NASA’s Johnson Space Center integrated PickNik’s MoveIt Pro software to enable robotic arms to recognize spacecraft hatches, operate latches, and transfer cargo bags into storage bins as part of preparations for Artemis lunar missions. This work took place in a specialized testbed funded through NASA’s Small Business Innovation Research program to develop robotic dexterity and decision-making.
MoveIt Pro, commercially released in 2023 with foundational government support, is also employed by industries such as BMW automotive assembly and companies building modular affordable housing panels. PickNik credits NASA’s early investments as vital to developing their commercial-ready robotic software product that supports complex motion control tasks in both space and terrestrial settings.
Source & further reading
NASA Equips Astronauts, Industry with Robotic Intelligence ↗Source published 2026-06-10. This report was prepared with AI assistance from the linked primary-source material. Claims and limitations should be checked against the original announcement or research.