Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Michael Goza is a pioneering roboticist whose work has centered on developing humanoid robots capable of working alongside astronauts in the hazardous environment of space. His primary research areas include dexterous manipulation, human-robot interaction, and supervised autonomy for remote systems. Goza’s most significant contribution is his foundational role in the development of Robonaut, a state-of-the-art humanoid robot designed to assist with extra-vehicular activities (EVAs) and reduce the risk to human life during spacewalks. His seminal paper, "Robonaut: A Robot Designed to Work with Humans in Space" (2003), has garnered over 212 citations, establishing it as a cornerstone in the field of space robotics. Goza also conducted critical experimental investigations into robotic spacewalking and tackled the complex challenge of supervising dexterous robots across intermediate time delays—a key hurdle for lunar and deep-space exploration. His work, supported by collaborations with DARPA and aligned with NASA’s Vision for Space Exploration, has directly informed the design of robotic assistants capable of performing risky tasks in orbit and on planetary surfaces. Through his research, Goza has helped pave the way for a future where humans and robots work seamlessly together beyond Earth.