Research Domains
We research and develop novel methods and technologies to enhance the degree of autonomy of robotic systems across three domains—planetary exploration, orbital operations, and robotic telescopes—unified by six core research areas. Most of our projects are conducted in collaboration with ESA, IAA-CSIC, and other national and international partners.
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Planetary Robotics Our flagship domain, developed in collaboration with ESA since 2016. We explore innovative algorithms and technological solutions for increased autonomy in planetary exploration, and validate these on ground testing platforms including ESA's HDPR, ExoTeR, MaRTA, and RAT rover testbeds in preparation for missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. |
Orbital Robotics An expanding focus area for us where we target an array of applications ranging from formation flying of satellite swarms to autonomous on-orbit servicing, inspection, maintenance, and repair. With projects like ECHO2, we strive to transfer part of our heritage developments from planetary exploration to the orbital domain. |
Robotic Telescopes Through a Joint Research Unit with the Institute of Astrophysics of Andalusia (IAA-CSIC), we develop autonomous observation systems and scheduling algorithms for the BOOTES (Burst Observer and Optical Transient Exploring System) telescope network, targeting multi-messenger astronomy events and space-debris tracking. |
Cross-Cutting Research Topics
| Motion & Path Planning | Advanced Perception & Sensing | Navigation |
| Artificial Intelligence | Mechatronics | Locomotion Design |
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Open-Source Policy All software, libraries, and components developed from publicly funded projects are released under the MIT license and published alongside our conference and journal papers. We are committed to open science and reproducible research. |
