Rob Royce
Papers
5
Total Citations
96
H-Index
4
About
Rob Royce is a robotics researcher specializing in autonomous systems, space exploration robotics, and AI-driven robot operation, with a particular focus on developing next-generation platforms for extreme environment exploration. He is best known for his central contributions to the EELS (Exobiology Extant Life Surveyor) project at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, an ambitious initiative to design a snake-like robot capable of navigating the treacherous terrain of icy moons such as Enceladus — one of the solar system's most compelling targets in the search for extraterrestrial life. His work spans the full development pipeline, from physics-based simulation environments like EELS-DARTS to closed-loop autonomy frameworks like NEO, which enable robust robot operation under significant uncertainty and sensor failure. With over 62 citations on his landmark 2024 EELS autonomy paper alone, Royce's research has drawn considerable attention from both the planetary science and robotics communities. His more recent work on ROSA, an AI-powered agent that democratizes access to the Robot Operating System, further demonstrates his commitment to making complex robotic systems accessible to broader audiences, positioning him as an innovative voice at the intersection of space robotics and artificial intelligence.
Research Focus
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