Underground spaces such as old mines, sewers, and caves preclude safe human access and motivate the use of robots for exploration, operation and rescue. The issues, technologies, and systems that pertain to underground spaces are unique, giving rise to the emerging discipline of Subterranean Robotics. Current stat-of-the-art is insufficient for the functionality and rigor required for operational subterranean robotic systems.

Subterranean robotics is an active research and development group located in the Field Robotics Center at Carnegie Mellon's Robotics Institute.