SpaceX, First Hydrogen, Siemens: Space, Drones and Robotics Are Key Themes for Investors

SpaceX: Reaching Orbit and Targeting Mobile Communications

On September 28, SpaceX put Starship into Earth orbit for the first time. The booster landed safely in the Gulf of Mexico, the upper stage reached a maximum altitude of 275 km and deployed 26 Starlink V3 satellites. During ascent, however, one of the upper stage's six main engines failed. The flight was therefore ended after 3 hours and 8 minutes instead of the planned 10 hours. The main objective of deploying the new satellites in orbit was nevertheless achieved. The breakthrough has now been made.

The next strategic step followed on October 8. SpaceX intends to acquire Grain Management's nationwide spectrum in the 800 MHz band, up to 14 MHz paired. Grain had acquired it from T-Mobile in August. The spectrum is intended to complement Starlink Mobile, a service that combines satellites and a terrestrial mobile network and already uses spectrum around 2 GHz. A few days earlier, the US regulator FCC had approved up to 15,000 satellites for direct-to-mobile communications. FCC approval for the acquisition is still pending; SpaceX has not disclosed a price.

For drones and robots operating far afield, a stable connection matters most. The 26 new satellites provide the foundation for this, with each expected to deliver 1 Tbps of capacity, for a combined downlink capacity of 26 Tbps. According to the report, this is roughly ten times what a Falcon 9 launch carrying previous-generation satellites could deliver. If the expansion succeeds, the space-based network could fill this gap. But SpaceX first has to deliver. Further Starship flights must demonstrate that the satellites can reliably reach orbit. The direction is right.

First Hydrogen: Ground Drone Completed, Humanoid Robots in Its Sights

On September 1, First Hydrogen secured the exclusive worldwide rights to develop a patented unmanned ground vehicle to market readiness. The company has two years to bring the vehicle to market, and the Canadian company will own 100% of the intellectual property arising from the results. The vehicle is amphibious and supports interchangeable modules that enhance its operational capabilities. It can operate autonomously, follow a person, travel along a predefined route or be controlled remotely by radio. Potential applications include logistics, security, emergency supply deliveries, last-mile delivery, and launching and refuelling drones.

The next step followed just eight days later. On September 9, First Hydrogen entered into a definitive agreement to acquire a 60% stake in Exodus Actuation Solutions, which owns or licenses 26 granted patents and 10 patent applications for gearboxes and motors. More than 500 motors and gearboxes have already been manufactured and shipped using the Exodus technology. In return, First Hydrogen will issue 2 million shares in stages and invest USD 2 million to further develop the robotics company's technology. At the same time, the Canadians established the subsidiary First Humanoid Corp., intended to consolidate intellectual property related to robotics and AI. Only TSX Venture Exchange approval remains outstanding.

On September 28, the company announced it had completed construction of an unmanned ground vehicle and reached a development milestone. The exclusive rights therefore apply for the patent's remaining term, with a 1% royalty on gross revenue. The vehicle has wheels that change shape, a drive system designed to keep running even after damage, and a module that launches and transports drones. Two years had been allocated for the project, but it was completed in less than four weeks. This demonstrates the company's experience, having already developed a hydrogen-powered van in a very short time. If First Hydrogen succeeds in integrating Exodus's propulsion technology into the vehicle, it could equip drones and robots with its own technology.

Siemens: Robotics and Automation from the Factory to Hydrogen

On April 16, Siemens presented the humanoid robot HMND 01 Alpha from the British company Humanoid, which performed autonomous logistics tasks at the electronics factory in Erlangen. It moved 60 containers per hour, ran for more than 8 hours, and grasped correctly in over 90% of attempts. Siemens integrates the robot into the factory through its software, digital twin and control technology. Thanks to simulation, the prototype development time was reduced from 18 to 24 months to just 7 months. The test is promising.

In early October, Siemens agreed to a global distribution partnership with the distributor TD SYNNEX. TD SYNNEX operates in more than 100 countries and is also intended to bring automation, software, cybersecurity and smart infrastructure to smaller companies. Procter & Gamble demonstrates what this looks like in practice. On September 16, both announced they are rolling out their AI-based quality inspection system worldwide. Scrap is reduced by 10 to 20%, depending on the product, and new installations start up five to ten times faster.

Siemens is also in demand in hydrogen. On October 8, the group announced that it would control the GalpH2Park plant in Sines, Portugal, using a digital twin. The 100 MW plant is expected to produce up to 15,000 t of renewable hydrogen per year and start up by year-end. It is expected to generate around 110,000 t less carbon dioxide per year, and Siemens estimates the software saves up to 15% in energy. If the start-up proceeds as planned, the group would have another reference project in hand.

Conclusion

Space, drones and robotics are converging, and the three companies are addressing different areas. From space to the factory floor, a great deal has happened in recent weeks. SpaceX has with Starship reached orbit and is expanding with the spectrum from Grain its mobile communications business, provided the FCC approves. First Hydrogen completed its unmanned ground vehicle in less than four weeks and is looking to integrate Exodus propulsion technology. Siemens is bringing robotics, industrial AI and hydrogen into the factory, while also reaching smaller businesses through TD SYNNEX.