Stephen Licht

Stephen Licht is an Associate Professor of Ocean Engineering and Graduate Director at the University of Rhode Island's College of Engineering, where he directs the Robotics Laboratory for Complex Underwater Environments (R-CUE). His research focuses on developing maritime robots capable of operating in dynamic and unpredictable environments through biologically inspired propulsion, distributed pressure sensing, model-based optimal control, and compliant underwater manipulation technologies.

• Ph.D. in Oceanographic and Mechanical Engineering from MIT/WHOI Joint Program (2008)
• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Yale University (1998)
• Former Senior Research Scientist at iRobot and Senior Robotics Engineer at Vecna Robotics
• Current Research Affiliate with MIT Department of Mechanical Engineering
• Former Visiting Faculty at Libera Università di Bolzano (2019-2020)

Dr. Licht's research spans marine robotics with emphasis on biologically inspired propulsion systems that provide high authority and bandwidth thrust, nonlinear attitude control for maneuvering in dynamic conditions, compliant underwater manipulation technologies, and unmanned aerial monitoring of coastal structures. His work bridges mechanical engineering principles with oceanographic applications to create more capable underwater robotic systems that can operate in complex marine environments.

His recent publications demonstrate a strong trend toward soft robotics applications for deep-sea exploration, with particular focus on jamming grippers and neutrally buoyant manipulation systems. The research also shows increasing integration of additive manufacturing techniques for field-deployable solutions and computational methods for autonomous systems operating in challenging marine environments. His work spans fundamental control theory, mechanical design, and practical field applications.

Dr. Licht has secured significant research funding as both Principal Investigator and Co-Principal Investigator from major organizations including the Office of Naval Research, NOAA, NSF, and various university collaborations. His grants focus on advancing unmanned underwater vehicle technology, soft robotics for deep-sea applications, and coastal monitoring systems.

• Active mentor to numerous graduate and undergraduate students in Ocean Engineering
• Successful track record of student placements at organizations including Jaia Robotics, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, FORSSEA Robotics, and government research labs
• Collaborates with researchers at MIT, WHOI, University of Connecticut, University of Maine, and international institutions

Licht leads the R-CUE lab which develops innovative solutions for underwater robotics challenges, with particular expertise in biomimetic propulsion, soft robotics for deep-sea applications, and autonomous systems for environmental monitoring. The lab maintains strong industry connections with OceanGate Inc. and FabNewport, and engages with local educational institutions through outreach programs with Roger Williams Middle School.