Jessica Burton

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Jessica Burton is a pioneer in micro-robotics, with a focused research program addressing one of the field’s most fundamental challenges: the extreme energy density required for sustained flight in aerial micro robots. Her key contributions center on the development of multi-stage micro rockets, a novel actuation method that leverages solid rocket fuel to overcome the limitations of conventional power sources. In her seminal 2012 paper, “Multi-stage micro rockets for robotic insects,” which has garnered 12 citations, Burton proposed a high-energy-density propulsion system specifically designed for robotic insects. She further refined this concept in her 2013 follow-up work, demonstrating the viability of multi-stage configurations for controlled, burst-power flight. Though her citation counts are modest, reflecting the nascent and highly specialized nature of her field, Burton’s work is foundational for researchers seeking to bridge the gap between macro-scale rocketry and insect-scale robotics. Her innovative approach—applying combustion-based propulsion to centimeter-scale fliers—represents a bold departure from battery-driven designs and has inspired new directions in micro-aerial vehicle (MAV) research. For students and engineers working on autonomous micro-drones, Burton’s research offers a critical blueprint for achieving the power-to-weight ratios necessary for true insect-like flight.