Samantha Stoneman
Papers
5
Total Citations
163
H-Index
4
About
Dr. Samantha Stoneman is a leading roboticist at the frontier of autonomous space exploration, specializing in heterogeneous multi-robot systems, kinodynamic motion planning, and micro aerial vehicle (MAV) design for planetary missions. Her most influential work, the ARCHES Space-Analogue Demonstration Mission (98 citations), pioneered the concept of collaborative teams of autonomous robots—rovers, drones, and landers—working together for scientific sampling in extreme, time-delayed environments. This research directly addresses the challenge of setting up infrastructure and collecting samples on distant worlds without real-time human control. Dr. Stoneman also made significant contributions to optimal motion planning, embedding nonlinear optimization into the RRT* algorithm (28 citations) to enable complex robots to navigate cluttered terrains efficiently. She is the lead architect of the ARDEA flying platform (28 citations), a prototype MAV designed for future planetary exploration, capable of autonomous terrain following using ultra-wide stereo cameras. Her work on generating real-time feasible trajectories for approaching tumbling target satellites (7 citations) further demonstrates her expertise in autonomous rendezvous and proximity operations. Dr. Stoneman’s research is shaping the next generation of space missions, where resilient, intelligent robot teams will explore the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1
- 2Embedding nonlinear optimization in RRT* for optimal kinodynamic planning28 citations · 2014
- 3ARDEA—An MAV with skills for future planetary missions28 citations · 2020
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