Tom Epton

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Tom Epton is a robotics researcher whose work focuses on advancing autonomous navigation and perception systems, particularly through the integration of novel sensing modalities. His key contributions lie in improving odometry—the process of estimating a robot's movement over time—by leveraging controlled point lasers to enhance accuracy and robustness in real-world environments. In his most-cited paper, "Improving odometry using a controlled point laser" (2012), Epton demonstrated how active laser scanning can compensate for the limitations of traditional wheel odometry, such as slippage or uneven terrain, by providing precise, real-time distance measurements. This work, which has garnered 6 citations, laid foundational insights for subsequent developments in sensor fusion and localization for mobile robots. While his citation count reflects a focused, early-career impact, Epton’s research is notable for its practical approach to solving persistent challenges in field robotics, offering a cost-effective method to boost navigation reliability. His contributions are particularly relevant for students and researchers exploring low-cost, high-precision sensing solutions for autonomous systems operating in unstructured or GPS-denied environments.