J. Friedman

Stanford University, D. E. Shaw Research

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

J. Friedman is a pioneering researcher in the field of robotic motion planning, with a particular focus on **compliant motion**—a model that accounts for the uncertainty and imprecision inherent in real-world robots. Their work bridges theoretical computer science and practical robotics, addressing how a robot can navigate and slide along obstacles to reach a goal. Friedman’s major contributions include developing efficient algorithms for compliant motion planning inside simple polygons, where the robot must move toward a target vertex or edge while sliding along walls. Their 1989 paper, "Compliant motion in a simple polygon" (12 citations), lays foundational geometric insights, while their 1996 work, "Efficiently Planning Compliant Motion in the Plane" (11 citations), advances practical solutions for real robots. Friedman’s 1992 survey, "Computational aspects of compliant motion planning" (5 citations), synthesizes key results and hardness proofs, making it a valuable resource for students and researchers. Though their citation counts are modest, Friedman’s focused contributions have shaped how roboticists and computer scientists approach motion planning under uncertainty, offering a rigorous theoretical backbone for a critical area of robotics.