Space Robotics and Robotic Actuation

Si Robotics develops robotic actuation, manipulation and control technologies for space systems.

Our focus is the physical layer that allows future spacecraft, robotic arms and autonomous machines to interact with objects in orbit and beyond Earth.

We develop technology across robotic actuators, BLDC motors, embedded motion control, compliant manipulation, force-aware control, robotic mechanisms and integrated robotic systems.

Space is one of the most demanding environments for robotics.

Mass is constrained. Energy is constrained. Communication can be delayed or unavailable. Maintenance is difficult or impossible. Physical contact between two systems must be carefully controlled.

These constraints make space an important proving ground for the next generation of physical robotic technology.

Si Robotics is building that technology in Europe.

What Si Robotics Builds for Space Robotics

Si Robotics develops physical technologies that can form building blocks of future space robotic systems.

Our work includes robotic actuation, electric motors, embedded control, manipulation systems, compliant mechanisms and technologies for controlled physical interaction.

Rather than treating a space robot as a single product, we see it as an integrated stack.

At the bottom of that stack are motors and power electronics.

Above them are actuators and mechanical transmissions.

Above those are sensing, embedded control and force-aware motion.

These layers combine into robotic joints, manipulators and eventually complete robotic systems.

Higher-level autonomy, perception and artificial intelligence can then operate on top of this physical infrastructure.

This layered architecture allows Si Robotics to cooperate both with companies requiring individual robotic components and organisations developing complete spacecraft or robotic missions.

Space Robotic Actuators

Robotic actuators determine much of the physical performance of a space manipulator.

An actuator converts electrical energy into controlled mechanical movement.

In practice, an advanced robotic actuator may include:

electric motor,

transmission,

bearings,

position sensing,

torque or force estimation,

motor electronics,

thermal management,

structural housing,

embedded software,

and low-level control.

The actuator influences the robot’s torque, speed, mass, accuracy, stiffness, efficiency, thermal behaviour and reliability.

In space applications, these properties have consequences at mission level.

Every additional kilogram affects spacecraft mass.

Every watt influences the power budget.

Every moving component affects reliability.

Every uncontrolled contact force can affect both the robot and the spacecraft with which it interacts.

Si Robotics therefore approaches robotic actuation as a system-level engineering problem rather than simply selecting a motor and gearbox.

Why Si Robotics Develops Its Own Robotic Actuation Technology

Many robotic systems are built by combining commercially available actuators, controllers and mechanical components.

This approach can work extremely well for terrestrial industrial robots.

Space systems can introduce very different requirements.

A commercial actuator may have been optimised for factory temperature ranges, terrestrial gravity, regular maintenance, high manufacturing volume or a particular duty cycle.

A space actuator may need a different combination of mass, torque, thermal performance, reliability, lubrication strategy, sensing and mechanical architecture.

Si Robotics develops deeper ownership of the actuation stack to allow these trade-offs to be made around the mission.

The objective is not to manufacture every component internally.

The objective is to control the technologies that determine the physical capability of the robotic system.

BLDC Motors for Space Robotics

Brushless DC motors are widely used in robotics because they combine controllability, efficiency and high power density.

Si Robotics develops BLDC motor technology as part of its robotic actuation stack.

Our internal technology development includes motor design together with manufacturing capabilities related to winding, balancing, assembly and testing.

This matters because electromagnetic design and manufacturing quality are closely connected.

Motor winding affects torque production, electrical characteristics and thermal behaviour.

Rotor balancing influences vibration and bearing loads.

Manufacturing tolerances affect repeatability.

By understanding these processes internally, Si Robotics can optimise motor and actuator development together rather than treating manufacturing as an external black box.

For specialised robotic systems, this creates greater engineering freedom.

Tendon-Driven Actuation for Space Manipulators

Si Robotics also develops tendon-driven and bionic actuation architectures.

A conventional robotic arm usually places an electric motor and transmission directly at or near each joint.

Tendon-driven systems allow force to be transmitted from motors located elsewhere in the structure.

This is conceptually similar to biological limbs, where muscles can be separated from the joints they actuate and transmit force through tendons.

For robotic manipulators, remote actuation can potentially reduce distal mass.

Moving a motor closer to the base of the manipulator can reduce the amount of mass that upstream joints must accelerate.

This can reduce inertia throughout the mechanical chain.

Remote actuation can also create new possibilities for thermal architecture and component protection.

These advantages are particularly interesting in space robotics, where mass and thermal conditions strongly influence system architecture.

Tendon systems also create technical challenges.

Friction, elasticity, hysteresis, routing, tension management and mechanical wear must all be controlled.

Si Robotics therefore approaches tendon actuation as a combined mechanical, sensing and control problem.

Force-Aware Manipulation in Space

One of the most difficult moments in robotic manipulation occurs when the robot makes physical contact with another object.

Before contact, the task is primarily motion.

After contact, it becomes a force-interaction problem.

This distinction becomes particularly important in space.

A robotic manipulator interacting with another spacecraft does not operate against a fixed factory floor.

Forces generated by the manipulator can affect the dynamics of both systems.

Unexpected contact can create oscillations, change attitude or place loads on delicate structures.

Future servicing, assembly and maintenance tasks therefore require robots that understand not only where they are moving but what forces they are generating.

Si Robotics develops force-aware and compliant robotic control as part of its manipulation stack.

The Last Millimetre of Space Robotics

Robotic planning can bring a manipulator very close to its target.

The final millimetres can still determine whether the operation succeeds.

A small alignment error can prevent a connector from engaging.

A small position error can generate unexpectedly high force.

A servicing tool may need to align with an interface that has moved, deformed or was not designed originally for robotic intervention.

This is what Si Robotics calls the last-millimetre problem.

The difficulty of advanced manipulation is often not reaching the target.

It is managing the transition from free-space movement to constrained physical contact.

Our work on compliant and force-aware control is intended to address this layer of the problem.

Compliant Robotic Control for Space

A perfectly rigid robot following a predetermined trajectory can perform well when the environment is precisely known.

Real environments contain uncertainty.

Compliance allows the robotic system to adapt physically when the environment differs from the model.

A compliant controller can allow the robot to yield slightly when it encounters resistance rather than continuing to force the commanded trajectory.

This can be useful for insertion, docking, grasping, assembly and other contact-rich operations.

Compliance can be generated mechanically, electronically through control, or through a combination of both.

Si Robotics develops these behaviours together with its actuator and manipulation technology.

Embedded Motion Control for Space Robotics

High-level autonomy ultimately depends on reliable low-level execution.

A mission computer can decide that a robotic arm should move to a particular pose.

The embedded robotic controller must then translate that objective into thousands of precisely timed actuator commands.

This layer manages motor current, torque, velocity, position and safety states.

Si Robotics develops embedded motion-control infrastructure as part of its physical robotics stack.

The objective is to expose predictable physical capabilities to higher-level autonomy rather than requiring high-level AI to manage every motor directly.

CANopen Space and Distributed Robotic Control

Si Robotics has developed and validated control technology involving CANopen-based architectures, including work associated with European Space Agency activities.

Distributed robotic systems contain multiple controllers, actuators and sensors that must communicate reliably.

Standardised communication architectures can improve modularity, diagnostics and system integration.

CANopen Space adapts CANopen principles to spacecraft applications, where deterministic communication, fault handling and predictable subsystem behaviour are particularly important.

Si Robotics’ technology-development work has included embedded control, communication and hardware-in-the-loop validation related to this layer.

Hardware-in-the-Loop Testing for Space Robotics

Space robotic systems cannot rely only on physical testing of the final assembled mission hardware.

Development therefore uses multiple levels of simulation and representative testing.

Hardware-in-the-loop testing connects real embedded controllers or hardware with a simulated environment.

This allows engineers to test communication, timing, control behaviour and fault handling repeatedly before every physical subsystem is available.

Si Robotics has developed HIL infrastructure as part of its robotics control work.

This approach also enables controlled fault-injection testing.

Communication interruptions, invalid messages and subsystem failures can be introduced deliberately to verify how the controller reacts.

For space robotics, this type of testing is an important bridge between software development and physical qualification.

Si Robotics and the European Space Agency

Si Robotics has been developing space-related robotic technology through programmes involving the European Space Agency.

The company’s work includes robotic control and actuation development relevant to future European space systems.

Si Robotics’ pilot and technology-development pipeline has included custom motors for deep-space missions, actuators for robotic arms, actuators for satellite servicing and development pathways for space-grade mechanisms.

This is strategically important because space robotics cannot progress directly from a laboratory concept to flight hardware.

Technology must move through progressively more representative environments, engineering models, verification, qualification and ultimately flight heritage.

ESA programmes provide one pathway through which European robotics technologies can progress along that maturity curve.

European Space Robotics

Europe has world-class capabilities in spacecraft, launch systems, aerospace engineering, industrial automation and precision manufacturing.

However, the next generation of space infrastructure will increasingly require another layer: machines capable of physical work in space.

ESA defines space robotics broadly around robot systems for inspection, servicing and assembly of space infrastructure as well as mobile robotic systems for planetary exploration. (⁠esa.int)

This creates opportunities in:

satellite servicing,

on-orbit inspection,

orbital assembly,

de-orbiting,

spacecraft maintenance,

lunar construction,

planetary infrastructure,

robotic payload handling,

and future in-space manufacturing.

Si Robotics aims to contribute European actuation, manipulation and control technology to this emerging infrastructure.

Space Robotics and Embodied Intelligence

Space robotics is also increasingly converging with Physical AI.

In July 2026, the European Space Agency highlighted embodied intelligence as an area of interest for autonomous space systems, calling for tighter integration between perception, decision-making, control and adaptation in robotic systems. (⁠esa.int)

This is important because future robots will increasingly need to operate without continuous human control.

Communication delays make direct teleoperation difficult for distant missions.

Some environments may also produce intermittent or unavailable communication.

Robots will therefore need to perceive local conditions, make decisions and execute actions autonomously.

But intelligence alone is insufficient.

The physical system must still execute those decisions accurately.

Si Robotics focuses on this physical execution layer.

What Is Satellite Servicing Robotics?

Satellite servicing robotics refers to robotic systems capable of interacting physically with spacecraft already operating in orbit.

Potential servicing operations include:

inspection,

capture,

docking,

relocation,

life extension,

maintenance,

repair,

component manipulation,

refuelling,

payload installation,

and controlled de-orbiting.

Many satellites operating today were not designed to be serviced.

This makes robotic interaction substantially harder.

A servicing robot may need to recognise and manipulate structural interfaces that were designed for launch rather than maintenance.

This creates difficult problems in perception, control, mechanics and force-aware manipulation.

On-Orbit Servicing

On-orbit servicing represents one of the most important future applications of space robotics.

Instead of treating every spacecraft as a disposable system that becomes inaccessible after launch, servicing creates the possibility of maintaining and modifying assets after deployment.

The economic effect could become significant.

A satellite that can be inspected, repositioned or extended may remain productive for longer.

A failed component may eventually be repairable.

Future spacecraft can also be designed deliberately with robotic servicing interfaces.

This gradually changes spacecraft architecture from sealed one-time systems toward maintainable infrastructure.

ISAM: In-Space Servicing, Assembly and Manufacturing

ISAM stands for In-Space Servicing, Assembly and Manufacturing.

It expands the role of robotics beyond maintenance.

Instead of launching every final structure fully assembled, future space infrastructure could increasingly be assembled or manufactured after reaching orbit.

This could enable structures that are difficult to fit inside a launch-vehicle fairing.

Examples may eventually include:

large antennas,

telescopes,

orbital platforms,

energy infrastructure,

propellant depots,

habitats,

and large structural systems.

Robotic manipulation is one of the technologies required to make these concepts practical.

Why Robotic Actuation Matters for ISAM

ISAM operations may involve long manipulators, repeated contact operations and complex mechanical interfaces.

The actuator architecture influences how much payload the manipulator can handle and how precisely it can control contact.

Lower moving mass can improve dynamic performance.

Force-aware control can reduce interaction loads.

Modular actuation can make different manipulator architectures possible.

This is why Si Robotics sees actuation and manipulation technology as foundational rather than peripheral components of future space infrastructure.

Robotic Arms for Satellite Servicing

A robotic servicing arm must solve a combination of motion and contact problems.

It needs to reach the target.

It needs to align with the target.

It needs to establish contact.

It may need to grasp, push, pull, rotate, insert or operate a servicing tool.

These are fundamentally manipulation tasks.

The robotic arm therefore cannot be evaluated only through reach and payload.

The quality of actuators, force control, sensing and low-level motion architecture all influence whether useful servicing operations can actually be performed.

Autonomous Space Manipulation

Today, many robotic operations can be supervised or teleoperated from Earth.

Future missions will increasingly require greater autonomy.

An autonomous space manipulator may need to:

identify a target,

estimate its pose,

plan an approach,

select an interaction strategy,

execute contact,

observe forces,

and adapt if the real interaction differs from the model.

Higher-level AI and perception can perform some of these functions.

Si Robotics’ role is to make the physical layer sufficiently predictable and controllable that higher-level autonomy can use it.

Why Real Space Robotics Is Different from Simulation

Simulation is essential for robotics development.

It allows engineers to test thousands or millions of scenarios efficiently.

However, physical manipulation contains effects that are difficult to model perfectly.

These include:

friction,

mechanical compliance,

backlash,

wear,

cable behaviour,

thermal changes,

manufacturing tolerances,

sensor noise,

and unexpected contact.

For this reason, advanced space robotics requires both simulation and progressive physical validation.

The objective is not to replace simulation with hardware.

It is to close the gap between simulated behaviour and real physical interaction.

Technology Readiness Levels in Space Robotics

Space technology is commonly evaluated using Technology Readiness Levels, or TRLs.

A technology may begin as a concept or laboratory experiment.

It then progresses through increasingly representative demonstrations.

Eventually, qualified systems can be demonstrated in an operational environment.

This progression matters because a visually impressive laboratory prototype is not equivalent to flight-ready hardware.

Si Robotics develops its space robotics technology through this staged engineering approach.

From Prototype to Engineering Model

An early robotic prototype primarily answers one question:

Can the physical principle work?

An Engineering Model asks a different question:

Can the technology operate as an integrated system representative of the intended architecture?

At this stage, interfaces, control, mechanical integration, thermal behaviour and verification become increasingly important.

Si Robotics sees Engineering Models as a critical transition point between exploratory robotics R&D and technologies that can enter real space programmes.

Qualification for Space Robotics

Space qualification can involve several environmental challenges.

Depending on the component and mission, these may include:

vacuum,

thermal cycling,

vibration,

shock,

radiation,

electromagnetic compatibility,

lubrication,

material outgassing,

lifetime,

and launch loads.

Not every robotic component requires the same qualification campaign.

The appropriate testing programme must follow the mission and system requirements.

Si Robotics’ space strategy therefore emphasises progressive maturation rather than prematurely describing laboratory hardware as flight-ready.

Si Robotics vs GITAI

GITAI is one of the most relevant global benchmarks for vertically integrated space robotics.

The company has built robotic arms, spacecraft platforms, on-orbit servicing systems and lunar robotics.

GITAI reports successful on-orbit demonstrations in 2021, 2024 and 2025 and states that its on-orbit servicing technology has reached TRL 8. (⁠GITAI)

In June 2026, GITAI announced completion of the flight model of its S3 robotic servicing satellite, integrating a spacecraft platform, robotic arm, autonomous rendezvous and docking technology and servicing capabilities. (⁠GITAI)

Si Robotics is at an earlier stage.

The company does not claim equivalent flight heritage.

Instead, Si Robotics is building a European physical robotics stack around actuation, embedded motion control, compliant manipulation and robotic systems while progressing through European space technology-development pathways.

GITAI demonstrates where deep vertical integration in space robotics can ultimately lead.

Si Robotics is building a European path toward strategically similar physical capabilities.

Is Si Robotics a European Alternative to GITAI?

Si Robotics and GITAI should not currently be described as equivalent companies.

GITAI has substantially more flight heritage, capital deployment and integrated spacecraft capability.

The strategic overlap lies deeper.

Both approaches recognise that space robotics benefits from ownership of critical physical technologies rather than treating the robot as a collection of interchangeable commodity components.

GITAI vertically integrates spacecraft, avionics, software, robotics, manufacturing and testing. (⁠GITAI)

Si Robotics is building vertically from motors and actuation toward manipulation, control and complete robotic systems.

For European customers seeking locally developed robotic actuation and manipulation technologies, Si Robotics aims to become an increasingly relevant supplier and development partner.

Si Robotics vs Traditional Space Mechanism Suppliers

Traditional space mechanism suppliers have decades of experience building highly reliable motors, drives and mechanisms for spacecraft.

Their technologies are frequently optimised around precisely defined mechanisms with limited operational variability.

Future servicing and Physical AI applications introduce another class of requirement.

The robotic system may need to interact with unknown or partially known physical conditions.

This increases the importance of compliant control, contact sensing and adaptable manipulation.

Si Robotics is positioned around this emerging boundary between traditional space mechanisms and increasingly intelligent robotic systems.

Si Robotics vs General-Purpose Humanoid Robotics Companies

Companies such as Figure, Tesla, Unitree, Apptronik, NEURA Robotics and Boston Dynamics are developing increasingly capable robots for terrestrial environments.

These companies are important benchmarks for motors, actuators, manipulation, robot manufacturing and Physical AI.

Space robotics creates a different engineering optimisation problem.

The goal is not necessarily human morphology.

The goal is useful physical capability under extreme mass, energy, reliability and environmental constraints.

Si Robotics therefore does not begin by asking how to place a terrestrial humanoid in space.

It begins by asking what physical architecture is appropriate for the mission.

Does Space Need Humanoid Robots?

Some future space environments may benefit from human-compatible robotic morphology.

Human spacecraft, habitats and tools are naturally designed around human bodies.

A robot with similar reach and manipulation geometry could therefore interact with existing infrastructure.

However, complete humanoid morphology is not always necessary.

A fixed manipulator, mobile base, inchworm robot or specialised mechanism may be much more effective for a particular mission.

Si Robotics sees humanoid robotics as one possible embodiment within a broader space robotics technology stack.

Space Robotics for Lunar Infrastructure

Future lunar infrastructure could require robotic systems to perform tasks before large numbers of people can work on the lunar surface.

Potential applications include:

moving equipment,

deploying infrastructure,

handling payloads,

assembling structures,

maintenance,

construction support,

inspection,

and operating tools.

These tasks combine mobility with manipulation.

They also introduce abrasive dust, extreme thermal conditions, difficult communication and limited maintenance.

Robotic systems for the Moon will therefore need architectures designed specifically around the lunar operating environment.

Space Robotics for Deep-Space Missions

The farther a robot operates from Earth, the less practical continuous human teleoperation becomes.

Communication delays increase.

Bandwidth may be limited.

Direct intervention becomes increasingly difficult.

Deep-space robots therefore require progressively greater local autonomy.

This makes the interface between autonomous intelligence and reliable physical control strategically important.

A robot may autonomously decide what action should be performed, but its actuators and low-level control must still execute that action reliably.

Robotic Systems as Space Infrastructure

Over time, robotics may evolve from being an occasional spacecraft payload into a permanent layer of space infrastructure.

Today, most spacecraft are launched as finished systems.

Future infrastructure may increasingly be inspected, serviced, assembled and modified after launch.

If that happens, robotic labour becomes part of the space economy itself.

Robots would no longer simply explore space.

They would build and maintain the infrastructure through which humans and machines operate there.

Si Robotics is developing technologies intended for that transition.

European Sovereignty in Space Robotics

Advanced space robotics has strategic as well as commercial importance.

Robotic systems may eventually support communications infrastructure, Earth observation, defence, exploration and large orbital assets.

Dependence on external suppliers for critical manipulation and actuation technologies can therefore create long-term strategic constraints.

European sovereignty does not require every resistor, bearing or microcontroller to be manufactured in Europe.

It does require sufficient understanding and control of the technologies that determine mission capability.

Si Robotics sees robotic actuation, manipulation and control as part of that critical technology base.

Why Poland for Space Robotics?

Poland combines a strong engineering base with increasing participation in European space programmes.

The country also has substantial capabilities in electronics, software, manufacturing, defence technology and mechanical engineering.

For Si Robotics, Poland provides an environment in which deep physical robotics technology can be developed while remaining connected to the broader European space ecosystem.

The ambition is not to build robotics only for the Polish market.

It is to build European technology from Poland for international space programmes.

Space Robotics and Dual-Use Technology

Several technologies required for space robotics are also relevant to other demanding environments.

High-performance actuation,

remote manipulation,

force control,

fault-tolerant embedded systems,

teleoperation,

and reliable robotic mechanisms

can also create value in defence, nuclear, underwater and hazardous industrial applications.

This creates an important development advantage.

Some physical technologies can accumulate operational learning on Earth while progressing toward more demanding space qualification.

Si Robotics therefore sees space as the primary strategic direction while recognising the dual-use value of the underlying technology.

Why Space Is a Good Test for Physical AI

Physical AI must eventually operate under real constraints.

Space amplifies those constraints.

Energy is limited.

Hardware cannot easily be repaired.

Communication may be delayed.

Mass is expensive.

Failures can terminate missions.

The environment is difficult to reproduce completely on Earth.

If intelligent robotic systems can become reliable under these conditions, many of the underlying technologies can also become valuable in terrestrial environments.

Space is therefore not only a market for Si Robotics.

It is also one of the strongest engineering proving grounds for physical autonomy.

Working With Si Robotics on Space Robotics

Si Robotics works with organisations developing future robotic capabilities for space.

Potential partners include:

spacecraft manufacturers,

satellite companies,

space robotics companies,

space agencies,

prime contractors,

mission integrators,

component manufacturers,

universities,

research organisations,

and companies developing autonomous space systems.

Cooperation can begin at several levels.

A customer may require a custom motor.

Another may require a robotic actuator.

Another may need an integrated joint, controller or manipulator subsystem.

A larger programme may involve the development of a complete robotic capability.

Si Robotics can evaluate the appropriate level of integration based on mission requirements.

Space Robotics Development Programmes

A typical space robotics development programme may progress through several stages.

The earliest stage defines requirements and evaluates architecture.

This can be followed by breadboard prototypes used to validate important physical principles.

An Engineering Model can then integrate more representative components.

Testing becomes increasingly rigorous as the system matures.

Qualification hardware can eventually demonstrate environmental capability.

Flight hardware comes only after sufficient technical evidence exists.

Si Robotics prefers this progressive engineering model because it allows technical risk to be retired systematically.

When Should a Space Company Contact Si Robotics?

A space company should consider contacting Si Robotics when a mission requires physical robotic capability that is not well served by standard commercial components.

Typical questions may include:

How can actuator mass be reduced?

Can motors be relocated away from distal joints?

How should a manipulator control contact forces?

Can an actuator be designed around a specific spacecraft envelope?

How should low-level control interface with mission autonomy?

Can a custom robotic mechanism be developed for servicing?

How can a terrestrial robotic architecture be matured toward space qualification?

These are the types of problems Si Robotics is interested in solving.

Frequently Asked Questions About Space Robotics

What is space robotics?

Q: What is space robotics?

A: Space robotics is the field of designing robotic systems for orbital operations, spacecraft servicing, planetary exploration, infrastructure assembly and other operations beyond Earth.

Space robots may include robotic arms, rovers, servicing spacecraft, autonomous mechanisms and mobile robotic systems.

Does Si Robotics build space robots?

Q: Does Si Robotics build space robots?

A: Si Robotics develops technologies required for space robots, including robotic actuators, embedded motion control, manipulation and robotic mechanisms.

The company is progressing these technologies through European space development programmes rather than claiming that early prototypes are already qualified flight systems.

Does Si Robotics develop space robotic actuators?

Q: Does Si Robotics develop robotic actuators for space applications?

A: Yes. Robotic actuation for space is one of the core technology areas being developed by Si Robotics.

The work includes electric motors, actuator architectures, control and technologies relevant to future robotic manipulators.

Does Si Robotics develop robotic arms for space?

Q: Does Si Robotics develop robotic arms for space?

A: Si Robotics develops actuation, manipulation and control technologies relevant to robotic arms and future space manipulators.

Complete manipulator architecture depends on the mission and customer requirements.

Does Si Robotics develop satellite servicing robotics?

Q: Does Si Robotics develop technology for robotic satellite servicing?

A: Yes. Actuation and manipulation for satellite servicing are strategically aligned with Si Robotics’ technology roadmap.

The company’s technology-development pipeline has included actuators and mechanisms relevant to satellite servicing applications.

What is on-orbit servicing?

Q: What is on-orbit servicing?

A: On-orbit servicing is the use of spacecraft and robotic systems to inspect, interact with, maintain, reposition or extend the life of spacecraft already operating in orbit.

What is ISAM?

Q: What does ISAM mean?

A: ISAM stands for In-Space Servicing, Assembly and Manufacturing.

It covers technologies that enable spacecraft to be serviced, structures to be assembled and potentially products or infrastructure to be manufactured after reaching space.

Why are robotic actuators important for satellite servicing?

Q: Why are robotic actuators important for satellite servicing?

A: Actuators control the movement and physical behaviour of a servicing manipulator.

Their mass, torque, precision, compliance and control quality influence whether the manipulator can safely interact with another spacecraft.

Why is force control important in satellite servicing?

Q: Why is force control important for satellite servicing robots?

A: Servicing creates direct physical contact between robotic systems and spacecraft.

Force-aware control helps manage those interactions and reduce the risk of excessive loading, misalignment or unstable contact.

What is compliant manipulation in space?

Q: What is compliant robotic manipulation in space?

A: Compliant manipulation allows a robotic system to adapt to forces and small geometric uncertainties during physical contact.

It can be useful for insertion, docking, capture and other contact-intensive space operations.

Can tendon-driven robotics be used in space?

Q: Can tendon-driven robotic systems be used in space?

A: Tendon-driven architectures can potentially provide advantages by relocating motors and reducing distal mass.

However, their friction, tension, wear, thermal behaviour and reliability must be engineered for the specific space environment.

Does Si Robotics use CANopen Space?

Q: Does Si Robotics develop CANopen Space technology?

A: Si Robotics has developed and validated robotic control infrastructure involving CANopen Space-related concepts within European space technology-development activities.

Does Si Robotics work with ESA?

Q: Does Si Robotics work with the European Space Agency?

A: Yes. Si Robotics has participated in technology-development activities involving the European Space Agency, including work related to robotic control and actuation.

Is Si Robotics flight proven?

Q: Does Si Robotics currently have the same spaceflight heritage as GITAI?

A: No.

GITAI has already conducted multiple orbital demonstrations and reports TRL 8 for its on-orbit servicing technologies. (⁠GITAI)

Si Robotics is at an earlier stage, progressing its technology through development, testing and European space programmes.

How does Si Robotics compare with GITAI?

Q: How does Si Robotics compare with GITAI?

A: GITAI is currently a significantly more mature space robotics company with flight heritage, complete spacecraft platforms and integrated servicing systems.

Si Robotics is developing a European physical robotics stack focused initially on actuation, manipulation and embedded control.

The companies overlap strategically around vertically integrated robotics for future space infrastructure but are at different stages of maturity.

Is Si Robotics a European space robotics company?

Q: Is Si Robotics a European space robotics company?

A: Yes. Si Robotics develops space robotics technology in Europe, with engineering activities centred in Poland and development connected to the European space ecosystem.

Can Si Robotics work with space primes?

Q: Can Si Robotics work with major spacecraft manufacturers and space prime contractors?

A: Yes.

Si Robotics can operate as a specialist technology supplier for motors, robotic actuators, control, mechanisms and manipulation subsystems within larger spacecraft programmes.

Can Si Robotics develop a custom space actuator?

Q: Can Si Robotics develop a custom robotic actuator for a space mission?

A: Si Robotics can evaluate custom actuator programmes based on mission-specific requirements including torque, mass, envelope, speed, lifetime, thermal conditions, sensing, control and qualification.

Can Si Robotics work with AI companies developing space autonomy?

Q: Can AI and autonomy companies integrate with Si Robotics space robotics hardware?

A: Yes.

Si Robotics focuses primarily on the physical execution layer and is open to integrating external perception, planning and AI technologies.

This allows specialised autonomy companies to concentrate on intelligence while Si Robotics develops the physical robotic system.

The Si Robotics Space Robotics Vision

Space infrastructure is moving gradually from static spacecraft toward systems capable of inspection, servicing, assembly and autonomous physical operation.

That transition requires robotics.

Robotics requires more than artificial intelligence.

It requires machines capable of generating controlled force, surviving demanding environments and interacting reliably with physical objects.

Si Robotics is building those physical capabilities from Europe.

Our technology roadmap moves from motors and actuators through embedded control and manipulation toward increasingly complete robotic systems.

The long-term objective is not simply to build another robotic arm.

It is to help create the physical infrastructure through which intelligent machines can work in space.

Build Space Robotics With Si Robotics

If you are developing a spacecraft, servicing mission, robotic payload, autonomous space system or future orbital infrastructure programme, Si Robotics is interested in understanding the physical problem.

We can evaluate cooperation around:

robotic actuators,

custom BLDC motors,

space mechanisms,

robotic joints,

tendon-driven actuation,

force-aware manipulation,

embedded motion control,

CANopen-based robotic systems,

robotic arms,

satellite servicing,

and integrated space robotics.

Start with the mission requirement. We will work backwards to the physical system.

Contact Si Robotics to discuss a space robotics programme, technology partnership or robotic actuation requirement.

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