Julien Bourgeois

About

Julien Bourgeois is a prominent researcher in modular robotics and programmable matter, whose work has fundamentally advanced how autonomous robotic systems reconfigure themselves and adapt their physical structure. His research centers on self-reconfigurable modular robots — systems composed of many independent, interconnected modules capable of reorganizing collectively to achieve desired shapes and functions. Bourgeois has made significant contributions across both hardware and algorithmic dimensions of the field. His work on quasi-spherical module design (53 citations) pushed the boundaries of physical modularity, while his comprehensive survey on autonomous self-reconfiguration methods (49 citations) has become an essential reference for researchers entering the discipline. He has developed innovative distributed algorithms for lattice-based and cylindrical modular systems, addressing critical challenges in self-assembly planning, safe reconfiguration prediction, and scaffold-guided morphology change. Beyond classical robotics, Bourgeois has explored nano-wireless communications for micro-robot applications, envisioning future systems operating at the intersection of the Internet of Things and microscale robotics. His VisibleSim behavioral simulation framework further demonstrates his commitment to accessible research infrastructure for the community. With over 300 cumulative citations across his most recognized works, Bourgeois stands as a leading voice shaping the theoretical and practical foundations of distributed modular robotic systems.

Research Focus

Key Achievements

Top Papers

1. 1
   Designing a quasi-spherical module for a huge modular robot to create programmable matter

   53 citations · 2018
2. 2
   A survey of autonomous self-reconfiguration methods for robot-based programmable matter

   49 citations · 2019
3. 3
   A new concept of planar self-reconfigurable modular robot for conveying microparts

   40 citations · 2013
4. 4
   A distributed self-reconfiguration algorithm for cylindrical lattice-based modular robots

   34 citations · 2016
5. 5
   A Distributed Self-Assembly Planning Algorithm for Modular Robots

   28 citations · 2018
6. 6
   Using Nano-wireless Communications in Micro-Robots Applications

   27 citations · 2014
7. 7
   Distributed Prediction of Unsafe Reconfiguration Scenarios of Modular Robotic Programmable Matter

   25 citations · 2021
8. 8
   VisibleSim: A behavioral simulation framework for lattice modular robots

   25 citations · 2021
9. 9
   Distributed Self-Reconfiguration using a Deterministic Autonomous Scaffolding Structure

   23 citations · 2019
10. 10
    A Distributed Algorithm for Reconfiguration of Lattice-Based Modular Self-Reconfigurable Robots

    23 citations · 2016

Key Collaborators

Contact & Links