Honda has announced a collaboration with Redwire to develop a robotic solution aimed at enhancing research capabilities aboard future commercial space stations. This initiative is expected to minimize the time astronauts dedicate to experiments and lab operations in space. The U.S.-based Honda space development team will integrate its multi-fingered robotic hand with Redwire's STAARK robotic arm and experiment locker technology.
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As NASA transitions from the International Space Station (ISS) to commercial space stations, developers are re-evaluating how research and lab tasks will be performed. Future operations are likely to involve smaller crews and shorter astronaut stays, increasing the demand for automation to ease the workload on crew members.
Many in-orbit research activities require astronauts to retrieve experiments and operate equipment, which takes up significant crew time. A robotic system could alleviate some of these routine tasks, potentially decreasing operational costs while allowing for more intensive use of research facilities. Honda's advancements in robotics offer solutions that mimic human dexterity, suitable for a variety of lab tasks. The multi-fingered robotic hand has been designed for precision in delicate lab work and has passed durability tests under different conditions.
Tom Sladek, chief engineer at Honda, emphasized the importance of their robotic hand in supporting operations in orbit, indicating that it could enhance research activities within commercial space stations, thereby improving efficiency in environments with fewer personnel. Redwire, which has decades of experience on the ISS, has developed the STAARK robotic arm, known for its modularity and capability to autonomously interact with dynamic objects.
Shawn Buckley, Redwire's COO, noted that their collaboration with Honda could unlock new opportunities in space research, vital for realizing the potential of commercial space stations. The combination of Honda’s precise manipulation technology and Redwire’s robotic infrastructure could automate aspects of the research workflow, ranging from sample handling to equipment operation.
Representatives from Honda and Redwire will participate in the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) from October 5 to 9, 2026, in Antalya, Turkey. They will engage with commercial station developers and industry partners to discuss potential applications of their combined robotics solution.