Geert De Cubber

About

Geert De Cubber is a leading robotics researcher whose work sits at the intersection of autonomous systems, disaster response, and human-robot collaboration. His research has focused primarily on developing robotic tools for search-and-rescue (SAR) operations, with particular expertise in unmanned aerial, ground, and sea vehicles, 3D localization and mapping, terrain traversability analysis, and integrated data management for multi-robot fleets. De Cubber has made significant contributions through his involvement in major European research initiatives, most notably the EU-FP7 ICARUS project, which pioneered the development of integrated robotic systems to assist emergency responders in life-threatening disaster scenarios. His most cited work, "Integrated Data Management for a Fleet of Search-and-Rescue Robots" (2016, 103 citations), addresses the critical challenge of coordinating robotic assets in dynamic, high-stakes environments. His real-world impact is demonstrated through deployments such as the 2014 Balkans flood relief operation, where unmanned aerial systems were used alongside traditional rescue workers. As editor of the book *Search and Rescue Robotics: From Theory to Practice* (2017), De Cubber has also played a pivotal role in shaping the field's educational and research foundations, making him an authoritative voice in humanitarian robotics.

Research Focus

Key Achievements

Top Papers

1. 1
   Integrated Data Management for a Fleet of Search‐and‐rescue Robots

   103 citations · 2016
2. 2
   The EU-ICARUS project: Developing assistive robotic tools for search and rescue operations

   86 citations · 2013
3. 3
   Introduction to the Use of Robotic Tools for Search and Rescue

   41 citations · 2017
4. 4
   Real time 3D localization and mapping for USAR robotic application

   38 citations · 2012
5. 5
   Search and Rescue Robotics - From Theory to Practice

   34 citations · 2017
6. 6
   UAS deployment and data processing during the Balkans flooding

   29 citations · 2014
7. 7
   VIEW-FINDER : Robotics assistance to fire-fighting services and Crisis Management

   27 citations · 2009
8. 8
   The ICARUS project - Command, Control and Intelligence (C2I)

   26 citations · 2013
9. 9
   Stereo-based terrain traversability analysis for robot navigation

   23 citations · 2009
10. 10
    Terrain Traversability Analysis for off-road robots using Time-Of-Flight 3D Sensing

    23 citations · 2013

Key Collaborators

Contact & Links