The Robotics Institute
 Search the site
RI | People | John Bares

Text only version of this site

John Bares
Research Professor/Director of NREC

Associated centers: NREC and FRC

Email address: bares@cs.cmu.edu
Office: NREC 228
Phone: (412) 268-7091
Fax: 412-681-6961

Mailing address:
National Robotics Engineering Center
10 40th Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15201

Jump to: Research interests | Keywords | Projects | Publications

Research interests

I seek to enable the widespread adoption of roboticized mobile equipment. The theme of my work is the synthesis of basic robotics technologies to create robust systems and the identification of appropriate target applications. Within a decade, automated machines contending with complex tasks and contingencies will operate for long duration without human input. I foresee automated machines succeeding in the challenging markets of mining, agriculture, construction and hazardous operations.

My research focus is the full cycle conception to testing of intelligent machines for mining, construction, utility and agricultural applications. My objective is to design, build and test large forceful robotic systems that will evolve to be used in industry to solve tasks in complex, dynamic (i.e., changing) and dangerous environments. Specific research topics are robot system configuration, mechanism design, reliability and perception devices for outdoor environments. I have specific interest in robotic system design and reliability and improving the processes of design, production and testing of prototype robotic systems to enable predictable levels of reliability. I have led research efforts in automated volcanic exploration, automated surface and underground mining and the development of a variety of ranging sensors.

My dual role is the Director of the National Robotics Engineering Center (NREC). This mission of the Center is to adapt terrestrial robotics technology from research centers and labs to enable and create viable robotics products within U.S. industry. As Director, I am in an ideal role to identify and solve the problems that limit the commercial practicality and adoption of mobile robotics.

This section last updated - January 1999.

Research interest keywords

3-D perception, active perception, actuators, construction, field robotics, hazardous environments, legged locomotion, mechanisms, mobile robots, and range finders

Current Projects [Past projects]

Demeter - The Demeter project is developing a next-generation self-propelled hay harvester for agricultural operations.
Gladiator - The NREC-led team designed, developed and field tested and successfully demonstrated a Gladiator robotic system with high mobility and remote combat capabilities.
M2000: A Semi-Autonomous System for High-Speed Paint Removal - Automated paint removal system for large ships
Motion Free Scanning Radar - We incorporate the current state of the art in non-mechanical scanning antenna technology with advanced millimeter-wave ranging technology to enable a small, reliable, and affordable imaging-radar sensor with no moving parts. Sensors will be demonstrated on the sponsor's equipment in typical operating scenarios and environments.
UGCV PerceptOR Integrated - The UPI (UGCV PerceptOR Integrated) program integrates and enhances the results from UGCV and PerceptOR to increase the speed and autonomy of unmanned ground vehicles operating in complex terrain. By combining the inherent mobility of Spinner with advanced perception techniques including the use of learning and prior terrain data, the UPI program stresses system design across vehicle, sensors and software so that the strengths of one component compensate for the weaknesses of another.
Underground Mining Operator Assist - Automating the functions of a continuous mining machine and roof bolting units.
UPI Teleoperation System - NREC is developing an immersive teleoperation system as part of the UGCV-PerceptOR Integration program.
 

Recent publications [View all 24 publications]

The Robotics Institute is part of the School of Computer Science, Carnegie Mellon University.
For updates and comments, please see these instructions.
This page maintained by robotwebmaster@ri.cmu.edu