Ross Doak

Shell (United Kingdom), Heriot-Watt University, Shell (United States)

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Ross Doak is a leading figure in the application of robotics to the oil and gas industry, with a primary focus on subsea autonomy and the development of specialized robotic platforms. His most significant contribution is the FlatFish Resident AUV, a groundbreaking autonomous underwater vehicle designed to revolutionize subsea oil and gas operations by enabling persistent, long-duration inspection and monitoring without the need for surface vessels. This work, detailed in his most-cited paper (15 citations), directly addresses industry challenges of cost reduction and operational efficiency during the energy transition. Doak’s research extends to innovative robotic designs, including spherical mobile robots driven by omni-wheel internal units, and he is at the forefront of exploring soft robotics for delicate subsea tasks. His recent work on balancing early value creation with long-term R&D decisions offers a novel methodology for complex robotics innovation, blending model-based systems engineering with agile iteration. Through his pioneering work on the FlatFish AUV and his broader contributions to subsea and soft robotics, Doak is shaping the future of autonomous, cost-effective, and safe operations in the energy sector.