David Whalen

Papers

Total Citations

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About

David Whalen is a researcher in assistive robotics, with a focus on developing mobile manipulation systems that empower individuals with mobility disabilities. His most-cited work, "Jamster: A mobile dual-arm assistive robot with Jamboxx control" (2014, 17 citations), introduces a novel approach that prioritizes user control over full autonomy. Rather than designing a completely autonomous assistant, Whalen’s Jamster robot allows users to manually operate a dual-arm mobile platform using a Jamboxx—a sip-and-puff style controller. This design philosophy emphasizes user agency and accessibility, enabling individuals with limited mobility to perform a wide range of daily tasks. While his citation count reflects a niche but dedicated audience, Whalen’s contribution stands out for challenging the dominant trend toward autonomy in assistive robotics, advocating instead for systems that keep the user in the loop. His work has implications for human-robot interaction, rehabilitation engineering, and inclusive design, offering a practical, user-centered alternative that prioritizes independence and control.