Linh Phan

SoHaR (United States), California Institute of Technology

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Linh Phan is a pioneering researcher in telerobotics, with a focus on human-robot interaction and remote inspection systems. Her most-cited work, "Virtual window telepresence system for telerobotic inspection" (1995, 8 citations), introduced an innovative approach to operating robots in hazardous, inaccessible, or costly environments. This system integrates robot control, sensor coordination, and real-time data interpretation, enabling operators to detect flaws with enhanced situational awareness. Phan’s contributions address the complexity of telerobotic inspection by streamlining the operator’s cognitive load while maintaining precision. In her 1998 paper "Task Lines and Motion Guides" (3 citations), Phan proposed a groundbreaking paradigm shift: instead of teleoperating the robot directly, operators teleoperate the path. This reduces continuous commands to a single dimension, simplifying control and improving accuracy. Her motion guides concept constrains the robot to follow a predefined trajectory, making remote manipulation more intuitive and efficient. Though her citation counts are modest, Phan’s work laid foundational ideas for modern telepresence and semi-autonomous robotics, influencing later developments in telerobotic interfaces. Her research remains relevant for students and engineers designing systems for space exploration, underwater missions, and nuclear decommissioning, where remote precision is critical.