The U.S. Army recently awarded Pittsburgh-based HEBI Robotics, a flexible modulator provider for building custom robots, a Small Business Innovation Research grant to develop smart robotic actuation hardware and building blocks.
The technology must be safe to use in workspaces where flammable vapors or fluids may be present.
The program encourages domestic small businesses to engage in federal research/research and development with the potential for commercialization. HEBI Robotics will use the funding to enhance its modular robotic building blocks to make them capable of operating in environments with explosive and volatile materials. Few robot systems currently are certified for use in these hazardous environments.
The Class I Division 1 certified robots will provide multiple industrial tasks that require humans to work in dangerous environments such as movement and handling of energetics, and fuel tank inspection and repair.
“Over the years, HEBI has expanded its hardware to be capable of performing in a wider range of environments including wet and dirty environments, and underwater,” Bob Raida, HEBI Robotics CEO, said. “Creating Class I Division 1 certified hardware is a big step forward and will be a game changer that opens the door to a nearly limitless number of industrial applications.”