M. Williams

Central Michigan University, Bangor University

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Dr. M. Williams is a robotics researcher whose work bridges autonomous navigation, sensor integration, and real-world deployment. A key focus is developing intelligent systems for constrained environments, from indoor spaces to critical infrastructure. Williams’s most cited work, “An RFID based autonomous indoor tour guide robot” (2012, 29 citations), introduces CATE (Central’s Automated Tour Experience), a robot that combines RFID localization with sonar and infrared sensors for robust obstacle avoidance. This system demonstrates a practical, low-cost approach to autonomous guidance in dynamic indoor settings, laying groundwork for service robotics. Earlier, Williams contributed to aerial robotics with “A rapid method for planning paths in three dimensions for a small aerial robot” (2001, 18 citations). This work presents an efficient algorithm for 3D path planning, enabling small drones to navigate around obstacles for inspecting overhead power lines—a critical application for infrastructure maintenance. By converting obstacle data into a computational array, the method prioritizes speed and safety. Williams’s research is notable for its applied impact, merging theoretical path planning with tangible robotic systems. With a career spanning indoor and aerial domains, Williams has advanced autonomous navigation in both commercial and industrial contexts, making complex robotics accessible for real-world tasks.