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About

B. M. Kennedy is a pioneering robotics researcher at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, whose career has centered on advancing extreme terrain mobility, climbing robotics, and space exploration systems. Kennedy is best known for leading development of the LEMUR (Limbed Excursion Mechanical Utility Robot) series, a family of multi-limbed climbing robots designed to navigate the most challenging environments imaginable — from steep cliff faces on Earth to asteroid surfaces and Martian terrain. The landmark LEMUR 3 system (2017, 153 citations) demonstrated autonomous climbing on vertical rock faces and glass surfaces using sophisticated seven-degree-of-freedom limbs, while earlier gravity-independent rock-climbing work (2013, 136 citations) showcased microspine gripper technology capable of gripping irregular surfaces on overhanging and inverted rock faces — a breakthrough with profound implications for planetary exploration. Kennedy's research consistently bridges mechanical innovation and mission applicability, extending to asteroid sampling tools for NASA's Asteroid Redirect Mission and heterogeneous robotic systems for orbital assembly and servicing. With contributions spanning gait planning algorithms, steep terrain access, and integrated drilling tools for sample acquisition, Kennedy's body of work represents a sustained effort to push robotic exploration far beyond conventional boundaries, earning over 500 cumulative citations across a distinguished research career.