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About

Jonghwan Lee is a leading researcher in robotic systems for extreme environments, with a primary focus on nuclear facility decommissioning and remote operations. His work addresses the critical challenge of performing precise, automated tasks in hazardous settings—such as radioactive and underwater environments—where human exposure must be minimized. Lee’s major contributions include developing methods for accurate 3D point cloud acquisition using industrial scanners in these difficult conditions, enabling robots to localize target structures for safe dismantling. He has also pioneered semi-automated remote dismantling systems that integrate digital manufacturing and workpiece localization, significantly enhancing both efficiency and worker protection. His research on dead-reckoning for mobile robots navigating curved surfaces, such as vessel walls, demonstrates a long-standing expertise in autonomous navigation. With his most-cited papers accumulating over 15 citations, Lee’s work is foundational for advancing robotic autonomy in decommissioning and inspection tasks. His achievements are particularly notable for bridging the gap between theoretical robotics and practical, high-stakes applications in nuclear safety and environmental remediation.