Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Isabelle Guinouard is a key figure in the development of next-generation astronomical instrumentation, specializing in the design and construction of multi-object spectrographs for the world’s largest telescopes. Her primary research focus lies in the engineering of complex optical systems, particularly the field corrector and rotating front end of the MOONS instrument—the Multi Object Optical and Near-infrared Spectrograph for ESO’s Very Large Telescope (VLT). Guinouard’s major contributions include overseeing the instrument’s transition from final-design review through to full-scale construction, ensuring that MOONS will combine the VLT’s 8-meter collecting power with an unprecedented multiplexing capability of 1,000 optical fibres deployed by individual robotic positioners. Her work has been documented in a series of high-impact SPIE proceedings, with her 2018 update on MOONS’ progress garnering 17 citations. By enabling simultaneous observations of a thousand celestial targets across optical and near-infrared wavelengths, Guinouard’s engineering achievements are paving the way for transformative surveys of the Milky Way, nearby galaxies, and the distant universe, cementing her reputation as a driving force in ground-based astronomical instrumentation.