Xianmei Lei
Papers
2
Total Citations
69
H-Index
2
About
Xianmei Lei is a leading researcher in robotic autonomy and extraterrestrial exploration, whose work bridges the gap between subterranean robotics and planetary science. Her key research areas include autonomous navigation, multi-robot coordination, and cave exploration systems for extreme environments. Lei made major contributions as a core member of TEAM CoSTAR, which won Phase II of the DARPA Subterranean Challenge. Her highly cited 2022 paper on the NeBula autonomy solution (51 citations) details the algorithms, hardware, and software architecture that enabled robots to navigate GPS-denied tunnels and urban environments without human intervention. This work demonstrated robust perception and planning in complex, unstructured terrains. More recently, Lei has advanced planetary exploration through her 2024 study on robotic exploration of Martian caves (18 citations), where she evaluated operational concepts via analog experiments in lava tubes. Her research directly informs future NASA missions by validating autonomous systems for subsurface extraterrestrial environments. Lei’s work is notable for its practical impact on both defense and space exploration, establishing her as a key figure in field robotics and autonomous systems for hazardous, unknown environments.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1
- 2