PIAP Space to deliver European Force and Torque Sensor for ESA’s robotic missions

24 November 2025

PIAP Space is developing the European Force and Torque Sensor (eFTS) designed to operate in complex space missions, including future mission to Moon and Mars. The eFTS is an advanced six-axis force and torque sensor, developed in strong cooperation with Leonardo, thanks to its long heritage in planetary robotic exploration activities. With its precise control of the forces acting on the manipulator, the eFTS can play a vital role in one of the most complex robotic tasks ever undertaken outside Earth.

"Participation in the European Force and Torque Sensor project confirms PIAP Space’s strong position in the European space robotics sector and the trust placed in us by ESA and leading European primes, such as Leonardo. Being invited to contribute to one of the most prestigious and technologically demanding initiatives in space robotics demonstrates not only the value of our know-how, but also the recognition of our long-term commitment to advancing European autonomy in space. In this project, we will leverage our experience from numerous ESA and EU-funded missions, our intellectual capital, and our dedicated engineering facilities to deliver high-precision, advanced robotic technologies. For PIAP Space, contracts of this kind are not only a source of professional pride, but also a key driver of growth – strengthening our competitiveness, expanding our technological competencies, and further consolidating our role in the European and global supply chain for critical space technologies."

– Anna Nikodym-Bilska, Business Development Director at PIAP Space.

“Building on our long experience in space domain technologies, Leonardo is partnering with PIAP Space, bringing decades of excellence in space robotics. This partnership reflects Europe’s ability to innovate through collaboration, combining Italian and Polish expertise to advance autonomous technologies for future space missions and strengthens Europe’s leadership in space exploration.”

- stated Carola Mondellini, Equipment and Robotics Business Area Manager, Leonardo Space Division.

“Europe’s planetary exploration ambitions rely on strong industry partnerships. PIAP Space are contributing advanced technologies for ESA’s robotic missions, reflecting Poland’s growing role in Europe’s exploration roadmap. Alongside established leaders like Leonardo, they showcase the collaboration and ingenuity that drive Europe’s leadership in space and support our missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.”

- said Orson Sutherland, Mars & Beyond Projects Group Leader at the European Space Agency.

Growing ambitions in space exploration – both in orbit and on planetary surfaces – are driving an increasing demand for reliable robotic technologies. The precision and safety of manipulation operations play a key role – from servicing satellites to acquiring and transporting geological samples. These challenges require sensors that not only measure the forces and torques acting on the manipulator tip, but also allow for active control of contact with the environment. The answer to these needs is the technology developed by PIAP Space, also thanks to the heritage and support of Leonardo, which has already successfully built robotic drills and arms for planetary exploration.

The design of the European Force and Torque Sensor will be significantly adapted to meet the stringent and specific requirements of future exploration missions. Also Creotech, a Polish company, is contributing developing the population of the electronic boards that shall work in very cold environment such Mars and Moon. The general goal is to develop European key technologies and the building blocks for planetary exploration for Mars and Moon robotics applications.

The sensor’s design is transferable to a wide range of future ESA exploration missions, both orbital and planetary. This makes the Force and Torque Sensor a strategic asset, with the potential to become the reference European solution for robotic force and torque sensing in space applications – ensuring autonomy and reducing reliance on non-European technologies.

“The effective design of the sensor is the result of PIAP Space and Leonardo many years of experience in designing and testing complex robotic systems for space applications. We are thrilled to face new technological challenges that are part of this endeavour. Our sensor must operate in extremely low temperatures, comply with stringent spatial constraints and deliver high measurement accuracy. It will provide robotic systems with precision, reliability and safety in some of the most demanding environments we know. We are proud that our technology has the opportunity to contribute to ESA’s exploration roadmap.”

- emphasises Katarzyna Okulska-Gawlik, Head of the Project Management Office at PIAP Space.

The eFTS project, carried out for the European Space Agency, in which the Force and Torque Sensor is being developed, is not the only PIAP Space project in which technology is being developed for the space sector. The company has recently successfully delivered separation mechanisms for a European Space Agency satellite mission, and technologies are being developed to enable in-orbit refuelling of satellites. In planetary applications, PIAP Space has also provided robotic solutions for the ESA Argonaut project, under which Europe is to explore the surface of the Moon.

Media Contact
Maciek Mysliwiec
Space Agency Founder & Owner
maciek@spaceagency.biz
+48 508 23 24 25

Note to editors
European Force and Torque Sensor will be built on the basis of FORTIS – sensor which was developed by PIAP Space as part of the TITAN and ORBITA projects, which aimed to develop robotic components for space applications, such as the TITAN robotic arm and the LARIS and MULTIS grippers. The FORTIS sensor was designed for integration with satellite manipulators and robotic arms used in planetary environments. In space missions, where the lack of atmosphere eliminates traditional tactile mechanisms and any contact with an object carries the potential risk of equipment damage or failure of the entire operation, the ability to measure forces and torques becomes absolutely crucial. Thanks to force and torque sensor it is possible to precisely detect contact with an object, actively control the movement of the robotic arm tip, and avoid overloads that could damage expensive scientific instruments.

About PIAP Space
PIAP Space Sp. z o.o. is a Polish technology company founded in 2017. It specialises in the design, development, and manufacturing of advanced robotic solutions for space applications. The company holds ISO 9001:2015 certification and develops projects for the European Space Agency, the European Commission, and industry partners. PIAP Space focuses on robotic arm, end-effectors, force-torque sensor, and Mechanical Ground Support Equipment (MGSE) for satellite integration and testing. Its mission is to deliver high-reliability systems for satellite servicing, orbital logistics, and future planetary missions.