foto: Hikade Technologies / Public domain/Gimbal PATROL
One of the start-ups that will be presented at this year's IDET trade fair in Brno is Hikade Technologies. It excels in the field of precision engineering, developing devices intended for applications in aerospace, aviation, the automotive industry, and specialized laboratory testing equipment.
Hikade Technologies positions itself as a cutting-edge technology startup focused on the research, development, and production of advanced mechatronic systems and testing equipment.
Gimbals for Extreme Conditions
One of the company’s key products is its gimbals—high-precision positioning devices designed to stabilize and orient payloads such as cameras, receivers, or transmitters in environments where standard engineering solutions fail. These gimbals are engineered for stratospheric operation, where conditions involve near-vacuum pressure and extreme temperature fluctuations. The gimbals are intended for High-Altitude Pseudo-Satellites (HAPS), which operate at altitudes between 15–30 km.
HAPS platforms offer quicker deployment, lower costs, and better latency than traditional satellites. With growing demands for real-time optical monitoring and data transmission, there is significant commercial interest—from both defense institutions and the private sector. Hikade Technologies aims to deliver the first commercially available gimbal for stratospheric use, setting a new technological benchmark for precision positioning at extreme altitudes.
To support this goal, the company developed its own vacuum-cryogenic test chamber, enabling the simulation of high-altitude conditions. This chamber uses liquid nitrogen to achieve shock freezing and can faithfully replicate the environmental stressors present in stratospheric or space applications. The ability to test under extreme conditions gives Hikade Technologies a major competitive advantage in designing and validating the reliability of individual components and full assemblies.
Leveraging experience with its cryogenic chamber, the company is expanding into civil and industrial sectors. It is transforming its aerospace technology into a lyophilizer—a device for the gentle freeze-drying of biological and chemical materials, with a focus on collagen drying and lyophilization of blood products. The goal is to preserve structural integrity while minimizing ice crystal formation.
Material Testing Accessories
The company also provides custom-built machines and accessories, tailored to the specific needs of clients across various industries. Hikade Technologies specializes particularly in test equipment for demanding applications, handling everything from conceptual development and numerical simulations (including kinematic, load, and vibration analysis) to building functional prototypes. By merging scientific research with engineering practice, the company efficiently transfers knowledge from space technologies to commercial applications.
Source: Hikade Technologies
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