Dr. Robert Ambrose received the 2022 Thomas A. Edison Patent Award, bestowed by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), recognizing his role in creating safer robots for use in outer space.
Established in 1997, the award highlights the creativity of a patented device or process that has the potential of significantly enhancing some aspect of mechanical engineering, according to the ASME.
Ambrose serves as the J. Mike Walker '66 Chair Professor in the J. Mike Walker '66 Department of Mechanical Engineering at Texas A&M University. He also serves as director for space and robotics initiatives for the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station and is a member of the National Academy of Engineering.
Ambrose came to Texas A&M from NASA, where he served as chief of the software, robotics and simulation division at the Johnson Space Center.
With the support of his previous team at NASA, Ambrose developed robots that are safe to operate around people. He implemented concepts utilized elsewhere in linear actuators to create a simpler approach for a rotary actuator.
"It is great to celebrate invention, and it is an honor to be associated with an inventor like Thomas Edison," Ambrose said. "My goal for the invention was to be able to measure the torque of a rotary actuator with a single and low-cost part. The approach enabled us to build the first robot in space to work next to astronauts without people needing to monitor its safety."
Ambrose brings decades of experience to his research focusing on robotic manipulation and mobility, specifically in relation to space robotics.