HEBI Robotics secures NASA SBIR grant to accelerate miniaturized actuators

HEBI Robotics today announced it has secured a new NASA Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I contract. The contract will enable HEBI to expedite development of its miniaturized high-torque-density modular actuators, designed for SmallSats and demanding environments.

Andrew Willig, HEBI's director of hardware, emphasized the growing commercialization of space. 'There is real demand for affordable, versatile, and scalable mass-production of robotic systems that can function in difficult environments,' he said. '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.'

NASA is seeking greater flexibility in harsh environments. In the SBIR solicitation, NASA called for research into miniaturized actuators suitable for rugged applications. These actuators are of interest for CubeSats and other space-limited environments where traditional manipulation hardware lacks flexibility.

The Phase I award is expected to run through December 2026. It gives HEBI the opportunity to explore the actuation trade space for packaging high torque density motor and gearbox combinations.

The Pittsburgh-based company intends to combine these components in a small, mission-ready form factor. This approach aims to bridge the gap between inexpensive, low-performance hobby servos and costly, custom-designed space robotics systems.

Noting that this award is only part of HEBI's roadmap, Willig said the company also plans to continue developing its existing actuation hardware. 'Space is difficult, but the lessons apply here on earth as well,' he added. '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.'

HEBI has been strengthening its relationship with NASA. Earlier this year, the company earned a Phase II SBIR contract to develop and test actuation hardware for harsh space environments. The two-year, $850,000 project includes building control electronics compatible with HEBI's platform and third-party systems.

NASA intends to accelerate the development of flight-ready actuation technology for low Earth orbit (LEO) and geosynchronous Earth orbit (GEO) missions.

HEBI Robotics provides flexible modular components for building custom robots quickly and reliably. Its 'Lego-like' modular actuation hardware and intuitive software are used by research labs and industrial teams worldwide.

The Carnegie Mellon University spinout says its technology can accelerate development and support practical automation in challenging environments. For instance, the company recently developed modular building blocks for NASA. HEBI also won a 2025 RBR50 Robotics Innovation Award for its 'inchworm' family of robots.