Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Melisa Orta Martinez is a pioneering researcher at the intersection of open-source hardware, haptics, and interdisciplinary education. Her work centers on democratizing technology through accessible, customizable designs that bridge engineering, mathematics, and traditional crafts. Martinez’s most influential contribution is her 2017 paper "Open source, modular, customizable, 3-D printed kinesthetic haptic devices" (21 citations), which introduced a paradigm for sharing and improving haptic device designs within communities of practice—empowering researchers and educators to build upon each other’s work. She further innovated with the SPEERLoom (2023, 9 citations), an open-source loom kit that weaves together math, engineering, and textiles, making abstract computational concepts tangible through the historical lens of weaving and punch-card programming. Most recently, Martinez has advanced robotics for social good with her 2024 work on heterogeneous collaboration in urban search and rescue (4 citations), addressing the challenge of navigating complex disaster environments. Her unique ability to connect open-source principles, hands-on learning, and real-world applications positions her as a transformative figure in accessible technology and STEM education.