Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

S. Lelievre is a pioneering roboticist whose work bridges the gap between terrestrial polar exploration and the search for life beyond Earth. Her primary research focuses on developing autonomous systems for extreme environments, particularly sub-ice oceans and sub-glacial lakes. Lelievre’s most significant contribution is the ARTEMIS under-ice AUV docking system (91 citations), which enables autonomous underwater vehicles to dock and recharge in confined spaces—a critical capability for exploring planetary bodies like Europa and Enceladus through narrow access shafts. She also led key developments on the VALKYRIE cryobot project, including an optically powered ice-penetrating robot (42 citations) capable of delivering science payloads through thick ice caps. Her work on intelligent algorithms for autonomous scientific sampling (7 citations) further advances the ability of these robots to make real-time decisions without human intervention. Lelievre’s innovations are not only pushing the boundaries of planetary science but also have direct applications for climate research and underwater exploration on Earth.