The Tready mobile robot uses HEBI’s modular approach to actuation. Source: HEBI Robotics
Many industrial tasks require people to work in dangerous environments, but robots can help keep them out of harm’s way, according to HEBI Robotics. The Pittsburgh-based company last week said it has received a $250,000 Small Business Innovation Research, or SBIR, grant from the U.S. Army.
Few smart systems are certified as safe for use in workspaces with flammable vapors or fluids, per NEC Class I, Division 1 standards. That is because it is difficult and costly, HEBI noted. The company plans to develop modular building blocks and tools to reduce the time and expense for creating full robots that can be certified for these hazardous workspaces.
“HEBI’s long-term goal is to make it easy for any professional to create robust professional-grade robots, without requiring years of technical training,” stated Bob Raida, CEO of HEBI Robotics. “The HEBI Platform is used by developers in a variety of industries, and those robots often need to perform in challenging environments.”
“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. 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.”
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HEBI Robotics accelerates robot development
HEBI Robotics said it provides flexible modulators for building custom robots quickly and reliably. It provides “Lego-like” modular actuation hardware with software designed to be intuitive for research labs and industrial teams worldwide.
The Carnegie Mellon University spinout said its technology can accelerate development and support practical automation in challenging environments. For instance, HEBI last year developed modular building blocks for NASA.
In addition, HEBI won a 2025 RBR50 Robotics Innovation Award for its “inchworm” family of robots.
The HEBI platform for building custom systems consists of modular building blocks. Source: HEBI Robotics
SBIR project could lead to more rugged systems
HEBI Robotics said it will use the funding from the Army SBIR program to make its modular robotic building blocks capable of operating in environments with explosive and volatile materials. These Class I, Division 1-certified robots will provide critical capabilities for military and industrial applications including movement and handling of energetics, fuel-tank inspection and repair, and more.
By “energetics,” the U.S. Department of Defense means materials and technologies designed for the rapid release of energy, including propellants and explosives.
As part of this project, HEBI said will collaborate with key stakeholders within the military to ensure that the hardware is certified for use in hazardous environments. It will also ensure that it meets the required performance specifications to automate tasks that will ensure the safety of Army personnel.
The Phase I SBIR award is the first step in a multi-phase process, noted the company. If HEBI’s project is successful, it could lead to further collaboration and expanded funding to bring the robot to full-scale production.
The SBIR and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs are intended to encourage domestic small businesses to engage in federal research/research and development (R/R&D) with the potential for commercialization. Through a competitive awards-based program, SBIR and STTR enable small businesses to explore their technological potential and provide the incentive to profit from its commercialization, said the U.S. government.
By including qualified small businesses in the nation’s R&D arena, high-tech innovation is stimulated, and the U.S. said it gains entrepreneurial spirit that meets national security and economic needs.