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About

James P. Karlen is a robotics engineer and researcher whose career has centered on the design and control of advanced manipulator systems, with particular expertise in anthropomorphic robotics, teleoperation, and redundant manipulator control. His most influential contribution is the development of the K/B-2017 Dexterous Manipulator, a remarkable 17-axis dual-arm system that mimics human kinematics through coordinated control of two seven-degree-of-freedom arms mounted on a three-degree-of-freedom torso-waist assembly. First introduced conceptually in 1989 and refined through subsequent work accumulating over 20 citations, this system was designed for applications ranging from advanced industrial automation to space servicing operations, with two physical units ultimately constructed. Karlen's research has also addressed the practical challenges of operating such complex systems safely, including the development of real-time reflexive obstacle avoidance algorithms for kinematically redundant manipulators — a critical capability for deployment in unstructured environments like space, firefighting, and battlefield support. His applied impact extended into technology transfer, having contributed to NASA/JPL commercialization efforts in virtual reality calibration and redundant manipulator control, bridging cutting-edge research with industry through partnerships with firms like Deneb Robotics.