Roberto C. Leegstra

Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires

Papers

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About

Roberto C. Leegstra is a leading figure in autonomous marine robotics, with his research centered on the design, construction, and deployment of low-cost, high-impact unmanned vehicles for aquatic environments. His major contributions lie in bridging the gap between advanced robotic theory and practical, accessible engineering. Leegstra is best known for his work on MACÁBOT, a prototype Autonomous Surface Vehicle (ASV) almost entirely developed and assembled at the Núcleo INTELYMEC-CIFI laboratories. This project, detailed in his most-cited paper (8 citations), showcases his hands-on approach to creating functional, self-navigating robots for surface water monitoring. He further advanced the field with the Ictiobot-40, a low-cost Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) platform designed specifically for acoustic imaging surveying. This work demonstrates his commitment to reducing operational costs and human support requirements in underwater exploration, making sophisticated surveying tools more accessible for scientific and industrial applications. Through these projects, Leegstra has established himself as a key innovator in developing practical, laboratory-built solutions that push the boundaries of autonomous aquatic navigation.