Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Dominik Merkle is a leading researcher at the intersection of civil infrastructure management and autonomous robotics. His work focuses on developing intelligent systems for the inspection and maintenance of critical structures, including bridges and sewer networks. Merkle’s major contributions lie in pioneering the use of autonomous mobile robotic systems for bridge inspection, a concept detailed in his most-cited 2020 paper (9 citations), which integrates advanced measurement methods like laser scanning and photogrammetry onto single robotic platforms. He is also at the forefront of digital twin technology, as demonstrated by his 2025 work on the KaSyTwin project (7 citations), which proposes a data-driven strategy to revolutionize sewer system management by replacing reactive, manual maintenance with proactive, digitalized approaches. Additionally, Merkle has advanced the field of robotic mapping by developing automated methods for evaluating SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) in GNSS-denied areas (2023, 5 citations), a critical challenge for inspecting complex engineering structures. His interdisciplinary research is shaping the future of resilient, data-informed infrastructure.