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Overcoming the complex challenges of extreme and unstructured environments demands innovative and adaptable robotic systems while respecting strict cost constraints. Our modular software and hardware are the core of our solutions, providing unparalleled adaptability. Our expertise ensures the predictable performance and compatibility of our technology—we leverage our deep understanding of how our systems interact with different surfaces and conduct thorough testing, verification, and validation across a wide range of platforms.
Our approach to reliable and safe autonomy solutions in the most challenging domains is grounded in two decades of deep systems engineering expertise and a proven track record. We've developed advanced robotics software to quickly detect and diagnose impending unsafe environment interactions and execute precise recovery maneuvers. This ensures our systems are situationally aware and intelligent enough to react timely without the need for human input. Our deep systems-level knowledge is a direct result of rigorous testing and validation processes and our partnerships with risk management teams to accurately predict and diagnose hazards, ensuring the unwavering reliability of our technology in the field.
Learn how we infused our autonomy-enabling software to NASA's VIPEREvery wasted watt of power and minute of operation is unecessary risk to your mission. Central to our approach is to maximize the operational lifespan and productivity of robotic systems by engineering technologies to meet speed-made-good, throughput, and operational efficiency requirements. Our technologies are highly adaptable, capable of extracting maximium efficiency from even the most primitive robotic configurations, yet scalable to bring out the greatest performance from more complex systems.
Often, the most interesting places to go are the hardest to get to, and the most interesting tasks are the hardest to perform. The next generation of field robotics requires systems that can go farther, faster, and do more with less. Whether a robot is designed to perform site preparation for an off-world nuclear reactor, harvest fuel and key resources, support humans, or explore the next frontier—our technologies empower robotic systems to leverage every mechanical capability. We enable new types of missions and operations that were previously thought impossible, honed by over two decades of building and field-testing robotic systems—including recent flight missions. This expertise is the foundation for developing these next-generation capabilities.
Our team is ready to collaborate, helping you reduce risk and accelerate your timeline to achieve new breakthroughs.
Connect with UsWe offer a suite of configurable autonomy stacks including autonomy-enabling perception and control software designed for robotic systems operating in extreme environments. This software is available for licensing, and our team can allocate time to integrate and customize it for your specific project or mission.
Learn MoreWe have developed a family of highly capable modular robotic systems, each designed to meet the unique challenges of off-road and planetary exploration. These field-tested platforms are available for license, can be built to spec, and can be advanced for future flight missions.
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We specialize in designing high-performance robotic wheels and tools for extreme off-road environments. Our design philosophy is rooted in a deep understanding of surface-surface interaction with materials like soil, rocks, and regolith, ensuring our wheels maintain necessary traction and our robotic tools provide reliable anchoring or material collection.
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We provide comprehensive testing facilities and services to evaluate the performance of wheels, robotic tools, and rovers in off-world environments. Our expertise lies in understanding how hardware and autonomy performance scale with different gravities, system sizes and masses, material densities, and interaction speeds. We use this expertise to project data collected on our testbeds to in-mission performance needed for flight hardware Verifcation and Validation (V&V) and relevant testing for rover autonomy.
Learn MoreM-Coor is our proprietary, platform-agnostic software suite providing both robust mobility control (waypoint and path tracking, kinematically and dynamically coordinated joint motions, traction control) and advanced off-road proprioception capabilities. It leverages internal sensing and sophisticated algorithms to enable accurate slip estimation and early embedding detection for platforms operating on loose terrain. This precise understanding of the rover's interaction with the terrain is essential for enhancing autonomous decision-making and mission safety, ensuring reliable performance on varied and challenging terrains.
Our control architectures are designed for on-the-fly mobility and manipulation reconfiguration, adapting to different mission tasks. They are built on a modular mobile manipulation software architecture that provides a flexible framework for integrating various hardware and software components across our different rovers. This allows for seamless adaptation to new mission requirements without the need for extensive system redesign.
Our software provides precise and robust controls for robotic excavation and hauling tasks. This includes controlled excavating, controlled hauling, and controlled depositing of material. These capabilities ensure that your robotic systems can perform complex, resource-intensive tasks with a high degree of accuracy and efficiency.
Our onboard localization software provides real-time situational awareness and navigation. It utilizes real-time perception and pose estimation to track the rover's position and orientation. The software also incorporates advanced rover state filtering to provide highly accurate localization, even in GPS-denied environments and environments with harsh lighting.
We specialize in developing advanced mobility controls that enable robotic systems to navigate extreme and hazardous terrains. Our software can detect and escape soft-soil entrapment, climb steep slopes of granular material, and utilize hybrid control strategies for optimal performance. This ensures mission success in environments that would otherwise be considered impassable.
Our wheel-terrain perception and hazard software is key to enabling safe, reduced risk, and efficient navigation. It can detect sinkage and contact with the ground, providing crucial data for mobility decisions. It also includes obstacle detection and traversability situational awareness, allowing the rover to dynamically plan its path and avoid mission-ending hazards in real-time.
The ProtoInnovations Lunar Autonomous Rover (PILAR) is ProtoInnovations's flagship medium-large-class rover, engineered to tackle the most demanding off-world environments like the Moon and Mars. Its design focuses on mitigating the risks of entrapment, an issue that has challenged previous planetary rovers. With a nominal 1m x 1m wheelbase and track width, PILAR features a highly capable joint configuration that includes a unique "butterfly" axis. This allows for dynamic changes to its geometry which also increases the range of viable payload sizes. PILAR can accommodate 200kg of Earth gravity payloads such as science instruments, drills, site preparation tools, and construction equipment. The rover's passive double rocker suspension and holonomic steering provide supreme maneuverability, while its ability to use off-nominal locomotion methods helps it escape challenging circumstances and resume operations. All of its kinematic joints are instrumented with high-resolution joint and load sensors to aid in traction and stability control.
The X1 rover is a compact, four-wheeled robot designed for versatile planetary surface operations. Its small footprint, with a 0.375-meter wheelbase and a 0.315-meter track width, makes it ideal for navigating tight or rugged terrain. Each of the X1's four wheels, which are 0.10 meters in diameter with a rugged, spoked design, has independent drive and steering capabilities. This allows for precise control, including the ability to perform a zero-radius turn, which is crucial for maneuvering in confined spaces. The rover also features a passive rocker suspension system, which helps it maintain contact with uneven surfaces and provides stability when traversing obstacles. X1 can be outfitted with various tools for excavation and site preparation, making it a valuable asset for a wide range of tasks, from collecting soil samples to assisting in construction projects.
The Modular Autonomous Surrogate (MAS) rover is a next-generation robotic platform engineered for the challenging off-road environments of the Moon, Mars, and beyond. This adaptable system features a robust build with a 0.5715-meter wheelbase and a 0.4445-meter track width. A standout feature of the MAS rover is its modular interconnect system, which allows for the rapid exchange of mission-specific tools and components, enabling a single rover to perform a wide variety of tasks. Its 0.2-meter diameter wheels are equipped with aggressive grousers, providing exceptional traction and mobility on difficult terrain. The rover's design layout and modularity provide the ultimate flexibility, allowing it to be easily configured for different operational needs and environments.
The KREX2 rover is a 200kg-class modular rover built by ProtoInnovations for NASA Ames Research Center. As a central mobile platform for the Atacama Rover Astrobiology Drilling Studies (ARADS) project, KREX2 was designed to integrate science payloads such as a drill capable of reaching 2 meters below the surface to collect soil samples for on-board astrobiology instruments. The rover was engineered for high robustness and low repair time, performing autonomous tasks such as navigation, drilling, and sample transfer in Mars-like environments. KREX2 continues to be an active research platform for NASA. The services and products described herein are provided by ProtoInnovations, LLC. This presentation, content, or the products/services are not endorsed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) or any specific federal employee.
The K10-Black and K10-Red are 50kg-class mobile robots, approximately twice the size of the X1, that were developed by ProtoInnovations. These platforms were then retrofitted with sensors by NASA Ames Research Center, which also developed the autonomy algorithms for their use in terrestrial surveillance and planetary exploration research. The rovers are equipped with a passive averaging suspension, four-wheel drive, and all-wheel steering to navigate a variety of uneven terrain. Their modular design allows them to be customized with various scientific instruments, including a 3D scanning Lidar for topographical mapping and Ground Penetrating Radar for subsurface analysis. The K10 rovers have been deployed in Mars-like environments including Haughton Crater, Moses Lake, and the Black Point Lava Flow and have been tele-operated in real-time by astronauts on the International Space Station, demonstrating their robust capabilities. The services and products described herein are provided by ProtoInnovations, LLC. This presentation, content, or the products/services are not endorsed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) or any specific federal employee.
We design and develops custom wheels and mobility systems for a wide range of terrains, including loose soil, sand, and steep slopes. Our designs, all built in-house, span a vast range of sizes, from 0.05m to 2m in diameter. We have a proven track record of creating a diverse array of innovative wheels, from deployable and compliant tensegrity wheels to spoked designs. All of our wheels are rigorously tested to ensure maximum traction and durability in the most challenging environments.
We specialize in designing and building high-performance robotic tools and manipulators for off-road and planetary applications. Our expertise lies in understanding the geotechnical physics of interactions with materials like soil, rocks, and regolith, which is critical for demanding tasks such as site preparation, excavation, and anchoring. We offer unique expertise in developing innovative, multipurpose, and scalable robotic tools.
A large 6m long testbed containing GRC-1. This testbed is used for single wheel engineering or flight models testing using sophisticated controls that allows for the emulation of complete rovers.
View Spec Sheet (PDF)
This system was engineered to test wheel traction capabilities at different slop angles within the constraints of a parabolic flight aircraft simulating different gravities. This testbed has flown during two separate flight campaigns so far with LSP-2 and GRC1 lunar regolith simulants.
View Spec Sheet (PDF)
A ProtoInnovations instrument built for Glenn Research Center to help characterize geotechnical properties of lunar and martian simulants. The bevameter currently resides at Glenn Research Center's SLOPElab.
We developed a suite of onboard flight software applications integrated into the VIPER lunar rover. These applications are designed to provide mobility features and enable the rover to manage challenging lunar terrain. This software suite was developed under a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase III award. Our work included developing and integrating proprietary algorithms into the VIPER Core Flight System (cFS), resulting in the following applications:
The EMBED app utilizes a proprioceptive, low-bandwidth, slip and embedding estimation algorithm. This algorithm is designed to detect when the rover is at risk of high slip rates in loose lunar regolith and to initiate a stop command to prevent entrapment.
The CRAWL app provides the rover with a variety of specialized gaits, suchs as "inching," "swimming," and walking. This software supports the rover in extricating itself from challenging mobility situations or continuing travel using damaged components, thereby addressing unforeseen mobility hazards on the lunar surface.
In addition to flight software development, ProtoInnovations provided systems engineering support and extensive testing services. Our engineers collaborated with NASA teams on large-scale mobility tests utilizing the MGRU3 rover in simulated lunar environments, including the SLOPE lab at Glenn Research Center and the Roverscape at Ames Research Center. We also conducted durability and performance testing on a flight-design VIPER wheel in our own testbed, executing a 40km traverse over simulated lunar terrain. This comprehensive testing approach was utilized to perform Verification and Validation (V&V) for the VIPER flight wheel and validate our integrated software and hardware solutions under realistic test conditions.
Our work included mission readiness and risk management deliverables. We delivered a detailed framework for diagnosing mobility issues and a system for classifying terrain hazards. This framework provides methods for mission operators to identify the root cause of a mobility problem—whether due to terrain, a component fault, or structural damage—and recommends a corresponding course of action. ProtoInnovations’ focus on proactive risk assessment and recovery procedures supported the VIPER mission preparation efforts. ProtoInnovations personnel participate as part of the anomaly response group during mission operations.
The services and products described herein are provided by ProtoInnovations, LLC. This presentation, content, or the products/services are not endorsed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) or any specific federal employee.
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We are currently compiling our recent press releases, paper publications, and mission updates. Check back soon for exciting information on our involvement with current flight missions and new R&D programs!
ProtoInnovations is an aerospace robotics innovation company specializing in autonomous systems and robotics for the most extreme environments on Earth, the Moon, Mars, and beyond. Our core expertise lies in developing, maturing, and deploying modular software and hardware solutions—including advanced robotic control architectures, autonomy, and mechanisms. With over two decades of technical heritage and a proven track record of flight mission support, our technologies are engineered to deliver maximum operational efficiency and unwavering reliability. We leverage a foundation of NASA SBIR/STTR success to accelerate your timelines and optimize investment, enabling partners to achieve groundbreaking, high-risk missions.
Founder and CEO
Dr. Apostolopoulos founded ProtoInnovations in 2005. From his position as Chief Technologist at ProtoInnovations, Apostolopoulos has led research and development on numerous projects for NASA and commercial sponsors. Under his leadership, ProtoInnovations has produced innovative robotic systems and advanced technologies for exploration, utility, and defense applications. Dr. Apostolopoulos holds a Ph.D. in Robotics from Carnegie Mellon University
CTO
Since joining ProtoInnovations in 2017 Sam has pioneered development of the company's core technologies in mobility software controls, sensing, state estimation, and perception systems for high-performance planetary surface mobility. Chandler holds an M.S. in Robotic Systems Development from Carnegie Mellon University.
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Our team is ready to help you achieve new breakthroughs by leveraging our mature space technologies and expertise.
Connect with UsProtoInnovations is at the forefront of aerospace robotics for extreme environments. Our work is challenging, groundbreaking, and vital for the next generation of exploration.
Open Application / Expression of Interest
ProtoInnovations is not actively hiring for a specific, defined role at this time. However, we are always open to connecting with exceptional individuals whose passion and niche expertise align with our mission.
This "evergreen" application is for highly-skilled, self-motivated professionals who believe their background in space robotics, autonomy, and related fields could be a game-changer for our team.
If you have a proven track record of innovation in these areas and are a U.S. Person, we invite you to introduce yourself.
Please use the "General Partnership / Inquiry" option on our contact form and mention this "Future Innovator" posting in your message.
ProtoInnovations is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team and encourage applications from all qualified individuals.
Let's discuss how our advanced robotics expertise and technologies can accelerate your next mission.