Seiko Epson Corporation, along with its subsidiary Epson X Investment Corporation (EXI), has announced a new investment in GITAI Japan Inc., a Japanese startup specializing in the development of general-purpose space robots. The investment, facilitated through their EP-GB Investment Limited Partnership, signifies Epson’s continued support for GITAI’s groundbreaking work.
GITAI’s vision is to provide safe and cost-effective labor solutions in space. The company aims to create versatile space robots that can perform various tasks both inside and outside space stations, in Earth’s orbit, on the Moon, and even on Mars. Additionally, GITAI plans to offer services in space, contributing to the expanding field of space exploration and development.
With the rapid advancement of space-related initiatives such as lunar resource development, Mars exploration, and the commercialization of the International Space Station (ISS), the demand for different types of work in space is expected to surge. Tasks like constructing new space stations, lunar bases, and Mars bases are currently carried out by astronauts, incurring high expenses for their training and transportation.
GITAI’s development of general-purpose robots aims to alleviate the risks and burdens faced by astronauts while significantly reducing the overall costs associated with space labor, training, and transportation. By doing so, GITAI seeks to make space exploration and development safer and more affordable. The company has made substantial progress since 2021, establishing a strong track record through the development of lunar work robots, extravehicular robots, and successful on-board experiments using demonstration models on the ISS.
Jason McMillian, Sales Director at Epson Middle East, highlighted the timeliness of the investment, coinciding with increased space exploration efforts by Saudi Arabia and the UAE. He mentioned the significant milestones achieved, including the first Saudi woman astronaut, Rayyanah Barnawi, visiting the ISS and the recent spacewalk conducted by Emirati astronaut Sultan Alneyadi.
McMillian expressed optimism about Epson’s focus on research and innovation in space robot technology, emphasizing the potential benefits for the GCC and other nations investing in future space exploration endeavors.
In line with Epson’s corporate vision, Epson 25 Renewed, the company aims to drive manufacturing innovation by collaborating on flexible, high-throughput production systems that minimize environmental impact. GITAI’s space robot technology aligns with Epson’s robotics business, showing competitiveness in the expanding space business market.
Recognizing GITAI’s impressive track record and significant technological advancements, Epson decided to expand its support with this additional investment, following their initial investment in 2021. Epson intends to contribute to the creation of a sustainable society by establishing various partnerships and synergies based on its proprietary technologies, products, and services. Through these efforts, Epson aims to further cultivate growth and advance the field of space robotics.
