MDA Space
Canadian public space technology company providing satellite systems, geointelligence, and space robotics like Canadarm2 and Canadarm3 for ISS/Gateway.
MDA Space Ltd., headquartered in Brampton, Ontario, is a Canadian space technology company founded in 1969 by John S. MacDonald and Vern Dettwiler as MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates. The company went public on the Toronto Stock Exchange (symbol: MDA) in April 2021 after Northern Private Capital re-established it as an independent Canadian company following a CA$1 billion acquisition from Maxar in 2020.
MDA operates through three divisions: Geointelligence, based on the RADARSAT satellite program; Robotics and Space Operations, encompassing its Canadarm heritage; and Satellite Systems, building platforms and connectivity hardware. The company designed and built Canadarm2 for the International Space Station and was awarded a $1 billion contract in June 2024 to design and deliver the Canadarm3 flight system for NASA's Lunar Gateway. MDA opened a new global headquarters and Space Robotics Centre of Excellence in Brampton in 2022, with a $100 million investment and over 700 employees on site.
Primary type & automation activities this supplier delivers:
Canadarm2
17-meter robotic arm on the International Space Station, built by MDA Space, used for station assembly, maintenance, and cargo berthing since 2001.
Canadarm3
Next-generation AI-enabled robotic arm being developed by MDA Space for NASA's Lunar Gateway, awarded a $1B flight system contract in June 2024.
Contact MDA Space
WEBSITE
https://mda.spacePHONE
+1 (905) 790-2800HEADQUARTERS
Canada
Company Facts
Founded
1969
Primary Role
Manufacturer
Company Size
-
Primary Region
North America
Annual Sales
-
Funding Stage
-
Funding Total
-
Collins Aerospace Completes Altitude Testing of Enhanced Power and Cooling System for F-35
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Military
XPeng Motors' Dogotix Secures $900 Million for IRON Humanoid Robot Development
XPeng Motors announced that its Dogotix robotics unit has successfully raised over $900 million in its initial funding round, achieving a post-transaction valuation exceeding $6.3 billion. This funding will be utilized to enhance the development of hardware and software for the IRON humanoid robot, as well as to establish mass-production facilities and expand globally. The significance of this funding lies in XPeng's ambition to become a leader in AI mobility, with plans to produce 1,000 IRON humanoids monthly by the end of 2026. The humanoid robot is designed for applications in retail and industrial environments, with commercial deliveries expected to commence in 2027. This move aligns with a broader trend among automakers venturing into humanoid robotics, highlighting the growing market potential. Looking ahead, XPeng's Dogotix aims to leverage this investment to advance its robotics capabilities, while also facing competition from other automakers like Hyundai and Tesla, who are also developing humanoid robots. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Automotive China Humanoids Investments Manufacturing News
Archer and AEG Collaborate on Downtown Los Angeles Vertiport at L.A. LIVE
Archer Aviation and AEG have announced a partnership to develop a vertiport at L.A. LIVE in downtown Los Angeles. This project aims to establish the first vertiport in the area, enhancing Archer's regional air taxi network. The site will serve as a central hub for Archer's air taxi services, utilizing the Midnight electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. This initiative is significant as it represents a forward-thinking collaboration that integrates infrastructure and technology, aimed at improving the fan experience during major sports and entertainment events. The vertiport will facilitate quicker travel, potentially reducing ground trips of over an hour to just 10 to 20 minutes, which is crucial for the upcoming 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Looking ahead, Archer and AEG are currently reviewing operational strategies and guest experiences for the vertiport. The project is also aligned with the ACES consortium's efforts to standardize electric aviation charging infrastructure, further supporting the development of all-electric flight in Southern California. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Air Taxi Drone News Drone News Feeds Drones in the News eVTOL News
Star Catcher Industries and Aethero Partner to Enhance Space-Based Computing Power
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AI and Robotics Space
Saab Unveils Loyal Wingman Drone Series for Swedish Air Force Development
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Air Warfare Air Force CCA collaborative combat aircraft Drones Europe
The Importance of Strategy and Delivery in Digital Transformation for Manufacturing
Manufacturing general managers widely agree that a clear strategy is crucial before embarking on digital transformation initiatives. Many already possess a strategy, which may include a phased roadmap or specific targets like reducing unplanned downtime by 5%. However, successful transformation requires more than just a well-crafted plan; it necessitates effective delivery that engages all stakeholders across various functions. The interplay between strategy and delivery is vital for overcoming operational challenges. A good strategy involves understanding current business operations and capturing insights from stakeholders in production, maintenance, IT, and finance. This collaborative approach helps identify existing problems early, ensuring that all teams share a common understanding of key metrics, such as unplanned downtime, which can vary across departments. To maintain momentum during the delivery phase, dedicated teams should work alongside internal staff, allowing them to focus on operations rather than administrative tasks. Continuous alignment between functions is essential, especially when facing delays or shifting priorities. Ongoing facilitation and technical judgment are necessary to adapt objectives and ensure a successful transformation process.
Factory / Digital Transformation
Selecting Roller Brushes for Effective Robotic Solar Panel Cleaning Systems
Solar panel cleaning robots are evaluated based on their dust removal efficiency, but the brush roller's design is crucial for effective cleaning. It must balance cleaning action with controlled contact and serviceability, considering the specific conditions of photovoltaic modules. Real-world environments often present challenges such as loose dust, bird droppings, and mineral deposits, making the selection of roller brushes complex. The choice of roller brush is not solely based on softness; it must align with the module specifications, site conditions, cleaning methods, and robot interfaces. For OEMs and replacement projects, it is essential to review brush assemblies in relation to module requirements and planned service cycles. The term 'soiling' encompasses a variety of contaminants, from light dust to compacted particles, each requiring different cleaning approaches. As moisture can significantly affect cleaning effectiveness, understanding the interaction between dust and moisture is vital. In water-scarce areas, robotic dry cleaning can be beneficial, but care must be taken to avoid abrasive damage from trapped hard particles. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Energy Environment Robotics brush rollers cleaning robots industrial brushes
Teradyne Announces Quarterly Cash Dividend of $0.13 Per Share for 2026
Teradyne, Inc. has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.13 per share, scheduled for payment on September 25, 2026. Shareholders of record as of September 4, 2026, will be eligible to receive this dividend. This announcement reflects Teradyne's ongoing commitment to returning value to its shareholders. The significance of this dividend lies in Teradyne's strong position in the automated test equipment and advanced robotics sectors. The company's solutions are critical for ensuring quality and reliability in the AI device supply chain, which spans from wafer production to data centers. This dividend declaration may enhance investor confidence in Teradyne's financial health and operational stability. Looking ahead, it is important to monitor Teradyne's future dividend declarations, as these are subject to board approval and may change based on market conditions and company performance. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Xpeng's Dogotix Secures $900 Million to Compete with Tesla in Humanoid Robotics
Xpeng's subsidiary, Dogotix, has successfully raised $900 million in its latest financing round, valuing the company at $6.3 billion. This funding, which includes $600 million from investors like Alibaba and Tencent, marks the largest private-equity deal for a Chinese robotics firm. The capital infusion positions Xpeng to compete against Tesla in the humanoid robotics market, aiming to leverage global interest in embodied AI. The significance of this funding lies in Xpeng's ambition to establish itself as a leader in physical AI and humanoid robotics. He Xiaopeng, co-founder and CEO, expressed confidence that Xpeng will not only become one of China's most valuable humanoid robotics companies but also lead the commercialization of advanced humanoid robots and autonomous driving technologies both domestically and internationally. Looking ahead, Xpeng's recent financial performance shows a widening net loss of 1.34 billion yuan ($199.4 million) in Q2, alongside a rise in R&D costs. As Xpeng embarks on this new venture, industry watchers will be keen to see how effectively it can leverage this funding to innovate and compete in the rapidly evolving robotics landscape. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Nippon Steel Kowa Real Estate Begins Domestic Trials of Loki Cleaning Robot with JDSC and SoftBank Robotics
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Space Robotics: The 2026 Breakout
Space robotics transforms in 2026 as Starship cuts launch costs 96%, AI enables autonomy, and satellite servicing demand explodes. The breakout year explained.
