ORBES develops space robots trained on Earth to perform expensive and dangerous tasks in orbit. Their initial product, ORB, is a robot designed for internal station inspection and filming, equipped with anomaly detection to reduce manual astronaut labor costs. The company is also developing exoORB for external satellite inspection and asset protection in space.
Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Product
Problem
Space station operations and cinematic content creation in orbit are constrained by the limited reach and dexterity of astronauts, leading to inefficiencies in maintenance, inspection, and filmmaking. Current methods require significant astronaut time for routine tasks and lack the precision for advanced visual storytelling.
Solution
ORBES provides autonomous, free-flying robotic systems designed for in-orbit operations and content capture. The ORB platform serves as a versatile companion for space stations, offering capabilities for detailed inspection, high-quality filmmaking, and future interactive experiences. By automating tasks and extending human operational capacity, ORBES enhances astronaut performance, optimizes station maintenance, and unlocks new avenues for orbital applications. The technology aims to support the growing low-Earth orbit economy through responsive, intelligent systems.
Target Audience
Primary customers include space station operators, commercial spaceflight companies, and content creators focused on space-based media production.
Features
- **Cine ORB:** Autonomous robotic system for zero-gravity cinematography, enabling dynamic camera movements, storyboard matching, and object tracking.
- **Sentinel ORB:** Robotic platform for automated in-orbit inspection, including CO2/ammonia leak detection, thermal anomaly scanning, and 3D asset management.
- **Exo ORB:** Future capability for Extravehicular Activity (EVA) assistance.
- **Pre-planned Shot Sequencing:** VR-based pre-visualization for camera path planning and composition.
- **Onboard Autonomy:** Designed for robust, long-term autonomous operation within orbital environments.
- **Soft-Corner Design:** Safety-focused construction for close-proximity operations with astronauts and station infrastructure.
- **Fleet Scalability:** Architecture intended to support a network of robotic systems for large-scale space infrastructure projects.