Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility IHMC Research Scientists | University of West Florida
Skip to main content
Logo of University of West Florida
Robert Griffin

Dr.Robert Griffin

  • Position: Research Scientist, IHMC Director of Research Professor, UWF
  • Department: IHMC/UWF
  • Office Location: Pensacola
  • rgriffin@ihmc.us
  • Campus: 850.202.4483

Biography

Dr. Robert Griffin received his B.S. from Tennessee Tech, and his Ph.D. from Virginia Tech in 2017 with a primary research focus on the control of bipedal robotic mobility for humanoids and exoskeletons. In 2016, he joined IHMC’s team for the 2016 Cybathlon, and returned full time to IHMC in 2017.

Dr. Griffin's research areas include planning, legged balance and controls, perception, human-machine interfacing, and mechanical design. He is currently involved in a variety of projects, which include:

  • ONR SquadBot Program, which aims to develop a next generation hydraulic humanoid with high power-to-weight, durability, and range of motion.
  • ONR Fast Behaviors program, which aims to develop autonomous and semi-autonomous behaviors for humanoid robots in urban environments. 
  • NASA Valkyrie EOD project, where the goal is to develop humanoid robots, primarily NASA JSC's Valkyrie, to function as Explosive Ordinance Disposal technician.
  • 2020 Cybathlon Powered Exoskeleton Race, which is a competition for  for paralyzed athletes assisted by technology
  • Toyota Mobility Foundation Mobility Unlimited Challenge, which aims to develop assistive devices for individuals with mobility limitations.

Griffin's past projects have included leading the IHMC team in the Army Research Lab’s Robotics Collaborative Technology Alliance, where they aimed to develop robust autonomous locomotion for quadrupedal robots in complex environments, and the 2016 Cybathlon, where they placed second in Powered Exoskeleton race. Prior to joining IHMC, Griffin was at the Virginia Tech as a controls engineer for their humanoid robot projects. While there, he was the controls lead for the ONR Shipboard Autonomous Firefighting Robot program the DARPA Robotics Challenge Finals. 

Research