The Tready cellular robotic makes use of HEBI’s modular method to actuation. Supply: HEBI Robotics
Many industrial duties require individuals to work in harmful environments, however robots might help maintain them out of hurt’s manner, in line with HEBI Robotics. The Pittsburgh-based firm final week mentioned it has acquired a $250,000 Small Enterprise Innovation Analysis, or SBIR, grant from the U.S. Military.
Few sensible techniques are licensed as protected to be used in workspaces with flammable vapors or fluids, per NEC Class I, Division 1 requirements. That’s as a result of it’s tough and dear, HEBI famous. The firm plans to develop modular constructing blocks and instruments to scale back the time and expense for creating full robots that may be licensed for these hazardous workspaces.
“HEBI’s long-term aim is to make it simple for any skilled to create strong professional-grade robots, with out requiring years of technical coaching,” said Bob Raida, CEO of HEBI Robotics. “The HEBI Platform is utilized by builders in quite a lot of industries, and people robots typically must carry out in difficult environments.”
“Through the years, HEBI has expanded its {hardware} to be able to performing in a wider vary of environments together with moist and soiled environments, and underwater. Creating Class I, Division 1-certified {hardware} is an enormous step ahead and will probably be a sport changer that opens the door to a virtually limitless variety of industrial functions.”
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HEBI Robotics accelerates robotic improvement
HEBI Robotics mentioned it offers versatile modulators for constructing customized robots rapidly and reliably. It offers “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 expertise can speed up improvement and help sensible automation in difficult environments. As an illustration, HEBI final yr developed modular constructing blocks for NASA.
As well as, HEBI gained a 2025 RBR50 Robotics Innovation Award for its “inchworm” household of robots.
The HEBI platform for constructing customized techniques consists of modular constructing blocks. Supply: HEBI Robotics
SBIR mission might result in extra rugged techniques
HEBI Robotics mentioned it is going to use the funding from the Military SBIR program to make its modular robotic constructing blocks able to working in environments with explosive and unstable supplies. These Class I, Division 1-certified robots will present essential capabilities for army and industrial functions together with motion and dealing with of energetics, fuel-tank inspection and restore, and extra.
By “energetics,” the U.S. Division of Protection means supplies and applied sciences designed for the speedy launch of power, together with propellants and explosives.
As a part of this mission, HEBI mentioned will collaborate with key stakeholders throughout the army to make sure that the {hardware} is licensed to be used in hazardous environments. It’s going to additionally make sure that it meets the required efficiency specs to automate duties that may guarantee the protection of Military personnel.
The Section I SBIR award is step one in a multi-phase course of, famous the firm. If HEBI’s mission is profitable, it might result in additional collaboration and expanded funding to convey the robotic to full-scale manufacturing.
The SBIR and Small Enterprise Know-how Switch (STTR) packages are meant to encourage home small companies to interact in federal analysis/analysis and improvement (R/R&D) with the potential for commercialization. Via a aggressive awards-based program, SBIR and STTR allow small companies to discover their technological potential and supply the inducement to revenue from its commercialization, mentioned the U.S. authorities.
By together with certified small companies within the nation’s R&D enviornment, high-tech innovation is stimulated, and the U.S. mentioned it beneficial properties entrepreneurial spirit that meets nationwide safety and financial wants.