First Hydrogen Corp. has acquired the exclusive worldwide rights to advance the unmanned ground vehicle(UVG) towards commercialisation within a two-year period.
Ground drones are increasingly being deployed for defense, security, logistics, reconnaissance, inspection and operations in hazardous environments.
Demand for these systems is accelerating as advances in artificial intelligence, autonomous navigation, sensors and communications expand their capabilities and reduce the need to place personnel in dangerous environments.
Markets and Markets projects the global unmanned aerial vehicle (“UAV” or “drone”) market to grow from approximately US$26 billion in 2025 to more than US$40 billion by 2030.
The drone platform is designed for military field support
The Company’s UGV chassis will have a modular cargo platform with multiple versatile applications that are easily interchangeable and will have amphibious capabilities. The functions are designed for military field support such a drone launch and refueling platform, transport, equipment, security, tools, emergency packages, or other heavy items.
The system is intended to function as a mobile robotic drone assistant capable in a wide range of logistics, such as campus and facility operations including security, construction sites, and last-mile delivery and emergency situations.
The platform is expected to support both autonomous and user-assisted operating modes, allowing the robot to follow a user, operate via remote control, or navigate predetermined routes. By combining robotic mobility with cargo transport capability, the system aims to reduce manual labour requirements and reduce power consumption in environments where materials must be moved frequently across varying terrain. The useful platform allows for use in academic research, industrial automation, defense research programs, and autonomous navigation testing.
Continuing First Hydrogen’s partnership with Exodus
Upon successful completion of the two-year period, or Development Milestone, First Hydrogen will have exclusive worldwide rights for the remaining life of the UGV patent to develop, commercialise and exploit the UGV, subject to a 1% royalty on gross sales of products that incorporate the UGV patent.
First Hydrogen will bear all cost of development and will own 100% of the intellectual property, inventions, developments, improvements, products, software, designs, data, know-how, and other work product created, conceived, or developed in connection with the UGV.
Further to the March news release, the agreement with Exodus Actuation Solutions Inc. for the patented mobile robotic UGV is independent of the existing binding letter of intent with Exodus for advanced actuation, gearbox, motor and robotic technologies. Hydrogen First anticipates executing the definitive agreement with Exodus imminently.
In connection with the transaction, the Company will pay a finder’s and consulting fee to a third party, in accordance with the TSX Venture Exchange policies.
