate of 18.7%.
The company also points to increased defence spending among NATO countries following the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Germany, for example, has increased defence spending to more than 2% of GDP, reaching $109bn.
With the core unmanned ground vehicle architecture now demonstrated, First Hydrogen plans to expand its range of modules and configurations for defence and security applications.
