Matthew Spenko

Matthew Spenko is a Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and Interim Department Chair at Illinois Institute of Technology's Armour College of Engineering. He co-leads the CARNATIONS UTC and leads the Welcome to the Jungle team in the XPRIZE Rainforest competition.

• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from MIT, 2005
• M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from MIT, 2001
• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Northwestern University, 1999

His research focuses on robotics and soft robotics, including gecko-like adhesives for climbing robots, navigation integrity for autonomous vehicles, and granular-based soft robots for ecological applications. He explores robot mobility in challenging environments, transitioning from climbing robots to multimodal systems (flying/terrestrial) for rainforest biodiversity monitoring.

Recent publications highlight advancements in navigation safety for autonomous systems, self-assembling robots, and electrostatic adhesives. Key trends include integrating SLAM with integrity monitoring, developing multi-modal transportation robotics, and enhancing safety protocols for urban autonomous vehicles.

• Dean’s Award for Excellence in Research, Armour College of Engineering, 2022
• MMAE Excellence in Research Award, 2018
• IIT/Bauer Family Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching Award, 2014
• Best Paper, Planetary Rovers Session, Int. Society of Terrain-Vehicle Systems, 2011
• Intelligence Community Postdoctoral Fellowship, 2005-2007

Spenko collaborates with institutions like Purdue University on ecological projects and mentors teams in competitions. He integrates educational initiatives through specialized courses on navigation and autonomous systems within CARNATIONS.