Howie Choset

Recognized under Tier 8 — Robotics & Autonomy, Howie Choset conducts pioneering research in snake robots, modular robotics, and motion planning at Carnegie Mellon University. Choset's work on highly articulated, body-conforming robots capable of navigating confined spaces, rough terrain, and complex three-dimensional environments has expanded the design space of robotic systems in ways directly relevant to space exploration. On Mars, where robots will need to inspect confined infrastructure, navigate uneven and rocky terrain, and access spaces too small or dangerous for crew members, the serpentine mobility and adaptive locomotion Choset's research has developed will be extremely valuable.