Jonathan Spitz

Centre Inria de l'Université de Lorraine, Technion – Israel Institute of Technology

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Jonathan Spitz is a researcher whose work lies at the intersection of bio-inspired robotics and whole-body control for humanoid and bipedal locomotion. His primary research areas include dynamic walking, biologically inspired open-loop control using central pattern generators (CPGs), and quadratic programming (QP)-based whole-body control. Spitz’s major contributions include pioneering a trial-and-error learning framework to generate repulsors for QP-based controllers, enabling humanoid robots to better handle model inaccuracies and environmental uncertainties—a critical step toward robust real-world deployment. His work on minimal feedback to rhythm generators demonstrated how simple, bio-inspired control strategies can significantly improve a compass biped’s robustness to slope variations, bridging the gap between theoretical models and practical terrain adaptability. Additionally, Spitz explored the use of crab-walking gaits to extend the range of slopes humanoids can traverse, showcasing creative solutions to locomotion challenges. With key papers accumulating citations in the single digits—reflecting a focused, early-career impact—his research has been presented at venues like the IEEE-RAS International Conference on Humanoid Robots. Spitz’s work is notable for its emphasis on simplicity and biological inspiration, offering practical pathways for more adaptive and efficient legged robots.