The Robotics Institute

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.