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About

Hendrik Hanff is a robotics researcher specializing in autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), deep-sea robotics, and multi-legged robotic systems, with much of his work conducted at the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI) in Bremen. His research addresses some of the most challenging engineering problems in extreme environments, particularly the design and deployment of robotic systems capable of operating under the immense pressures of the deep ocean. Among his most influential contributions is his pioneering work on hybrid pressure-tolerant electronics, which reimagined how electronic components can be integrated into underwater robotic structures without conventional pressure housings — a breakthrough attracting 27 citations. Equally impactful is his work on MANTIS, a sophisticated multi-legged robot developed under the LIMES project, which demonstrated advanced mechanical design and control architectures. His development of miniaturized AUVs, including the AUVx and µAUV2, reflects a forward-thinking approach to compact, efficient underwater exploration platforms. Hanff has also contributed meaningfully to the growing conversation around AI and robotics in marine mining contexts, exploring how autonomous systems can support subsea operations at depths beyond human reach. His body of work, accumulating over 80 citations, makes him a notable contributor to marine robotics engineering.