First Hydrogen Corp. has signed a Definitive Agreement with RoboticsCo, with whom it intends to expand into the automation and robotics sectors via a new platform, First Humanoid.
The investment in RoboticsCo provides First Hydrogen with access to proprietary technologies and intellectual property that have potential applications across multiple areas of the hydrogen business.
In the near term, these technologies are particularly relevant to First Hydrogen’s “hydrogen-as-a-service” ecosystem, with longer-term applications across manufacturing, energy infrastructure, autonomous systems and SMR-related research and operations.
Increasing application and efficiency
RoboticsCo holds a portfolio of patents and related intellectual property, focused on advanced actuation, gearbox, motor and robotics technologies. RoboticsCo owns or licenses 26 issued and 10 pending patents covering its actuation gearbox and high-performance motor lines. These technologies have been tested and successfully used by robotics, automotive and packaging companies worldwide.
RoboticsCo’s technologies are designed to address key performance requirements across the rapidly expanding robotics and automation markets, including greater speed, torque density, efficiency, precision and reliability, while reducing power consumption, size, noise and overall system cost. Its advanced actuation and gearing designs are intended to reduce friction, improve efficiency and backdrivability, and enable smoother, more natural robotic movement.
The platform has undergone extensive development and testing, with more than 500 motors and gearboxes manufactured and shipped, and positive customer feedback demonstrating improved performance and the ability to enable new robotic applications.
Capitalising on the growing demand for robotics
The technologies have broad potential across a wide range of robotics, automation and advanced motion-control applications. Potential uses include humanoid and industrial robotics, robotic arms and manipulators, collaborative robots, automated manufacturing and assembly, material handling, packaging and conveyance systems, precision motion control, and other applications requiring compact, high-performance and energy-efficient actuation. By improving efficiency, power density, backdrivability and affordability, these solutions have the potential to support the development and wider adoption of increasingly capable robotic systems across emerging and established industries.
RBC Capital Markets estimates the global humanoid robotics market could reach approximately US$9 trillion by 2050, driven by adoption across households, agriculture, manufacturing, logistics and retail. RBC notes that component manufacturers producing critical robotic hardware, including actuators, sensors and cameras, may benefit from industry growth as these technologies are required across a wide range of robotic platforms and manufactures.
First Hydrogen will acquire a 60% interest in RoboticsCo, by issuing two million common shares of the company, in stages, and financing $2 million (U.S.) in stages, subject to mutually agreed budgets, for the advancement of the robotics company’s technology.
The definitive agreement is subject to acceptance by the TSX Venture Exchange. 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.
First Humanoid Corp
The announcement is in tandem with the launch of First Hydrogen’s wholly owned subsidiary, First Humanoid Corp., focused on advancing artificial intelligence, autonomous systems and next-generation humanoid and intelligent robotic technologies.
First Humanoid will serve as the Company’s dedicated platform to hold, develop, and commercialize intellectual property and technologies related to humanoid robotics, autonomous systems, and AI-enabled technologies.
