Dan Koditschek

Daniel E. Koditschek is the Alfred Fitler Moore Professor at the University of Pennsylvania's School of Engineering and Applied Science, where he has revolutionized the field of robotics through his work on dynamical systems theory. After completing his BS in Engineering & Applied Science and both MS and PhD in Electrical Engineering from Yale University by 1983, he has established himself as a leading figure in autonomous robotics research. His groundbreaking work focuses on developing machines that can juggle, run, climb, and physically interact with their environment, drawing inspiration from biological systems through collaborations with biologists. A Fellow of both IEEE and AAAS, his contributions have earned him prestigious recognitions including the 2016 US Vannevar Bush Faculty Fellowship, the 2016 IEEE Robotics and Automation Society Pioneer Award, and the 2017 Penn Heilmeier Award for Excellence in Research. With over 200 publications spanning from pure mathematics to experimental biology, his research has transformed our understanding of robot navigation, legged locomotion, and hybrid control systems. His work has received widespread recognition in scientific publications and popular media, while his RHex robot project stands as one of the most influential developments in mobile robotics