TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER LICENSING OPPORTUNITY: Upper Body Robotic Exoskeleton (MSC-TOPS-85)
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), through its Technology Transfer Program, is soliciting inquiries from companies interested in obtaining license rights to commercialize, manufacture, and market an Upper Body Robotic Exoskeleton (MSC-TOPS-85). This is a Special Notice for a technology transfer opportunity, not a procurement. Responses are due February 27, 2027.
Technology Overview
Innovators at the NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) have developed a soft, wearable, robotic upper limb exoskeleton garment. This technology is designed to actively control the shoulder and elbow, enabling both limb positioning and desired motion commands. Its portable, battery-compatible design facilitates task-specific and intensive motor practice outside clinical environments, making it ideal for upper extremity motor rehabilitation in patients with neurological impairments (e.g., traumatic brain injury, stroke). Additionally, the technology has potential applications in human performance augmentation, including future spacesuit designs.
Licensing Opportunity Details
NASA offers license rights on an exclusive or nonexclusive basis, which may include specific fields of use. It is important to note that NASA provides no funding in conjunction with these potential licenses. This notice serves to promote public awareness of NASA-developed technology and conduct preliminary market research to gauge public interest and potential for future licensing. No follow-on procurement is expected to result from responses to this notice.
How to Express Interest
Companies interested in this licensing opportunity should submit a license application through NASA’s Automated Technology Licensing Application System (ATLAS) by visiting https://technology.nasa.gov/patent/MSC-TOPS-85. For questions, email Agency-Patent-Licensing@mail.nasa.gov, including the title of this opportunity and contact information.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Special Notice (Technology Transfer Licensing Opportunity)
- Set-Aside: None
- Response Due: February 27, 2027, at 21:00 UTC
- Published: March 3, 2026