Jan Oberlaender

FZI Research Center for Information Technology, Center for Information Technology

Papers

Total Citations

113

H-Index

About

Jan Oberlaender is a pioneering roboticist whose research bridges the gap between space systems and terrestrial manipulation. His most influential work, "Modular robots for on-orbit satellite servicing" (62 citations), funded by the German Space Agency, introduced a groundbreaking modular satellite concept that replaces monolithic spacecraft with standardized, serviceable building blocks—a vision that could revolutionize satellite longevity and reduce space debris. Oberlaender also made critical contributions to simulation fidelity with his evaluation of physics engines for walking robots (21 citations), exposing fundamental inaccuracies that impact robotic development. His hands-on engineering prowess is showcased in the hardware and software architecture of HoLLiE, a bimanual mobile manipulation robot with an actuated upper body (21 citations), designed to be robust yet approachable with its abstract anthropomorphic form. Further extending his modular philosophy to space, his work on managing reconfigurable satellites (9 citations) explores how orbital systems can be dynamically repurposed for new missions. Oberlaender’s career uniquely integrates practical robot building with visionary space applications, making him a key figure in advancing both service robotics and future satellite architectures.