Andrew Mathers
Wind Energy Institute of Canada, Ohio Department of Transportation
Papers
2
Total Citations
31
H-Index
2
About
Andrew Mathers is a leading researcher in aerial robotics, specializing in the intersection of aerodynamics, physical interaction, and state estimation for multirotor systems. His work addresses a critical challenge: enabling flying robots to operate reliably in unpredictable, windy environments while physically interacting with objects or surfaces. Mathers’s most influential contribution is the development of the **flying anemometer** concept, which allows a multicopter to estimate wind velocity using only its onboard sensors and aerodynamic model—a breakthrough for autonomous flight in gusty conditions. This foundational work, published in 2016, has garnered 29 citations and opened new avenues for wind-aware flight control. Building on this, Mathers introduced the **simultaneous contact and aerodynamic force estimation (s-CAFE)** algorithm, the first method to jointly estimate both contact forces (from pushing or landing) and aerodynamic wrenches in real time, using only onboard data. Though recent, this 2020 paper represents a significant step toward fully autonomous aerial manipulation and inspection in outdoor settings. Mathers’s research is pivotal for advancing drones that can safely land on moving platforms, perform contact-based tasks, or survey infrastructure in high winds—pushing the boundaries of what flying robots can achieve in the real world.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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- 2