Devin Balkcom

Devin Balkcom is a Professor of Computer Science at Dartmouth College, currently serving as Department Chair. He co-directs the Reality and Robotics Lab, focusing on efficient robot design and motion, including knot-tying, autonomous construction, and human motion training. His research spans robotics, motion planning, and human-robot interaction.

• Affiliations: Dartmouth College, Thayer School of Engineering, Department of Computer Science
• Labs: Reality and Robotics Lab

Research Interests: Efficient robot motion, autonomous underwater construction, modular robotics, robot manipulation, and systems for teaching human movement (e.g., dance, sign language).

Recent articles highlight advancements in energy-optimal trajectories for skid-steer rovers, autonomous underwater cement block assembly, and interactive dance lesson systems derived from TikTok videos. His work bridges robotics with applications in education and marine engineering.

Grants & Students: Advised numerous PhD/Master’s students (e.g., Yinan Zhang, Weifu Wang) and collaborates on projects involving grants for robotics innovation. Notable student contributions include work on interlocking structures, soft robotics, and human motion analysis.