RISE Robotics Secures $3M AFWERX Funding for SuperJammer Vehicle
In a significant stride for defense innovation, RISE Robotics, a Somerville, Massachusetts-based startup, has been selected by AFWERX for a $3 million Tactical Funding Increase (TACFI) to advance its revolutionary Beltdraulic SuperJammer Vehicle platform. This substantial investment is earmarked for the refinement and operational testing of the SuperJammer, a critical initiative aimed at modernizing the Department of the Air Force’s (DAF) aging fleet of lift trucks, some of which have been in service for over six decades. The project officially commenced on July 29, 2025, signaling a concerted effort to enhance military logistics and operational readiness.
At the heart of RISE Robotics’ transformative approach is its patented dual-use Beltdraulic™ technology. This innovative system represents a paradigm shift from traditional hydraulics, offering a fluid-free, zero-emissions, and autonomy-ready linear actuator. Unlike conventional hydraulic systems that rely on messy and maintenance-intensive fluids, Beltdraulic™ utilizes stainless steel wire ropes within belts, leveraging block and tackle principles to deliver powerful and precise actuation. This design not only eliminates leaks and spills but also drastically reduces maintenance, with component replacements reportedly taking less than 15 minutes.
The advantages of Beltdraulic™ are compelling for heavy machinery applications, particularly in demanding military environments. It boasts three times the speed and efficiency of traditional hydraulics, leading to improved operational efficiency, enhanced resilience in contested logistical scenarios, and superior mission readiness. The technology also offers unparalleled control over displacement and speed, enabling precise movements with zero uncommanded motion and the ability to securely hold loads without power consumption or drift. Furthermore, its integrated position, force, and health sensing capabilities make it inherently ready for advanced AI and autonomous operations. This cutting-edge capability recently earned RISE Robotics a Guinness World Record for the “World’s Strongest Robotic Arm Prototype,” underscoring its robust performance.
The funding from AFWERX, the innovation arm of the Department of the Air Force, is a testament to the strategic importance of RISE Robotics’ technology. AFWERX, powered by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), is dedicated to accelerating the transition of agile and affordable capabilities from small businesses and startups to address critical DAF challenges. The Tactical Funding Increase (TACFI) program specifically aims to bridge the notorious “Valley of Death”—the challenging gap between a technology’s successful Phase II research and development and its full-scale operational implementation (Phase III). By providing additional capital, AFWERX helps de-risk the development of emerging technologies and ensures their faster adoption into military operations. This latest award builds on previous collaborations, including a $1.25 million Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract awarded in July 2023 for the development of highly efficient electric munitions handlers. Moreover, in April 2025, RISE Robotics was selected for the U.S. Air Force’s $46 billion Eglin Wide Agile Acquisition Contract (EWAAC), positioning its Beltdraulic Systems for consideration in future military platforms and next-generation logistics.
The SuperJammer Vehicle, powered by Beltdraulic™, is specifically designed to revolutionize munitions handling, a task currently reliant on aging lift truck platforms. The modernization of such ground support equipment is a pressing challenge for the DAF, as efficient and reliable logistics are paramount to military success. The SuperJammer promises faster load times, superior precision, and enhanced stability by eliminating hydraulic drift, which are crucial for the safe and efficient handling of sensitive materials. This development aligns with broader military trends focused on integrating advanced technologies like autonomous systems and electric propulsion to improve operational efficiency, reduce human risk, and address the complex demands of modern warfare logistics, which include managing costs, ensuring timely transport, and maintaining supply chains in unpredictable environments.
This strategic partnership between RISE Robotics and AFWERX exemplifies the Department of the Air Force’s commitment to “Unleashing American Ingenuity” to forge an innovation ecosystem that delivers disruptive air and space capabilities. By investing in groundbreaking technologies like Beltdraulic™, the DAF is not only modernizing its critical equipment but also paving the way for a more efficient, safer, and technologically advanced future for its forces.