The Tready cell robotic makes use of HEBI’s modular strategy to actuation. Supply: HEBI Robotics
Many industrial duties require folks to work in harmful environments, however robots may help maintain them out of hurt’s manner, in keeping with HEBI Robotics. The Pittsburgh-based firm final week stated it has acquired a $250,000 Small Enterprise Innovation Analysis, or SBIR, grant from the U.S. Military.
Few sensible methods are licensed as secure 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 troublesome and expensive, HEBI famous. The firm plans to develop modular constructing blocks and instruments to cut back the time and expense for creating full robots that may be licensed for these hazardous workspaces.
“HEBI’s long-term purpose is to make it straightforward 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 have to 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 a giant step ahead and can 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 stated 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 stated its know-how can speed up improvement and help sensible automation in difficult environments. For example, HEBI final 12 months developed modular constructing blocks for NASA.
As well as, HEBI received a 2025 RBR50 Robotics Innovation Award for its “inchworm” household of robots.
The HEBI platform for constructing customized methods consists of modular constructing blocks. Supply: HEBI Robotics
SBIR undertaking may result in extra rugged methods
HEBI Robotics stated it’ll 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 vital 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 fast launch of power, together with propellants and explosives.
As a part of this undertaking, HEBI stated will collaborate with key stakeholders inside the army to make sure that the {hardware} is licensed to be used in hazardous environments. It’s going to additionally be certain that it meets the required efficiency specs to automate duties that may guarantee the security of Military personnel.
The Section I SBIR award is step one in a multi-phase course of, famous the firm. If HEBI’s undertaking is profitable, it may result in additional collaboration and expanded funding to deliver the robotic to full-scale manufacturing.
The SBIR and Small Enterprise Expertise Switch (STTR) applications are supposed 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, stated 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. stated it good points entrepreneurial spirit that meets nationwide safety and financial wants.
