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Preethi Bhat is a pioneering researcher in modular robotics, with a primary focus on motion planning for self-reconfigurable systems. Her most influential work, "Hierarchical Motion Planning for Self-reconfigurable Modular Robots" (2006, 44 citations), addresses the complex challenge of coordinating homogeneous modules to transition from an initial configuration to a target shape. This research is foundational for developing algorithms that enable robots to autonomously change their physical form, a critical capability for adaptive and versatile robotic systems. Bhat is also a key contributor to the Claytronics Project at Carnegie Mellon University, where her work (2005, 9 citations) envisions multi-million-module robot ensembles capable of morphing into dynamic, programmable matter. This ambitious concept aims to create robots that can replicate any physical object, with applications ranging from disaster response to immersive telepresence. By tackling the scalability of modular robotics, Bhat has advanced the theoretical and practical foundations for creating truly adaptive, shape-shifting machines, inspiring future research in self-assembly and distributed robotic systems.