Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

Space

Global space economy hits record $613 billion in 2024, says Space Foundation

by

Space Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded in 1983 to advance the global space community, has released The Space Report 2025 Q2, revealing the global space economy reached an unprecedented $613 billion in 2024 – reflecting strong 7.8 percent year-over-year growth.

The milestone underscores the vital role space plays in driving economic growth, ensuring national security, and enhancing public safety.

The report found the commercial sector accounted for 78 percent of the global space economy, with government budgets contributing the remaining 22 percent. [Read more…] about Global space economy hits record $613 billion in 2024, says Space Foundation

Richtech Robotics humanoid robot ‘Adam’ appears at Space Force event

by

Richtech Robotics, a Nevada-based provider of AI-driven service robots, says its humanoid robot, Adam, was featured at the Legacy of Launch 75th Anniversary event, which took place on July 24, 2025 in the Kennedy Space Center Shuttle Room, which is located at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

This invitation-only VIP event was a “rare and transformative moment that will seamlessly unite history, celebration, and vision”, says Richtech in a statement.

Designed to honor the extraordinary achievements of the past 75 years, the mission of the Legacy of Launch is to ignite a global passion for space by honoring past achievements, celebrating present advancements, and inspiring future exploration. [Read more…] about Richtech Robotics humanoid robot ‘Adam’ appears at Space Force event

Japanese space agency awards GITAI contract to develop unique robotic arm

by

GITAI, a US-headquartered space robotics company, says its Japanese subsidiary, GITAI Japan, has been awarded a contract by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) to conduct a concept study for a unique robotic arm system intended for use on a pressurized crewed lunar rover. (See video below.)

This rover is part of Japan’s contribution to the Artemis program and is designed to enable long-duration human exploration of the Moon’s polar regions.

The objective of this study is to define the design and specifications for a robotic arm system capable of supporting lunar science operations primarily during uncrewed periods, while also providing support during crewed missions when needed. [Read more…] about Japanese space agency awards GITAI contract to develop unique robotic arm

Why space factories may be the next industrial frontier, and who’s building them

by

The global space economy is growing fast, expected to surpass $511 billion by 2029, according to GlobalData.

While satellite launches and communication services currently dominate that figure, a more radical idea is beginning to gain serious momentum: manufacturing in space.

Once considered a speculative fantasy, orbital manufacturing is being taken seriously by a growing number of aerospace firms, venture capitalists, and national agencies. [Read more…] about Why space factories may be the next industrial frontier, and who’s building them

Global space economy market to surpass $511 billion in 2029, forecasts GlobalData

by

The global space economy market is forecast to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4 percent from $421.0 billion in 2024 to $511.2 billion in 2029, according to GlobalData, a data and analytics company.

The growth will be driven by an increase in the deployment of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, productivity improvements in satellite equipment manufacturing, the competitive launch services landscape, and demand for services around data communications, navigation, and Earth observation.

GlobalData’s latest Strategic Intelligence report, “The Space Economy” reveals that space applications, which include satellite communications, navigation, and Earth observation, is the largest segment of the space economy and will grow at a CAGR of 2.9 percent to reach $334.8 billion by 2029. [Read more…] about Global space economy market to surpass $511 billion in 2029, forecasts GlobalData

MDA Space sees alternative uses for Canadarm3 if NASA’s Gateway is canceled

by

MDA Space, the Canadian company developing the Canadarm3 robotic system for NASA’s lunar Gateway, says the technology could be repurposed for other missions if the Gateway program is canceled as proposed in the White House’s 2026 budget, as reported by Space News.

Speaking during a May 8 earnings call, MDA Space CEO Mike Greenley emphasized that development of Canadarm3 is continuing as planned. The budget proposal is just the beginning of a lengthy appropriations process in Congress, which could extend well into 2025 or beyond.

“That means that largely 2025, for us, at the moment, is just get your work done, keep developing the program, keep advancing the robotic system and let that budget process continue in the background,” he said. [Read more…] about MDA Space sees alternative uses for Canadarm3 if NASA’s Gateway is canceled

NASA selects ​HEBI to develop construction robots for building on the moon

by

HEBI Robotics has entered into a Non-Reimbursable Space Act Agreement with NASA’s Ames Research Center to support the development of autonomous robotic systems for assembling infrastructure on the lunar surface.

This collaboration is part of NASA’s Autonomous Robotic Assembly of Lunar Surface Infrastructure (ARC-LSI) Study, aiming to advance technologies for constructing adaptable structures in space.​

Building upon the Automated Reconfigurable Mission Adaptive Digital Assembly Systems (ARMADAS) project, the partnership focuses on creating modular habitats, satellites, and telescopes using autonomous multi-agent robotic systems. [Read more…] about NASA selects ​HEBI to develop construction robots for building on the moon

Space Robotics: Trends Shaping the Industry Today

by

The market of space robots is booming, fueled by innovations in robotics, automation, and technologies aimed at exploring the cosmos. As investments in space missions keep growing, there is a need for autonomous systems that can handle complex tasks in challenging conditions.

Examples like satellite servicing, planetary exploration, and orbital debris removal highlight how space robotics is changing our interaction with the cosmos. Let’s explore the factors fueling the rapid evolution of space robotic systems. [Read more…] about Space Robotics: Trends Shaping the Industry Today

Top 10 space robotics companies: Commercialising the final frontier

by

Space has become something of a commercial gold rush in the past 10 years or more, with new opportunities increasingly opening up for, and attracting, companies and individuals from many backgrounds.

Right now, as many of you will know, a student or maybe a group of students could build a “CubeSat” satellite for a few thousand dollars and find a rocket to take it up into space for a fee of around $40,000. So, for less than $50,000, they could legitimately call their enterprise a “space company”.

For the generation that grew up watching NASA and only NASA fly to space and back using the Space Shuttle and traditional rockets, this is difficult to believe. I suppose younger people have grown up in a time of unprecedented opportunity, at least in terms of space. [Read more…] about Top 10 space robotics companies: Commercialising the final frontier

Spain’s King Felipe visits GMV to celebrate space robotics company’s 40th anniversary

by

His Majesty King Felipe VI of Spain presided over the celebration of GMV’s 40th anniversary today. GMV is a prominent multinational technology company, renowned for its innovation and development in strategic sectors, and a pioneer in the Spanish aerospace industry.

Founded in 1984, GMV is recognized as the leading independent Spanish company in the space sector by employee count, the sixth largest in Europe, and a global reference in areas such as intelligent transportation systems, defense, and cybersecurity.

With nearly 3,500 employees in 12 countries, 92 percent of whom are engineers, and a strong presence in Europe, the Americas, and Asia, GMV collaborates closely with space agencies like the European Space Agency (ESA), defense institutions, and public organizations, contributing to cutting-edge global projects. [Read more…] about Spain’s King Felipe visits GMV to celebrate space robotics company’s 40th anniversary