Jonathan Corney

About

Jonathan Corney is a researcher whose work spans computational geometry, robotics, manufacturing automation, and assistive robotic systems. He is perhaps best known for his sustained contributions to octree-based computational methods, which he has applied across a remarkable range of engineering challenges. His pioneering OcBlox system demonstrated how octree decomposition of 3D geometric models could drive robotic assembly cells to construct physical prototypes — a novel alternative to layer-based rapid prototyping approaches that he critiqued as early as 2002. This foundational work evolved into practical applications in near net shape manufacturing (2008) and fully automated assembly planning for both robotic and manual workflows (2010), collectively accumulating around 50 citations and establishing octree decomposition as a versatile manufacturing tool. In later years, Corney turned his attention to intelligent robotics for real-world environments, contributing work on semantic path planning and navigation among movable obstacles for household robots (2019). His 2018 review of high-level robot functionality for elderly care reflects a growing commitment to socially impactful applications of autonomous systems. Taken together, his research traces an ambitious arc — from geometric algorithms and digital fabrication toward robots that can meaningfully assist people in their daily lives.

Research Focus

Key Achievements

Top Papers

1. 1
   Automatic generation of robot and manual assembly plans using octrees

   14 citations · 2010
2. 2
   Semantic Path Planning for Indoor Navigation and Household Tasks

   14 citations · 2019
3. 3
   Octree-Based Production of Near Net Shape Components

   14 citations · 2008
4. 4
   An automated system for the assembly of octree models

   8 citations · 2004
5. 5
   RPBloX Rapid Prototyping: More Than Just Layers

   8 citations · 2002
6. 6
   Rapid Prototyping Through Octree Decomposition of 3D Geometric Models

   7 citations · 2004
7. 7
   A review of high-level robot functionality for elderly care

   4 citations · 2018
8. 8
   Semantic enhanced navigation among movable obstacles in the home environment

   3 citations · 2019

Key Collaborators

Contact & Links