Ross L. Hatton

Ross L. Hatton is an Associate Professor at Oregon State University's College of Engineering, affiliated with the Mechanical, Industrial, and Manufacturing Engineering department and the Collaborative Robotics and Intelligent Systems Institute. He directs the Laboratory for Robotics and Applied Mechanics (LRAM), focusing on the intersection of robotics, mechanics, and biology.

• Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, 2011
• MS, Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, 2007
• SB, Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2005

His research involves developing mathematical frameworks for locomotion mechanics, bio-inspired robotics, and translating theoretical principles into engineered systems. Key areas include geometric mechanics, optimal control, and applications in disaster response, sensor design, and industrial robotics.

The 15 most recent articles highlight his work on gait optimization, geometric modeling, and bio-inspired locomotion. Topics span Riemannian splines, soft continuum robotics, inertial dynamics, and data-driven motion planning, with applications in both engineered and biological systems.

Scientific recognition includes the 2017 NSF CAREER Award. His group collaborates with local industry and biologists at Berkeley, focusing on practical implementations like spider-inspired leaping robots and sand-swimming mechanics.

Students benefit from his emphasis on mathematical problem-solving and interdisciplinary thinking, though no formal advisees are listed. Research is supported by NSF grants and industry partnerships.

LRAM's work includes the SpiderHarp instrument, geometric motion planning for high-dimensional systems, and exploring locomotion principles in granular media and fluid environments.