W. D. Drotning

About

W. D. Drotning is a pioneering researcher in intelligent robotic systems, with a primary focus on hazardous waste remediation, nuclear materials handling, and sensor-directed automation. His most significant contributions center on developing model-based, sensor-rich robots that operate with geometric and kinematic world models to safely clean up underground storage tanks containing radioactive waste. Drotning’s work at Sandia National Laboratories’ Intelligent Systems and Robotics Center has been instrumental in reducing occupational radiation exposure through automated handling of nuclear materials. His landmark 1992 paper on model-based remediation of underground storage tanks, with 14 citations, established foundational approaches for integrating real-time sensor data with graphical control models. Drotning also advanced motion planning for robotic spray cleaning using environmentally safe solvents, addressing critical environmental challenges. His research on safe robotic handling of nuclear materials and cask system design guidance has directly influenced automation practices in hazardous environments. With a career spanning from the early 1990s through 2002, Drotning’s work remains relevant for researchers developing intelligent robotic systems for dangerous, unstructured environments, demonstrating how model-based control can enhance both safety and efficiency in nuclear waste management and environmental cleanup.

Research Focus

Key Achievements

Top Papers

1. 1
   Model‐based, sensor‐directed remediation of underground storage tanks

   14 citations · 1992
2. 2
   Graphical model based control of intelligent robot systems

   8 citations · 2002
3. 3
   Model based, sensor directed remediation of underground storage tanks

   5 citations · 2002
4. 4
   System Design for Safe Robotic Handling of Nuclear Materials

   5 citations · 1996
5. 5
   Motion planning for robotic spray cleaning with environmentally safe solvents

   4 citations · 2002
6. 6
   Model based, sensor directed remediation of underground storage tanks

   4 citations · 2002
7. 7
   Graphical model based control of intelligent robot systems

   3 citations · 1992
8. 8
   A sensor-based automation system for handling nuclear materials

   2 citations · 2002
9. 9
   Cask system design guidance for robotic handling

   2 citations · 1990

Key Collaborators

Contact & Links