Nicola Kung

Papers

Total Citations

243

H-Index

About

Nicola Kung is a leading figure in mobile robotics, best known for pioneering work in agile, two-wheeled locomotion. Her key research areas span dynamic balancing, jumping locomotion, and the design of compact, high-performance robots for complex indoor environments. Kung’s most celebrated contribution is the development of **Ascento**, a two-wheeled jumping robot introduced in her 2019 paper of the same name, which has garnered over 240 citations. This work directly addressed the enduring challenge of achieving both speed and agility in confined spaces, demonstrating a system capable of seamless rolling and leaping over obstacles—a breakthrough for indoor inspection tasks. The Ascento platform has become a foundational reference in the field, inspiring subsequent research into hybrid locomotion and reactive control. Beyond this landmark achievement, Kung’s broader impact lies in advancing the practical deployment of mobile robots in real-world settings, where her designs have set new benchmarks for maneuverability and robustness. For students and researchers, her work exemplifies how elegant mechanical design paired with clever control can unlock new capabilities in robotics, making her a key voice in the next generation of autonomous systems.