Honda Explores Space Robotics Solution With Redwire
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. HMC is exploring a robotics solution designed to support research and laboratory operations aboard future commercial space stations. The company’s U.S.-based space development team is working with Redwire Corporation RDW, a space and defense technology provider, to develop a concept that combines Honda’s multi-fingered robotic hand with Redwire’s STAARK robotic arm and experiment locker technology. The integrated system is intended to automate research-related tasks and reduce the time astronauts spend on routine laboratory activities.
As NASA moves from the International Space Station (ISS) toward commercially operated stations in low Earth orbit, station developers are assessing how to perform research and laboratory operations with smaller crews and shorter astronaut stays. This shift is increasing the need for automation that supports station operations while reducing astronauts' workload. Many experiments require crew members to retrieve materials, transfer samples, operate laboratory equipment and move items between workstations. Automating these repetitive activities could free up crew time, reduce operating costs and allow astronauts to focus on more complex scientific tasks.
Honda brings decades of robotics development experience to the initiative. Its multi-fingered robotic hand uses actively controlled joints along with force and tactile sensing across the fingertips and palm, enabling precise contact detection and delicate manipulation. The technology is designed to perform tasks requiring human-like dexterity, including handling research samples, manipulating small objects and operating laboratory equipment. Extensive durability testing under different fingertip loads has also demonstrated the hand’s combination of precision, strength and durability.
Redwire complements Honda’s technology with its extensive experience in space infrastructure and robotics. The company currently operates eight facilities on the ISS and has decades of experience developing hardware and supporting scientific experiments. Its STAARK robotic arm is a modular and customizable system designed for on-orbit applications. Recent testing demonstrated the arm’s ability to autonomously track and grasp dynamic objects, providing the reach and positioning capabilities required for station operations.
Together, Honda and Redwire could create an integrated robotic system capable of supporting the broader experiment workflow, from sample handling and material transfers to equipment operation. The technology could also potentially assist with inventory management, cargo movement, inspections and other routine station-support activities, strengthening automation capabilities for the emerging commercial space-station market.
HMC’s Zacks Rank & Other Key Picks
Honda currently has a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).
Some other top-ranked stocks in the auto space are Mobileye Global Inc. MBLY and Garrett Motion Inc. GTX. While MBLY sports a Zacks Rank #1, GTX has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for MBLY’s 2026 sales and earnings implies year-over-year growth of 5.6% and 36.1%, respectively. The EPS estimate for 2026 and 2027 has improved 3 cents each over the past 60 days.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for GTX’s 2026 sales and earnings implies year-over-year growth of 7.2% and 25.7%, respectively. The EPS estimate for 2026 and 2027 has improved 5 cents and 4 cents, respectively, over the past 60 days.
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This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).
