Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Todd Litwin is a robotics and space systems engineer whose career has centered on advancing autonomous robotic platforms, rover navigation, and planetary exploration technologies, primarily through work at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. His most influential contribution, the ATHLETE (All-Terrain Hex-Limbed Extra-Terrestrial Explorer) robot, garnered 291 citations and demonstrated a groundbreaking approach to lunar cargo handling, blending wheeled and walking mobility for extreme terrain. Litwin has also played a significant role in shaping how humanity sees Mars, contributing to the engineering camera systems aboard both the Mars Science Laboratory (153 citations) and the Mars 2020 Perseverance rover (141 citations), enabling enhanced drive planning and robotic arm operations on the Martian surface. His early work on Mars microrover navigation (103 citations) helped establish foundational algorithms still relevant to planetary mobility today. Beyond rovers, Litwin's research spans dual-arm satellite grappling, in-situ additive construction using native planetary materials, and mobile robot localization — reflecting a remarkably broad expertise. Collectively, his contributions have helped define modern planetary robotics, making him an essential figure for students studying autonomous systems, space exploration, and robotic mobility in extreme environments.