Stephen Se

About

Stephen Se is a pioneering researcher in computer vision and mobile robotics, best known for his groundbreaking contributions to simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) using vision-based techniques. His most influential work, spanning the early 2000s, introduced scale-invariant visual landmarks as a robust alternative to traditional sensor-based approaches like laser range finders and sonar, enabling robots to localize and map unmodified environments with remarkable accuracy. These foundational papers have collectively garnered well over 1,700 citations, establishing Se as a central figure in visual SLAM research. Se's work extended beyond indoor robotics to tackle the demanding challenges of planetary exploration, demonstrating how vision-based modeling and localization could support autonomous rovers traversing kilometers of unknown terrain. His research into global localization — solving the so-called "kidnapped robot problem" — further broadened the practical applicability of his methods. Later work revealed a versatile research profile, including photo-realistic 3D model reconstruction using handheld devices and innovative markerless motion tracking for awake animals in medical imaging contexts. Early contributions also addressed assistive technology through robotic sensing for the partially sighted, reflecting a consistent commitment to applying intelligent sensing systems to real-world human and scientific challenges.

Research Focus

Key Achievements

Top Papers

1. 1
   Mobile Robot Localization and Mapping with Uncertainty using Scale-Invariant Visual Landmarks

   779 citations · 2002
2. 2
   Vision-based global localization and mapping for mobile robots

   481 citations · 2005
3. 3
   Vision-based mobile robot localization and mapping using scale-invariant features

   476 citations · 2002
4. 4
   Mobile Robot Localization and Mapping with Uncertainty using Scale-Invariant Visual Landmarks

   312 citations · 2002
5. 5
   Global localization using distinctive visual features

   180 citations · 2003
6. 6
   Local and global localization for mobile robots using visual landmarks

   144 citations · 2002
7. 7
   Vision Based Modeling and Localization for Planetary Exploration Rovers

   72 citations · 2004
8. 8
   Markerless Motion Tracking of Awake Animals in Positron Emission Tomography

   49 citations · 2014
9. 9
   Photo-realistic 3D model reconstruction

   48 citations · 2006
10. 10
    Robotic sensing for the partially sighted

    33 citations · 1999

Key Collaborators

Contact & Links