Abigale Plunk

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Abigale Plunk is an emerging researcher in intelligent automation and human-robot interaction, with a focus on deploying autonomous systems for essential, yet often overlooked, tasks. Her work centers on the intersection of robotics, public health, and operational efficiency, particularly in the context of pandemic response. Plunk’s most cited paper, “AutonoMop, Automating Mundane Work in the COVID-19 Era” (2022), addresses the urgent need for contactless cleaning solutions in high-risk environments such as hospitals and industrial buildings. By designing a robotic system that automates janitorial tasks, she demonstrated how intelligent automation can reduce human exposure to pathogens while maintaining rigorous sanitation standards. Though early in her career, with 2 citations to date, this work has sparked interest in post-pandemic infrastructure resilience and the ethical deployment of labor-replacing technologies. Plunk’s research is notable for its practical, problem-driven approach—bridging mechanical design, sensor integration, and real-world deployment challenges. Her contributions are particularly relevant for students and researchers exploring socially beneficial robotics, offering a compelling case study in how automation can serve public health without displacing essential workers.