Manhattan based Honeybee Robotics has been collaborating with NASA since 1993. Best known as the creator of the Rock Abrasion Tool on the Mars Exploration Rovers, Honeybee is an innovator in the design, development and production of robotic mechanisms, flight subsystems and automated drills for both terrestrial and extraterrestrial applications.“Honeybee mechanisms will fly on the 2007 Phoenix Scout and 2009 Mars Science Laboratory missions,” said Kris Zacny, senior scientist of Honeybee.   “We are committed to supporting robotic exploration of our solar system, Zacny said.”

With proximity to Ames, Honeybee hopes to strengthen and continue its long-standing partnership with NASA.  Honeybee's experience in sub-surface access for planetary exploration is a natural match for NASA Ames. The Principal Investigators on two of Honeybee’s Mars drilling projects, Drs. Carol Stoker with MARTE and Brian Glass with DAME, are Ames’ scientists.  Honeybee also is participating in the recently formed Ames-based Institute for Subsurface Exploration. 

“I expect that having Honeybee Robotics on site at Ames will create synergy leading to important robotic systems development and exciting new mission opportunities,” said Dr. Carol Stoker of the Planetary Systems Branch.

 “Honeybee is a medium-sized, nimble and innovative company and a valued partner on current lunar and Mars drilling prototypes and proposals.  Given their flight experience base with the MER RAT drilling tool and others, it's great to have them so close by,” said Brian Glass of the Intelligent Systems  Division.  I can just pop over with ideas or questions, and still see what new twists... so to speak... they have in their NASA Research Park Lab, Glass said.”

In its first few months in NRP, Honeybee has planted more seeds for possible collaboration with Ames’ researchers.  Honeybee has partnered with a group, led by P.I. Chris McKay, proposing a 2011 Mars Scout Mission called the Mars Polar Drill.  Honeybee is also pursuing a joint project with the Intelligent Robotics Group to provide hardware that would be tested on their K-10 rover.

"Having Honeybee located here at Ames makes it easier for us to work together and merge the science and technology needed for future missions," said Chris McKay of the Planetary Systems Branch.

For more information, contact: Kris Zacny or David Glaser at (650) 938-8884 or visit their website at www.honeybeerobotics.com

- Diane Farrar and Bob Lopez


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