Space Robotics & AI

Pioneering Autonomous Systems for Space Exploration & Extreme Environments

Niderfyn Ltd is a UK-based SME specialised in robotics, AI and autonomous systems. We design and develop collaborative robotic platforms and intelligent autonomy frameworks that support servicing, inspection, assembly and operations in both orbital and extreme terrestrial environments. Our expertise spans mechanisms, Guidance & Control, machine learning and human–robot interaction, enabling scalable and sustainable solutions for the next generation of space infrastructure.

About Niderfyn

Delivering scalable servicing for a resilient orbital economy

Building on over a decade of R&D in robotics, space engineering and AI, Niderfyn develops scalable, modular robotic systems that reduce cost and risk while enabling new in-orbit operations and beyond.

From conceptual design and simulation-driven validation to prototyping and integration, we support industries and institutional partners in advancing capabilities across:

  • Orbital robotics & autonomous servicing (inspection, repair, assembly)
  • Advanced control / GNC and high-fidelity simulation of complex robotic systems
  • Human-in-the-loop autonomy & AI-driven decision support
  • Specialised mechanisms and systems built for extreme environments

With a track record in robotics, AI and applied autonomy research — including multiple peer-reviewed publications and collaborations — Niderfyn is a reliable partner for projects that demand innovation, robustness and long-term impact.

Latest Project

Orbital Droids - Timeline

The current objective is a TRL 1–2 feasibility study under ESA Discovery (OSIP), delivering conceptual design and simulation-based validation of orbital mobility, servicing dexterity and swarm cooperation, with a roadmap toward TRL 3–4.

  1. TRL 1-2:
    Concept & Feasibility

    2025 - ESA Discovery (OSIP) study: concept definition and simulation-based validation of mobility, servicing dexterity and swarm cooperation. Outputs: feasibility report, concept design, TRL 3–4 plan.

  2. TRL 3-4:
    Prototyping & Lab Validation

    2026 - Follow-on ESA programmes (GSTP / InCubed): early prototyping, lab validation, hardware-in-the-loop, software-in-the-loop integration with representative scenarios and autonomy pipelines.

  3. TRL 5-6:
    Demonstrations

    2027 - Relevant-environment demonstrations of servicing functions; iterative refinement of mechanisms, GNC and autonomy for robustness and safety.

  4. TRL 7+:
    In-Orbit Demonstration & Operations

    2028 - In-orbit demonstration missions leading to operational deployment of scalable servicing capabilities, in partnership with agencies and industry.

Technology

Capability Highlights

Foundational building blocks for autonomous operations in harsh orbital environments, designed to scale from single platforms to coordinated multi-robot systems.

Autonomy & Teleoperation

On-board AI for robust, explainable decision-making under uncertainty, paired with human-in-the-loop supervision for safety-critical tasks. Multi-agent coordination and swarm behaviours are a strategic focus.

Multi-Arm Dexterity & Mechanisms

Precision manipulation in microgravity - inspection, capture, tool use and assembly. Mechanism design and controls tailored for reliability, maintainability and modularity.

GNC, Simulation & Propulsion Trade-offs

Guidance, Navigation & Control pipelines with high-fidelity simulation-in-the-loop. Assessment of in-space mobility options (including electric/ion) for rendezvous and station-keeping.

Contact

Partner with Niderfyn

We are a small, independent company. That gives us the flexibility to collaborate with universities, agencies and industry partners, while staying focused on practical, applied robotics and AI research that can reach orbit.

📍 Mildehall, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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