Francesco Maurelli
Constructor University, Heriot-Watt University, Jacobs (United States), Technical University of Munich
Papers
33
Total Citations
495
H-Index
10
About
Francesco Maurelli is a prominent robotics researcher whose work spans autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM), and persistent robot autonomy. His research has made significant contributions to the challenge of enabling robots to navigate and operate reliably in complex, unstructured environments—particularly underwater. Maurelli's most influential contribution is his comprehensive review of AUV localisation techniques (2021, 82 citations), which has become a key reference for researchers entering the field. His earlier work on probabilistic scan-matching SLAM using mechanical sonar for AUVs (2009–2010, over 110 combined citations) established robust frameworks that remain foundational in underwater robotics. He also led research under the PANDORA project, a multi-year initiative developing robots capable of persistent autonomy through learning and adaptation in real-world conditions—addressing one of robotics' most enduring challenges. Beyond underwater systems, Maurelli has contributed to autonomous ground vehicle navigation using 3D laser scanning and explored multi-robot communication strategies. His work consistently bridges theoretical innovation and practical deployment. Notably, his reflective study on online robotics education during COVID-19 (2020, 27 citations) demonstrates a broader commitment to advancing how the next generation of roboticists is trained.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1AUV localisation: a review of passive and active techniques82 citations · 2021
- 2EKF-SLAM for AUV navigation under probabilistic sonar scan-matching64 citations · 2010
- 3
- 4Persistent autonomy: the challenges of the PANDORA project38 citations · 2012
- 5
- 6A 3D laser scanner system for autonomous vehicle navigation32 citations · 2009
- 7
- 8
- 9
- 10