NASA has awarded HEBI Robotics a $850,000 Phase II Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract to develop and test physical actuation hardware components for space applications. The two-year project continues NASA's investment in HEBI's modular actuation technology, focusing on control electronics (avionics) compatible with HEBI's ecosystem and third-party systems, enabling rapid development of flight-qualified integrated actuation for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO).
Key takeaways
- Hardware must withstand ionizing radiation and vacuum conditions where traditional lubricants outgas.
- Applications include in-space servicing, assembly, and maintenance (ISAM), such as robotic arms for equipment deployment and satellite maintenance.
- Phase II follows successful Phase I results, indicating strong technical feasibility and commercial potential.
- Technology also supports NASA's ARMADAS project for autonomous assembly of space infrastructure.
- Terrestrial spin-offs include radiation-hardened actuators for nuclear inspection and maintenance.
HEBI's director of hardware, Andrew Willig, emphasized the company's mission to simplify building professional-grade robotic systems, noting that space-rated actuators expand their modular platform for complex space applications without multi-million-dollar, long-duration projects. The contract also benefits U.S. small businesses, as SBIR awards support companies with fewer than 500 employees.
Source: Robotics & Automation News (roboticsandautomationnews.com) · Published 2026-03-08 · “HEBI Robotics awarded $850,000 business contract by NASA”