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About

Markus Bihler is a robotics and space systems engineer whose research sits at the intersection of planetary exploration robotics and human-robot interaction. He is best known for his pivotal contributions to the MMX (Martian Moons eXploration) mission — a collaboration between JAXA, CNES, and DLR — where his work has focused on developing and qualifying rover locomotion systems designed to operate in the extraordinarily challenging low-gravity environment of Phobos, one of Mars's moons. His most-cited paper (21 citations) introduced the MMX rover locomotion system, while subsequent work (14 citations) addressed the complex challenge of autonomous navigation in deep space, proposing robust solutions for safe rover operation far from Earth. Bihler has also contributed to the qualification of these locomotion systems for actual flight conditions, demonstrating a commitment to translating research into mission-ready hardware. Beyond planetary robotics, his work extends to medical robotics, where he developed an integrated user interface for the DLR MIRO surgical robot, enhancing physical human-robot interaction in clinical settings. His forward-looking study on modular torque-controlled robotic arms for Mars Sample Return further underscores his broad impact across both space exploration and applied robotics engineering.