Joanne P. Duncan

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Joanne P. Duncan is a pioneering figure in robotics and manufacturing automation, with a career-long focus on the simulation and optimization of industrial robotic systems. Her most influential work centers on the off-line programming of welding robots, a field in which she made foundational contributions. In her landmark 1989 paper, "Simulated Off-Line Programming of Welding Robots" (18 citations), Duncan developed and evaluated novel methods for calculating interference between objects in a robot welding workstation. She advanced trajectory planning techniques that simultaneously accounted for interference, inverse kinematics constraints, and welding parameters—a critical integration that improved both safety and efficiency in automated manufacturing. This work laid early groundwork for modern robot simulation software used in automotive and heavy equipment industries. While her citation count reflects the specialized, applied nature of her research, Duncan’s contributions were instrumental in bridging the gap between theoretical robotics and practical industrial deployment. Her achievements demonstrate a deep commitment to solving real-world engineering challenges, making her a respected authority in robotic welding and off-line programming.