Jochen Kerdels

University of Bremen, TU Dortmund University

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Jochen Kerdels is a researcher whose work bridges the fields of underwater robotics and multi-agent systems, with a particular focus on the control and operation of hydraulic deep-sea manipulators. His most significant contribution is a multi-layered controller architecture designed to achieve high-precision end-effector control for hydraulic underwater manipulators, a notoriously challenging problem due to the nonlinearities and complexities of hydraulic systems. This work, published in 2009 and his most cited paper with 15 citations, was validated through implementation on a Schilling Robotics Orion7P manipulator, a widely used industry standard, demonstrating a tangible improvement in precision. Kerdels further advanced the field by developing a methodology for automatic workspace analysis and vehicle adaptation, which optimizes the representation of a manipulator's working properties for tele-operation tasks. Earlier in his career, he explored the domain of swarm robotics, proposing a decentralized control architecture for teams of autonomous robots that is robust against communication failures and hardware malfunctions. This foundational work highlights a consistent thread in his research: creating robust, adaptable control systems that operate effectively in challenging and unpredictable environments.