Michael Behrens

University of Technology Sydney, The University of Sydney

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Michael Behrens is a leading researcher in nondestructive testing (NDT) and assistive robotics, with a focus on automating critical infrastructure inspection and human-robot collaboration. His most impactful work centers on developing robotic systems for pipeline integrity assessment, where he pioneered dense mapping techniques for wall thickness evaluation using NDT sensors. His 2018 paper on robotic pipeline inspection, with 56 citations, introduced automated methods for detecting corrosion and structural flaws in metallic pipelines, significantly advancing condition assessment for aging infrastructure. Behrens also contributed to assistive robotics through his work on the "Smart hoist," a robotic system designed to aid caregivers in transferring non-ambulatory patients, addressing critical challenges in healthcare robotics. His research extends to non-prehensile manipulation, exploring how mobile robots can interact with objects through single-point contact. With a career spanning from foundational manipulation models to applied NDT inspection, Behrens has established himself as a key figure in robotic inspection and assistive technologies, bridging the gap between theoretical robotics and real-world infrastructure and healthcare applications.