James L. Murphy
Papers
2
Total Citations
17
H-Index
2
About
James L. Murphy is a robotics researcher whose work addresses critical communication challenges in hazardous environments, particularly for small tele-operated robots used in explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) and dangerous-area operations. His primary research areas include free-space optical communications, hybrid optical/RF data links, and modulating retroreflector technologies for robotic systems. Murphy’s most notable contribution is his pioneering work on free-space optical data links to small robots using modulating retroreflectors, published in 2009 and cited 15 times—a significant impact for a specialized technical paper. This research demonstrated how optical communication can provide high-bandwidth video and data return from small robots operating in environments where traditional radio frequency (RF) links are impractical due to spectrum congestion or jamming. He further advanced the field with his 2014 study on hybrid optical/RF control links for EOD robots, addressing battlefield challenges like spectrum allocation and enemy jamming. Murphy’s work is particularly valuable for military and security applications, offering alternative communication solutions when RF links fail. His research bridges optical and RF technologies, providing practical pathways for maintaining robot control and data transmission in contested or spectrum-limited environments.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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