ExoPower Won $1.25 Million NSF Grant
The Grand Junction company will use the funds to advance wireless charging technology for industrial mobile robots.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Robotics
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The National Science Foundation has awarded a $1.25 million grant to Grand Junction-based ExoPower. The funding will support Phase II research into wireless charging systems that allow industrial robots to power up while in motion.
Why it matters
This technology aims to eliminate the need for industrial robots to remain idle at charging stations. By reducing downtime, the system cuts capital costs for companies that would otherwise need to purchase redundant machines.
The grant covers $1.25 million in funding for research into wireless charging hardware. This system is designed to replace stationary charging docks with an integrated mobile power solution for industrial machinery.
The players
ExoPower
A Grand Junction-based robotics firm currently focused on developing industrial charging solutions.
National Science Foundation
A United States government agency that supports fundamental research and education in all the non-medical fields of science and engineering.
Business Incubator Center
A Grand Junction organization that provides support and facilities for growing businesses.
The details
ExoPower, a client of the Business Incubator Center, developed a proof of concept in a laboratory setting before securing this federal support. The research will focus on enabling industrial mobile robots to recharge wirelessly while actively working.
Timeline
September 22, 2026: The grant award was publicly announced.
The Tech Race
This development represents a shift toward more autonomous industrial environments that minimize human intervention in logistics. It follows the pattern set by the National Science Foundation's research funding programs in advancing high-risk technical hardware toward commercial scale.
The transition to wireless charging could eventually lower operational costs for manufacturers and distribution centers in the area. These efficiencies may lead to faster order fulfillment times and lower logistics costs for businesses using advanced robotics.
The takeaway
Advancing wireless charging for mobile robots could significantly improve factory throughput by eliminating downtime. Local companies utilizing this technology may soon see a path toward more efficient, continuous warehouse operations.
Further reading
For additional context on local industry developments, visit the Robotics section.
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