Clockwise from prime left: HEBI’s T-Sequence, R-Sequence, and H-Sequence actuators. | Supply: HEBI Robotics
HEBI Robotics at present mentioned it has obtained a brand new NASA Small Enterprise Innovation Analysis (SBIR) Part I contract. With the contract, HEBI will fast-track its miniaturized excessive torque density modular actuators for SmallSats and difficult environments.
“With area turning into more and more commercialized, there’s actual demand for inexpensive, versatile, and scalable mass-production of robotic techniques that may perform in tough environments,” mentioned Andrew Willig, HEBI’s director of {hardware}. “We’re seeking to convey the value level down on rugged {hardware} with out compromising the reliability {that a} essential trade reminiscent of aerospace depends on.”
NASA desires extra flexibility in harsh environments
On this newest SBIR award to HEBI Robotics, NASA referred to as for analysis into proposed miniaturized actuators appropriate for rugged purposes. The award acknowledged that these actuators are of curiosity to NASA to be used in CubeSats and different space-limited environments the place conventional manipulation {hardware} lacks flexibility.
The Part I award is slated to run via December 2026. It provides HEBI a chance to discover the actuation commerce area for packaging excessive torque density motor and gearbox mixtures.
The Pittsburgh-based firm mentioned it intends to mix them in a small, mission-ready type issue. This may bridge the hole between cheap, low-performance interest servos and expensive, custom-designed area robotics techniques, it asserted.
Noting that this Part I award was solely a part of HEBI’s roadmap, Willig mentioned the corporate additionally plans to proceed creating its present actuation {hardware}.
“House is tough, however the classes apply right here on earth as properly,” Willig mentioned. “Making techniques which can be straightforward to make use of and rugged means these actuators are of curiosity not simply to NASA however to anybody in search of modular actuation {hardware} they’ll deploy in tough and harmful environments within the subject.”
HEBI grows its relationship with NASA
HEBI has labored with NASA with tasks reminiscent of this ‘Superball’ cellular robotic made with HEBI actuators. | Supply: HEBI Robotics
Earlier this 12 months, HEBI earned a Part II SBIR contract from NASA to develop and check actuation {hardware} designed to function in harsh area environments. The 2-year, $850,000 undertaking contains constructing management electronics that work with the HEBI Robotics platform and third-party techniques.
NASA mentioned it desires to hurry up the event of flight-ready actuation know-how for low Earth orbit (LEO) and geosynchronous Earth orbit (GEO) missions.
HEBI Robotics mentioned it it supplies versatile modulators for constructing {custom} robots shortly and reliably. It supplies “Lego-like” modular actuation {hardware} with software program designed to be intuitive for analysis labs and industrial groups worldwide.
The Carnegie Mellon College spinout mentioned its know-how can speed up growth and help sensible automation in difficult environments. For example, the corporate final 12 months developed modular constructing blocks for NASA.
HEBI gained a 2025 RBR50 Robotics Innovation Award for its “inchworm” household of robots.
Register now and save in your move to RoboBusiness 2026The submit HEBI Robotics earns NASA SBIR grant to quick observe miniaturized actuators appeared first on The Robotic Report.
