Papers
2
Total Citations
77
H-Index
2
About
D. W. Wheeler is a robotics researcher whose work focuses on advancing autonomous and telerobotic systems for space exploration. His key research areas include intravehicular robotics, planetary rover locomotion, and human-robot interaction for extraterrestrial environments. Wheeler’s major contributions center on the development and field testing of intelligent robotic platforms. He was instrumental in creating Smart SPHERES, a prototype free-flying robot based on the SPHERES platform, which demonstrated the ability for astronauts and ground controllers to remotely operate a robot for intravehicular activities inside spacecraft. This work, cited 41 times, represents a significant step toward using robots as versatile assistants for crewed missions. Additionally, Wheeler led the development of the FootFall Planning System for NASA’s ATHLETE robots—a six-limbed, all-terrain explorer. This ground-based decision support system, cited 36 times, enables complex walking and locomotion planning for planetary rovers, directly supporting NASA’s vision for mobile exploration of the Moon and Mars. Through these achievements, Wheeler has helped push the boundaries of how robots can operate alongside humans in space, laying the groundwork for future autonomous exploration.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1
- 2