Pascal Bochud

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Pascal Bochud is a robotics researcher specializing in planetary exploration and biologically inspired locomotion systems. His work focuses on overcoming the limitations of traditional wheeled rovers, which are constrained to flat, benign terrains and cannot access the most scientifically valuable—yet rugged—areas of planetary surfaces. Bochud’s most cited paper, "PROMPT: A Small Walking Robot for Planetary Exploration" (2009, 3 citations), introduces a compact, legged robot designed to traverse challenging, uneven landscapes that wheeled platforms cannot handle. This contribution addresses a critical gap in space robotics, aiming to enable future missions to explore steep slopes, rocky outcrops, and other high-priority geological sites. While his citation count is modest, the conceptual impact of his work lies in advancing the feasibility of walking robots for extreme environments, potentially expanding the reach of planetary science. Bochud’s research bridges robotics, mechanical design, and astrobiology, offering a pathway to more versatile exploration tools. His efforts underscore the importance of innovation in locomotion for unlocking new frontiers in space exploration.