Brian Pugatch

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Brian Pugatch is a pioneer in the development of hybrid robotic systems for underwater archaeology, with a particular focus on vehicles that combine crawling and flying capabilities. His most-cited work, "Hybrid robot crawler / flyer for use in underwater archaeology" (2013, 11 citations), introduces a novel remotely operated vehicle that maintains seafloor contact for stable manipulation and long-duration intervention, while also possessing the ability to fly through the water column. This dual-mode design addresses a critical gap in underwater robotics, enabling archaeologists to perform delicate excavations and precise measurements that are impossible with traditional free-swimming ROVs or tethered crawlers alone. Pugatch’s contributions have advanced the practical application of robotics in cultural heritage preservation, offering a stable, versatile platform for both short-term tasks and extended seafloor operations. His work is notable for bridging engineering and archaeology, providing a tool that enhances the safety and accuracy of underwater exploration. While his citation count reflects a focused, emerging field, the impact of his hybrid crawler/flyer concept is growing as underwater archaeology increasingly demands specialized robotic solutions.