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About

Wieland Bertleff is a leading figure in space robotics, whose work has been instrumental in advancing on-orbit servicing, robotic manipulation, and planetary exploration. His research centers on developing force-controlled robotic systems for extreme environments, from the International Space Station to the surface of Phobos. Bertleff’s major contributions include the design and qualification of the OOS-SIM, a groundbreaking ground simulation facility for on-orbit servicing operations (78 citations), and his work on ROKVISS, the first space robotics experiment to demonstrate real-time force feedback from orbit (59 citations). He also pioneered position-based force control for industrial robots in stiff contact (47 citations) and led the development of DEXHAND, a space-qualified multi-fingered robotic hand (40 citations). More recently, Bertleff has been a key contributor to the MMX rover locomotion system for JAXA’s Martian Moons eXploration mission, designing a novel wheeled platform capable of navigating the ultra-low gravity of Phobos (21 citations). His work on the CAESAR robot (20 citations) further solidifies his reputation in compliant, force-controlled space robotics. With over 300 total citations, Bertleff’s research bridges the gap between terrestrial industrial robotics and the unique demands of space, making him a pivotal figure in the next generation of autonomous space missions.