Research Engineer in Autonomous and Robotic Systems
Investigating how complex autonomous systems and human expertise come together in real-world settings.
Gregory Bales
I work as a research engineer on the design and evaluation of complex engineered systems, particularly in robotics, autonomous technologies, and human–machine interaction. My research explores how system behavior, sensing, and human cognition influence performance in dynamic operational settings.
Much of my work has focused on human autonomy teaming, including experimental studies of trust, coordination, and operator performance during interaction with robotic systems.
Alongside this research, I have experience designing electromechanical systems and prototype platforms that support real-world experimentation and early-stage technology development.
Research Areas
Human Autonomy Teaming
Investigating how trust, coordination strategies, and cognitive dynamics shape collaboration between human operators and autonomous systems in complex environments.
Experimental Robotics and Autonomous Systems
Designing and deploying experimental platforms to study real-world interaction with robotic teams and increasingly capable autonomous technologies.
Operator State and System Performance
Modeling behavioral and physiological indicators of workload, situational awareness, and decision-making to understand performance in dynamic task settings.
Electromechanical and Sensing Systems
Developing precision hardware and integrated sensing platforms that support experimental investigation and early-stage technology development.
I approach research engineering as an effort to understand how complex systems behave in practice. By combining experimental platform development, behavioral investigation, and data-driven analysis, I aim to generate insights that inform both system design and human interaction with emerging technologies.
Selected Projects
This portfolio collects projects focused on human autonomy teaming, system design, and human–machine interaction. The work spans both research and applied engineering environments and includes experiments, prototypes, and design investigations.
Applied Engineering and Contract Work
Alongside my research, I have contributed to the design and development of electromechanical systems and experimental platforms across multiple domains. This work has included precision motion and vibration control using smart materials, sensing integration, and prototype system development supporting early-stage research and technology exploration.
