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About

Robert A. Sohn is a pioneering researcher in deep-sea robotics and polar exploration, with a primary focus on autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) designed for extreme environments. His major contributions center on enabling robotic exploration beneath ice-covered oceans, particularly in the Arctic, where traditional methods are obstructed by dense ice cover. Sohn led the design and deployment of the AUVs Jaguar and Puma during the 2007 Arctic Gakkel Vents Expedition (AGAVE), marking the first successful deployment and recovery of such vehicles at 85°N latitude to search for hydrothermal vents. His work on deep-sea robotic manipulators for autonomous sampling and retrieval further advances the field, with applications extending to extraplanetary under-ice exploration. With over 170 citations across his most-cited papers, Sohn’s research has significantly impacted our ability to study previously inaccessible seafloor environments, bridging the gap between terrestrial oceanography and planetary science. His achievements include pioneering robotic steps that inform future missions to icy moons like Europa, making him a key figure in both marine robotics and astrobiology.