HEBI Robotics, a Pittsburgh-based innovator in robotics, has landed a US $250,000 grant from the Army’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) programme. This funding is set to push the development of hardware that allows robots to work safely in hazardous conditions – a challenge that involves meeting strict safety standards like NEC Class I, Division 1. Their modular, building-block approach cuts both time and costs, making it easier to build custom robots without years of technical training, as CEO Bob Raida notes.
Originating from Carnegie Mellon University, HEBI’s technology has already made an impression through various NASA projects and even earned a 2025 RBR50 Robotics Innovation Award. Whether you’re involved in research labs or industrial setups, their platform speeds up development, even in challenging settings such as underwater or particularly grimy environments.
Now, with this new grant, the focus shifts to refining these modular systems to safely operate in explosive atmospheres – a feature critical for many military and industrial applications. These robots are expected to take on tasks like managing energetic materials and inspecting fuel tanks, thereby improving safety for personnel. By collaborating closely with military stakeholders, the team is ensuring that the technology meets both certification and performance standards.
This Phase I SBIR award is just the beginning of a multi-stage process that might lead to broader collaborations and additional funding, potentially paving the way for full-scale production. Programmes like SBIR and the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) play a key role in fueling tech innovation while supporting national security and economic goals.
