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Canceled TRL 4 (started at 4, targeting 4)
This effort utilizes the high elastic strain limit and net-shaped processing of metallic glasses to fabricate low-cost harmonic drives that outperform steel. The harmonic drive design and performance will be modeled and a 3D polymer version will be printed. A harmonic drive will be fabricated from commercially die cast bulk metallic glass parts.
Ti-based metallic glass HD's have the potential to have much lower mass, higher performance and lower cost than heritage. This technology has the potential to revolutionize robotics, motion control and aerospace gears by creating affordable HD's. Low mass HD's could replace many planetary gearboxes on future JPL rovers and spacecraft.
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.
None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.