Michael K. Reed

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Michael K. Reed is a pioneer in the field of 3D computer vision and robotic perception, with a focused career dedicated to automating the creation of solid CAD models from physical objects. His primary research areas include 3D model acquisition, range imaging, and robotic manipulation for reverse engineering. Reed’s major contribution lies in developing the foundational algorithms and systems that allow robots to incrementally build complete, watertight 3D models from multiple range images. His seminal 1998 paper, "Solid model acquisition from range imagery," introduced the critical concept of generating a solid model at every stage of the process, enabling the use of robust geometric algorithms for merging data. This work was further realized in his 2002 paper, "A robotic system for 3D model acquisition from multiple range images," which described a fully integrated robotic platform capable of automating the entire modeling pipeline. Though his citation counts (14 each) reflect a niche but highly specialized audience, Reed’s work is a cornerstone for modern 3D scanning and digital twin technologies, directly influencing how engineers and researchers automate the transition from physical objects to digital assets.