Lena M. Klasen

Papers

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About

Lena M. Klasen’s research spans two distinct yet impactful domains: advanced laser radar systems and human-centered robotics. Her foundational work in 3D sensing, particularly the 2004 paper “Characterizing targets and backgrounds for 3D laser radars” (12 citations), established critical methodologies for focal plane arrays and gated viewing systems, enabling single-shot range and intensity capture for airborne and ground-based mapping. This contribution remains a reference point for researchers developing next-generation lidar technologies. More recently, Klasen has turned her attention to addressing systemic gaps in robotics design. Her 2024 paper “Designing Robots to Help Women” (2 citations) pioneers a speculative prototyping approach to explore how robots can better serve the specific needs of women—a demographic historically underrepresented in both robotics development and user studies. By challenging the field to consider gender-inclusive design, Klasen’s work highlights the importance of diverse perspectives in technology creation. Her career trajectory demonstrates a rare versatility, moving from precise sensor characterization to socially conscious engineering, with each contribution reflecting a commitment to expanding both technical capability and equitable access in robotics.