Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Rob Mueller is a pioneering figure in space resource utilization, with research centered on in-situ resource utilization (ISRU), space mining, and robotic excavation for human exploration. His major contributions include advancing technologies to extract water ice, oxygen, and hydrogen from lunar and Martian regolith—critical for sustainable off-world habitats. Mueller’s work on the RASSOR excavation robots and the Snow Badger mission concept demonstrates how astronauts and autonomous systems can collaboratively trench for volatiles near Artemis landing sites. He also investigates low-latency telerobotics for Mars sample return and planetary protection protocols for soil-based resource processing. Notably, Mueller led NASA’s 3D Printed Habitat Centennial Challenge, which spurred innovation in autonomous construction for extraterrestrial environments. His papers, including the widely cited “Lunabotics Mining Competition,” have shaped NASA’s approach to space mining and crew-assisted telerobotic operations. With a career dedicated to turning planetary resources into propellant and building materials, Mueller’s work is foundational for the Evolvable Mars Campaign and future human missions to the Moon and Mars.