Carol MARTINEZ LUNA

Dr. Carol Martinez Luna is a Research Scientist and Deputy Head of the Space Robotics group (SpaceR) at the SnT Interdisciplinary Centre, University of Luxembourg. She holds a PhD in Robotics and Automation from Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (2013) and previously served as an Assistant Professor at Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Colombia.

Her research spans Space Robotics, Computer Vision, and Machine Learning, with current focus areas including:

• Multi-purpose manipulation for planetary/orbital robots
• Perception systems for autonomous space operations
• Domain adaptation to bridge simulation-to-reality gaps
• On-ground testing of orbital technologies

Recent publications (2022-2025) predominantly address space debris removal, autonomous grasping, and robotic perception, with heavy emphasis on machine learning techniques and high-fidelity simulation validation. Notable trends include generative models for manipulation and adaptive control under uncertainty.

She actively advises 7 PhD students and 9 Master's candidates on topics ranging from space manipulation to vision-based safety systems. Her lab develops experimental platforms for orbital scenario emulation and collaborates on ESA-funded debris removal initiatives.