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About

Robert DeBortoli is a leading researcher in field robotics, specializing in resilient multi-robot systems for extreme environments. His primary contributions lie in subterranean exploration, where he has pioneered modular teams of roving and flying robots capable of autonomous navigation in GPS-denied, communication-limited, and structurally complex underground spaces. His most-cited work, "Resilient and Modular Subterranean Exploration with a Team of Roving and Flying Robots" (2022, 50 citations), presents a comprehensive framework for deploying heterogeneous robot teams that can adapt to mobility and navigation challenges, significantly advancing the state of the art beyond prior partial solutions. DeBortoli’s research has been validated through high-stakes competitions, notably the DARPA Subterranean Challenge (SubT) Finals, where his team explored the most sectors, demonstrating robust autonomy in austere conditions critical for search-and-rescue missions. His work integrates perception, path planning, and collaborative strategies to enable rapid, reliable exploration in environments where traditional methods fail. With a growing citation impact, DeBortoli’s contributions are shaping the future of autonomous systems for disaster response and underground mapping, making him a key figure in resilient robotic exploration.