GITAI

Japan-based GITAI is developing a general-purpose space robot able to perform Extra-Vehicular Activity (EVA) tasks on space stations, docking, mission extension, repair, and maintenance work for on-orbit servicing (life extension to satellite/space debris removal) as well as various other tasks for lunar exploration and lunar base construction. The company has developed two robots: G1 (space dedicated general-purpose robot) and S1 (task specific space robot). These robots are teleoperated by GITAI’s H1 robot manipulation system.

Key customer and partnerships

In June 2021, the company signed a joint research contract with Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) for joint R&D of a robotic arm for the “LUNAR CRUISER,” the manned pressurized rover mobility platform that Toyota and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) are developing for the surface of the moon, for which GITAI developed a bread board model (BBM) of the robotic arm. In July 2022, the company teamed up with Nanoracks for a second technology demonstration on the International Space Station.

The company also won a government contract from the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry with a maximum budget of ~USD2.5 million to develop an autonomous extra-vehicular robotic arm capable of performing general-purpose tasks for for on-orbit servicing (refueling, repair, maintenance of satellites, and space debris removal), lunar exploration, and base development. The company also signed an MoU with Sky Perfect JSAT, Asia’s largest satellite communication provider, on exploring a business partnership and a joint research agreement with Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). GITAI executed versatile tasks inside the Nanoracks’ Bishop airlock module installed on Node 3 of the ISS in collaboration with Nanoracks.

Funding and financials

In its latest funding round in August 2023, the company raised USD 15 million in a Series B extension round. The funding includes a USD 7 million loan from MUFG Bank and investments from Green Co-Invest Investment Limited Partnership, Pacific Bays Capital, and Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Venture Capital. The funding will be used to continue the development of space robotics systems and expand GITAI's presence in the US market. The company plans to expand its workforce, increase cooperation with government agencies and companies, and conduct a demonstration mission on the moon by 2026.