Aaron Fittery
Papers
3
Total Citations
98
H-Index
3
About
Aaron Fittery is a robotics engineer whose work has transformed the inspection of critical underwater infrastructure, particularly in the nuclear power industry. His research centers on the design and control of highly maneuverable, appendage-free underwater robots. Fittery’s major contribution is the development of smooth, spheroidal robots that use internal water jet propulsion instead of external thrusters, allowing them to navigate complex, confined spaces without snagging. His most-cited paper, “A compact, maneuverable, underwater robot for direct inspection of nuclear power piping systems” (2012, 59 citations), established the core architecture for tetherless, non-destructive evaluation in hazardous environments. He further refined this concept with the ball-shaped inspection robot (2013, 25 citations) and the “Omni-Egg” (2012, 14 citations), a spheroidal platform capable of five-degree-of-freedom motion. Developed at MIT, these robots represent a paradigm shift in underwater robotics, prioritizing smooth, streamlined bodies for safe deployment in sensitive facilities. Fittery’s work directly addresses the global need for aging nuclear plant maintenance, offering a practical, high-impact solution that bridges advanced robotics and real-world industrial safety.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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