Polish-French team unveils hydrogen-powered robot
Source：hydrogen-central.com
At this year’s International Defence Industry Exhibition (MSPO) in Kielce, Polish defense company P.H.U. Lechmar and French firm H2X-Defense introduced a next-generation unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) known as Hermione.
The platform, powered by a hydrogen propulsion system, was presented as a technology demonstrator aimed at meeting the evolving logistical and operational needs of modern armed forces.
According to the companies, Hermione is designed to reduce battlefield emissions while delivering extended operational endurance. The modular, wheeled UGV can be configured for a wide range of roles—from drone transport and logistics to reconnaissance and armed support—using remote-controlled weapon systems or advanced sensor payloads.
In a joint presentation, Lechmar and H2X-Defense revealed the Hermione platform in a UAV carrier configuration. The demonstrator featured a payload capacity of 300 kilograms, with alternate versions offering expanded capacity up to two tons. Built for rough terrain, Hermione is equipped with all-wheel drive and a top speed of 24 mph. It measures 3.3 meters long, 1.85 meters wide, and 1.4 meters tall (excluding mounted systems), with a ground clearance of 300 mm and a curb weight of 700 kg in the MSPO setup.
The system’s energy source is based on hydrogen fuel cells housed in TPED-certified cylinders, powering 8 kW hub-mounted electric motors. The vehicle is supported by a 25 kWh battery pack, offering a reported operational time of up to 20 hours. Refueling is estimated to take approximately three minutes, or the hydrogen cylinder can be replaced in the field.
In a statement, the companies said the Hermione UGV is intended to address a growing interest in low-emission and high-endurance platforms for frontline operations, with modular architecture enabling rapid adaptation to varied mission profiles.
Alongside Hermione, H2X-Defense also displayed its hydrogen-based field generator, the G-15/050, which is available in multiple configurations ranging from 20 to 40 kW. With an energy storage capacity of up to 25 kWh, the generator is designed to support mobile operations and serve as a complementary power source for unmanned systems like Hermione.