Elizabeth Farrell Helbling

Elizabeth Farrell Helbling is a researcher at Cornell University's College of Engineering, focusing on robotics and autonomy. Her work bridges biomechanics, computer engineering, and microscale systems to develop centimeter-scale autonomous robots.

• B.S. (2012) in Engineering Sciences from Smith College
• M.S. (2015) and Ph.D. (2019) in Engineering Sciences from Harvard University
• Postdoctoral research at Harvard University and the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering

Her research explores the integration of control systems, sensors, and power electronics within strict weight and power constraints for insect-scale robots, such as the Harvard RoboBee and HAMR. This work addresses challenges in autonomy, multi-scale manufacturing, and bio-inspired design.

Helbling's publications highlight advancements in flapping-wing and legged robotics, focusing on propulsion, power systems, and control architectures. These contributions have significantly impacted micro-robotics and autonomous systems.

Awards include:

• 2018 Rising Star in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
• 2018 ICRA Best Paper Finalist
• 2015 IROS Best Student Paper

Her work has been featured in prominent institutions like the Boston Museum of Science, London Science Museum, and the Smithsonian, as well as major media outlets such as The New York Times and BBC.