Chris A. C. Parker
University of Alberta, University of British Columbia, University of Pennsylvania
Papers
23
Total Citations
678
H-Index
13
About
Chris A. C. Parker is a robotics researcher whose work spans two richly interconnected domains: swarm robotics and human-robot interaction. His contributions to decentralized multi-robot systems have been particularly influential, with foundational papers on collective decision-making and autonomous construction attracting nearly 100 citations each. His 2009 investigation into the "Best-of-N Problem" addressed how robot swarms can reach intelligent group decisions without centralized control, while his 2004 and 2006 work on robotic nest construction and collective site preparation explored biologically inspired algorithms with real-world applications, including preparations for Mars exploration missions. Parker's research took a compelling turn toward human-robot collaboration, where he made significant advances in physically intuitive interaction. His studies on grip forces during object handovers and his development of human-inspired handover controllers — each garnering over 80 citations — brought nuanced understanding of touch and haptics to robot design. Perhaps most creatively, Parker examined how robots can use hesitation gestures to communicate intent and resolve conflicts nonverbally, mirroring natural human coordination strategies. Collectively, his work has accumulated over 560 citations, reflecting a career dedicated to making robot systems both collectively intelligent and genuinely collaborative with humans.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1
- 2Grip forces and load forces in handovers87 citations · 2012
- 3Blind bulldozing: multiple robot nest construction84 citations · 2004
- 4A human-inspired object handover controller80 citations · 2013
- 5Collective Robotic Site Preparation55 citations · 2006
- 6
- 7
- 8Biologically inspired collective comparisons by robotic swarms33 citations · 2011
- 9
- 10Measuring intent in human-robot cooperative manipulation21 citations · 2009