Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Jessica Rutledge is pioneering the future of extraterrestrial exploration with her work in field-reconfigurable robotics for extreme lunar terrains. Her research centers on adaptive, non-wheeled mobility systems, addressing one of the most pressing challenges of the Artemis program: navigating the Moon’s rugged, unpredictable surface. Her most-cited paper, "WORMS: Field-Reconfigurable Robots for Extreme Lunar Terrain" (2023, 10 citations), introduces a groundbreaking platform for modular walking robots that can be rapidly reconfigured in situ to tackle diverse tasks—from traversing steep slopes to manipulating payloads. This work, developed in response to the 2022 NASA BIG Idea Challenge, demonstrates her ability to merge creative engineering with real-world mission constraints. While still early in her career, Rutledge’s contributions have already sparked interest in scalable, versatile robotic architectures that could redefine how we approach lunar and planetary exploration. Her focus on modularity and adaptability positions her as a rising leader in space robotics, with potential applications extending to disaster response and terrestrial extreme environments.