Ben Jenett

Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Ames Research Center, MIT-Harvard Center for Ultracold Atoms

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Total Citations

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About

Ben Jenett is a leading researcher in the field of robotic assembly for space structures, with a focus on enabling autonomous construction in extraterrestrial environments. His work centers on developing low-degree-of-freedom robotic platforms that can traverse and manipulate modular 3D lattice structures, dramatically simplifying the complexity of in-space assembly. Jenett’s most notable contribution is the BILL-E robot, a two-legged walking platform designed for locomotion and manipulation of lightweight space structures, which has garnered 66 citations for its innovative approach to reducing robotic complexity through structured environments. He has also advanced the understanding of robot-structure coupling dynamics during assembly of flexible structures, addressing critical challenges in stable walking and component transport. Beyond assembly, Jenett has explored hierarchical approaches to self-replicating spacecraft, aiming to reduce the thousands of unique parts required for extraterrestrial fabrication. His work is foundational to the vision of exponential space exploration, where robots autonomously build and replicate infrastructure. With a career focused on practical, scalable solutions, Jenett’s research continues to shape the future of autonomous construction in space.