A. Peixoto Menezes
Papers
1
Total Citations
10
H-Index
1
About
A. Peixoto Menezes is a robotics researcher specializing in autonomous construction and in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) for extraterrestrial environments. Their most-cited work, "From Rocks to Walls: a Model-free Reinforcement Learning Approach to Dry Stacking with Irregular Rocks" (2021, 10 citations), pioneers a model-free reinforcement learning framework that enables robots to build stable structures from unprocessed, irregular rocks—a critical capability for future lunar or Martian habitats. This approach eliminates the need for pre-programmed stacking rules, allowing robots to learn from scratch through trial and error. By addressing the challenge of constructing preliminary shelters using only locally found materials, Menezes contributes directly to cost-effective, sustainable off-world exploration. Their work bridges robotics, construction, and space exploration, offering a scalable solution for autonomous building in resource-constrained environments. With growing interest in ISRU, Menezes’s research is poised to influence both terrestrial disaster-response construction and long-duration space missions, demonstrating how reinforcement learning can transform raw, unstructured materials into functional infrastructure.
Research Focus
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Top Papers
- 1