HEBI Robotics Awarded New NASA SBIR Phase I Contract

Utilizing the SBIR Ignite funding mechanism, this latest award from NASA’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program taps HEBI to fast-track miniaturized high torque density modular actuators for SmallSats and challenging environments.

In this latest SBIR award to HEBI Robotics, NASA calls for research into proposed miniaturized actuators suitable for rugged and challenging environments. The award states that these actuators are of interest to NASA for use in CubeSats and other space-limited environments where traditional manipulation hardware lacks flexibility.

The Phase I award is slated to run through December 2026 and serves as an opportunity to explore the actuation trade space for packaging high-torque density motor and gearbox combinations into a small, mission-ready form-factor. This leads to bridging the gap between inexpensive, low-performance hobby servos and costly, custom-designed space robotics systems.

“With space becoming increasingly commercialized, there is real demand for affordable, versatile, and scalable mass-production of robotic systems that can function in difficult environments,” says Andrew Willig, HEBI’s Director of Hardware. “We’re looking to bring the price point down on rugged hardware without compromising the reliability that a critical industry such as aerospace relies on.”

Willig goes on to say, “NASA has used our hardware in the past and it is exciting to be able to work on projects like this that make it possible for America to do more in space.”

Stressing that this Phase I award was only part of their roadmap, Willig says HEBI looks to continue development on their existing actuation hardware as well. “Space is difficult, but the lessons apply here on earth as well. Making systems that are easy to use and rugged means these actuators are of interest not just to NASA but to anyone looking for modular actuation hardware they can deploy in rough and dangerous environments in the field.”

About HEBI Robotics

HEBI Robotics produces a modular, flexible platform for robotics development. With hardware and software tools that make it possible to quickly create and deploy capable and robust custom robotic solutions, the HEBI platform is used by researchers and roboticists around the world to accelerate their work. HEBI also employs the platform in collaboration with industrial partners to develop practical automation systems that address challenging applications in the field. Visit www.hebirobotics.com for additional information.