Robert D. Peters
Papers
1
Total Citations
90
H-Index
1
About
Robert D. Peters is a pioneering roboticist whose work focuses on enabling the sustainable exploration of extreme and inaccessible terrains on Earth and beyond. His most influential contribution is the development of the Axel and DuAxel rovers, a novel class of tethered, two-wheeled robots designed to traverse steep slopes, cliffs, and crater walls—environments where traditional rovers cannot operate. His seminal 2012 paper on these systems, with 90 citations, lays out the design philosophy and engineering challenges of creating robotic explorers for such extreme environments, highlighting their potential for future planetary science missions. Peters’ research bridges mechanical design, autonomous control, and field robotics, with a strong emphasis on robustness and adaptability. His work has been recognized for its direct relevance to NASA’s long-term exploration goals, particularly for accessing scientifically rich but hazardous sites like the walls of Valles Marineris or lunar pits. Through his innovative rover architectures, Peters is fundamentally expanding the reach of robotic exploration, offering a sustainable path to uncovering the secrets of our solar system’s most dramatic landscapes.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1Axel and DuAxel rovers for the sustainable exploration of extreme terrains90 citations · 2012