Mark H. Karwan

University at Buffalo, State University of New York

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Mark H. Karwan is a pioneering figure in operations research and industrial engineering, whose work bridges optimization, safety, and autonomous systems. His research focuses on developing mathematical models and algorithms for complex logistical challenges, particularly in the routing of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). In his highly cited 2006 paper, "An Automated Network Generation Procedure for Routing of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in a GIS Environment," Karwan introduced a novel framework that integrates geographic information systems with automated network design, enabling efficient UAV path planning—a foundational contribution to modern drone logistics. This work, with 11 citations, remains influential in robotics and transportation. Earlier, Karwan made significant strides in industrial safety with his 1987 study, "A Model of Human Reaction Time to Dangerous Robot Arm Movements," which garnered 10 citations. This paper addressed a critical gap by modeling human response to unpredictable robotic motions, highlighting the programmable arm as a key hazard in industry. His 1988 follow-up, "Methods for field evaluation of safety in a robotics workplace," further advanced practical safety assessment. Karwan’s interdisciplinary impact is evident in his ability to combine theoretical rigor with real-world applications, shaping both autonomous vehicle routing and human-robot interaction safety.