Papers
10
Total Citations
149
H-Index
6
About
David S. Mittman is a pioneering robotics engineer whose work has fundamentally shaped how humans and robots collaborate in space exploration. His research centers on telerobotics, autonomous mobility, and human-robot interaction for planetary surface missions. Mittman made landmark contributions through the development of the Smart SPHERES free-flying robot (41 citations), which demonstrated how astronauts could remotely operate robots inside spacecraft, and the FootFall planning system for the ATHLETE robot (36 citations), a groundbreaking tool that enabled the six-legged rover to autonomously plan and execute walking motions across challenging terrain. He also advanced the concept of modular additive construction using native materials (25 citations), envisioning how robots could 3D-print habitats from regolith on other worlds. As a key member of NASA's Human Exploration Telerobotics project, Mittman helped prove that ground-based operators could effectively control space robots, reducing crew workload. His work on the Astronaut Interface Device and multi-center cockpit systems further refined how suited astronauts interact with robotic assistants. With over 150 combined citations, Mittman's legacy lies in creating the operational tools and interfaces that make human-robot teams safer, more capable, and ready for the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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- 3Modular Additive Construction Using Native Materials25 citations · 2015
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- 7Astronaut Interface Device (AID)6 citations · 2008
- 8The Exploration Technology Development Program Multi-Center Cockpit4 citations · 2008
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