John Bares, Ph.D.


Director

Dr. John Bares is a Research Professor in Carnegie Mellon’s Robotics Institute and Director of the National Robotics Engineering Center (NREC). Dr. Bares’ research objective is to design, build and test robotic systems that will be used in industry and the military to solve tasks in complex, changing, and dangerous environments. He has led research efforts including automated paint removal systems for large ferro-magnetic structures, automated surface and underground mining systems and autonomous volcanic exploration.

Currently, his key focus is in engineering a new generation of unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) for the U.S. Army and Marine Corps. Dr. Bares led the design and development of the Spinner and Crusher UGVs, both showcase platforms for off-road mobility, high payload fraction, and mission endurance.

As Director of the NREC, Dr. Bares is in an ideal role to identify and solve the problems that limit the commercial and military practicality and adoption of robotics. He also oversaw the creation and funding of the K-12 Robotics Academy at the NREC and provides strategic direction to the Academy.

Dr. Bares received his Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University in 1991 and holds five U.S. patents.

NREC projects
Autonomous Loading; Autonomous Harvesting; Underground Mining Operator Assist; Semi-Automated Paint Removal; UGCV; TUGV; Crusher, UPI, RVCA, APD