HERA: A Cost-Effective and High-Performance Robotic Arm Architecture for Versatile Space Applications

The Hyper Extension-Retraction Actuator (HERA) robotic arm architecture, developed by Sol Robotics, is a high-performance, versatile, and cost-effective manipulator technology designed for both terrestrial and non-terrestrial applications. HERA robots feature a novel parallel-actuated extension system, providing exceptional reach, stowability, payload capacity, and precision. Sol Robotics proposes a space-qualified HERA robot to help NASA transition away from bespoke robotic arm designs, ultimately reducing costs across various mission types. The funding requested for this Phase I SBIR will be used to assess the feasibility of adapting an existing terrestrial HERA prototype—already with 400+ pre-orders—for space applications through simulation. These findings will also inform the development of a conceptual design package for a space-qualified HERA, along with a parametric cost assessment to help NASA evaluate the technology’s value proposition. With a commercially viable terrestrial model sharing many components, Sol Robotics aims to position a space-adapted HERA as a highly cost-effective solution for a target market that includes NASA, the U.S. Space Force, and allied commercial space companies.

The HERA robotic arm architecture aligns closely with NASA’s Artemis and Lunar Surface Innovation Initiative, offering a highly deployable, cost-effective robotic manipulator for infrastructure assembly, excavation, and logistics management. Its lightweight, extendable design makes it particularly well-suited for lunar habitat construction, regolith excavation for in-situ resource utilization (ISRU), and payload handling in reduced gravity environments. Additionally, HERA’s compact storage footprint and high extension-to-retraction ratio make it ideal for missions requiring efficient transport within limited cargo space. Future applications, including Mars surface operations, Gateway station servicing, and satellite servicing, could also benefit from its adaptable design. By leveraging NASA’s investments in robotic autonomy and teleoperation, HERA can support both crewed and uncrewed missions, enabling dexterous, long-reach manipulation critical to mission success. Furthermore, HERA’s scalable extension capabilities allow for adaptation across different gravity environments, significantly expanding its effective workspace in microgravity and low-gravity conditions. This adaptability makes it an essential tool for future deep-space infrastructure deployment, asteroid resource extraction, and long-duration space station servicing. Beyond NASA missions, the HERA robotic arm architecture has significant commercial potential across various industries, including construction, agriculture, and warehouse automation. Its ability to provide precise, long-reach manipulation while maintaining a compact storage footprint makes it a valuable tool for infrastructure assembly, heavy-lift material handling, and autonomous logistics operations. In the construction sector, HERA can assist with high-rise building assembly, remote structural repairs, and the automated assembly of prefabricated components. In agriculture, its deployable actuation system can support crop monitoring, automated pruning, and remote harvesting applications. Additionally, warehouses and fulfillment centers can leverage HERA for high-reach inventory management, reducing the need for manual labor in logistics-heavy industries. The demand for HERA technology in commercial markets is already evident. Sol Robotics has secured early traction, with eight robotics companies signing letters of intent to purchase over 400 HERA units. This strong market interest underscores the growing need for an affordable robotic architecture that offers exceptional reach, high payload capacity, and compact stowability. By transitioning from NASA-funded R&D to broader commercial applications, Sol Robotics aims to deliver one of the first robotic arms specifically designed for large, unstructured environments and the lower return-on-investment constraints of industries such as construction, agriculture, and warehousing.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

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.