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About

Jan Steckel is a prolific researcher whose work sits at the intersection of robotics, sonar sensing, and bioinspired engineering. Best known for pioneering biomimetic approaches to autonomous navigation, Steckel has drawn extensively from the echolocation strategies of bats to develop intelligent acoustic sensing systems for mobile robots. His landmark paper "BatSLAM" (2013, 112 citations) demonstrated how biomimetic sonar could enable simultaneous localization and mapping, establishing him as a leading voice in acoustic robotics. Building on this foundation, he advanced 3D sonar array systems capable of high-resolution spatial imaging without mechanical scanning, culminating in deployable embedded platforms like eRTIS and URTIS designed for real-world robotic applications. Steckel's contributions extend beyond hardware, encompassing acoustic flow-based robot control, bioinspired reflector beacons for navigation guidance, and innovative cross-modal approaches that bridge sonar and LiDAR perception. His work on ultrasonic air leak detection further demonstrates a commitment to practical industrial impact. With a cumulative citation count exceeding 350 across his top papers, Steckel has meaningfully shaped how roboticists think about acoustic sensing as a robust alternative to optical systems, particularly in challenging environments where cameras and LiDAR falter.