Michael C. McHenry

HEM Technologies (United States), California Institute of Technology

Papers

Total Citations

153

H-Index

About

Michael C. McHenry is a leading figure in field and urban robotics, with a career dedicated to advancing the autonomy of small, tracked mobile platforms. His core research focuses on developing the algorithms and sensor systems that enable these robots to navigate complex, unstructured environments—a critical capability for reconnaissance and search-and-rescue missions. McHenry’s major contributions center on solving the challenges of autonomous stair climbing and robust leader/follower behaviors. His seminal 2003 paper on multi-sensor, high-speed stair climbing (69 citations) demonstrated a practical solution for urban mobility, while his work on path following (61 citations) established foundational methods for deploying robot teams that can automatically track a leader’s route. These contributions have directly influenced the design of tactical robots used in real-world operations. Beyond terrestrial applications, McHenry has also contributed to the future of space exploration, co-authoring a key technology assessment for NASA’s Planetary Science Division. His work bridges the gap between theoretical control systems and deployable, life-saving hardware, making him a pivotal researcher in the evolution of autonomous ground vehicles.