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Dr. Pinhas Ben-Tzvi is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Electrical and Computer Engineering, and the founding Director of the Robotics and Mechatronics Laboratory at Virginia Tech. Dr. Pinhas Ben-Tzvi is currently serving at the U.S. National Science Foundation as a Program Director for the Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) in the Research Capacity and Competitiveness (RCC) Section of the Office of Integrative Activities within the Office of the Director. He received the B.S. degree (Summa Cum Laude) in Mechanical Engineering from the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology and the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Toronto.

Before joining University of Toronto, he was an R&D engineer at General Electric Medical Systems Company developing medical diagnostic robotic and mechatronic systems. Dr. Ben-Tzvi's expertise and interests span the areas of cyber-physical systems, artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics and intelligent autonomous systems, healthcare technologies, human-machine interactions, multi-robot systems, systems dynamics and control, mechatronics design, and novel sensing and actuation. Examples of research application areas and projects include autonomous mobile robots with symbiosis of locomotion and manipulation and modular and reconfigurable mobile robotics for search & rescue and hazardous environment sensing and monitoring; design of intelligent biomimetic robotic tails for robust dynamic stabilization and agile maneuvering of legged robots on rough terrain; haptics devices and upper-extremity exoskeletons for tele-operation and medical diagnostics and therapeutic purposes such as rehabilitation therapy; and novel smart sensors and actuators for biomedical applications.

His research program has been supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF), National Institues of Health (NIH), Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), Office of Naval Research (ONR), United States Navy (USN), United Sates Army Medical Research and Material Command (USAMRMC/TATRC), and US Naval Oceanographic Office (NAVO). He has authored and co-authored more than 180 peer-reviewed journal articles and refereed papers in conference proceedings and is the named inventor on at least twelve U.S. patents and patent applications and a Canadian patent directed to various robotic technologies and devices. He is the recipient of the 2019 College of Engineering Excellence in Teaching Award from Virginia Tech in recognition of his extraordinary performance in teaching, 2018 College of Engineering Faculty Fellow Award from Virginia Tech in recognition of his extraordinary performance in research, the 2013 GWU SEAS Outstanding Young Researcher Award and the 2013 GWU SEAS Outstanding Young Teacher Award, as well as several other honors and awards including best paper awards and is active in the professional community, such as organizing conferences and workshops. Dr. Ben-Tzvi was a Technical Editor for the IEEE/ASME Transactions on Mechatronics, Associate Editor for IEEE Robotics and Automation Magazine, Associate Editor for ASME Journal of Mechanisms and Robotics, and Associate Editor for the Int'l Journal of Control, Automation and Systems, and served as an Associate Editor for IEEE ICRA 2013-2018. As an avid researcher and educator, he spearheaded various curricular STEM infrastructure development and improvement initiatives and engaged in a multitude of STEM outreach activities. Dr. Ben-Tzvi is a Fellow of ASME and a senior member of IEEE.

Honors & Awards

  • 2019

  • August 2019

    Certificate of Appreciation in Professional Service

    The Design Engineering Division, ASME, In Recognition of Outstanding Service as Program Co-Chair of the 43rd Mechanisms and Robotics Conference (MR) 2019

  • May 2019

    College of Engineering Excellence in Teaching Award, Virginia Tech

    Awarded "In recognition of Extraordinary Performance in Teaching."

  • January 2019

    IJCAS Academic Activity Award

    International Journal of Control, Automation, and Systems (IJCAS) “In recognition of his outstanding service and dedicated work as an editorial board member of the IJCAS and for his exceptional contributions in the advancement of the journal”

  • 2018

  • April 2018

    College of Engineering Faculty Fellow Award, Virginia Tech

    Awarded "In recognition of Extraordinary Performance in Research."

  • February 2018

    Keynote Speech Award

    International Conference on Mechatronics Systems and Control Engineering “In honor of your excellent Keynote Speech and your significant contribution to the success of 2018 International Conference on Mechatronics Systems and Control Engineering (ICMSCE 2018), Amsterdam, Netherlands, Feb 21-23, 2018”

  • 2016

  • August 2016

    Virginia Tech Inventor of the Month

    The Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation recognizes Prof. Ben-Tzvi as Inventor of the Month for his multiple inventions disclosed to Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties Inc.

  • 2013

  • December 2013

    IJCAS Academic Activity Award

    International Journal of Control, Automation, and Systems (IJCAS)"
    In recognition of his outstanding service and dedicated work as an editorial board member of the IJCAS and for his exceptional contributions in the development of the journal."

  • April 2013

    SEAS Outstanding Young Researcher Award

    "In recognition of his demonstrated and exceptional contributions to robotics, mechatronics, mechanism design and integration, systems dynamics and control, and sensing and actuation. Developing a very strong and externally sponsored program that covers both theoretical and applied research, Prof. Ben-Tzvi has quickly established himself as one of the leading researchers in the field of robotics, mechatronics, and controls. He founded the GW Robotics and Mechatronics Research Laboratory, and used both the lab and his research to help launch the GW robotics program."

  • April 2013

    SEAS Outstanding Young Teacher Award

    "In recognition of his dedicated pursuit of innovative curricula and teaching methods, his efforts to develop the robotics program at SEAS, and his STEM-related mentoring and outreach activities to the local community. Prof. Ben-Tzvi works tirelessly to improve and promote robotics education, in particular, and STEM-related education in general. He has developed new courses and new labs for students, initiated and spearheaded the development of a new robotics degree program option for undergraduate students, and created a variety of STEM-related educational outreach activities in robotics for the community beyond SEAS."

  • 2012

  • April 2012

    IEEE Senior Member

  • 2011

  • October 2011

    Best Paper Award

    for the paper entitled "MEMS-Based Microdroplet Generation with Integrated Sensing" at the 2011 COMSOL Conference, Boston, MA, Oct 13-15, 2011 (with Doctoral Student Will Rone)

  • April 2011

    Media Coverage, Featured Video and Article at Loudoun Times

    Robotics Workshop for GW's Science, Technology and Engineering Day.

  • April 2011

    Media Coverage, Featured Article at Leesburg Today

    Robotics Workshop for Loudon county high school students as part of GW's Science,Technology and Engineering Day at the Virginia Science and Technology Campus.

  • January 2011

    Media Coverage

    radio interview on the show Today on Beyond Beijing Panel discussion featuring international experts on the future of robots Interview available at:

  • 2009

  • November 2009

    Pi Tau Sigma

    Honorary Membership

  • 2008

  • September 2008

    The Robotdalen Scientific Award

    Honorable Mention Recipient, Eskilstuna, Sweden

  • May 2008

    Governor General's Gold Medal Award of Canada

    Nominated by the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Toronto among 60 graduated Ph.D. students this year to honor academic excellence

  • 2007

  • October 2007

    Best Student Paper Award

    for the paper entitled "Implementation of Sensors and Control Paradigm for a Hybrid Mobile Robot Manipulator for Search and Rescue Operations" from the 2007 IEEE International Workshop on Robotic and Sensors Environments (ROSE 2007)

  • 2008-1998

  • 2004 - 2008

    University of Toronto Open Fellowship (four awards)

    Doctorate Research, University of Toronto

  • 2002 - 2003

    University of Toronto Open Fellowship (two awards)

    Masters Research, University of Toronto

  • September, 2000

    Summa Cum Laude, B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering

    Technion - Israel Institute of Technology (IIT)

  • 1998 - 2000

    President's Honors List Award (five awards)

    Undergraduate Studies, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Technion - IIT

  • 1996 - 1998

    Dean's Honors List Award (two awards)

    Undergraduate Studies, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Technion - IIT

  • 1998

    Award for Outstanding Academic Achievements

    Undergraduate Studies, Ministry of Education, Israel

Industrial Experience

  • 2006 - 2008

    Consultant, Mobile Robots Division


    Engineering Services Inc., Toronto, Ontario, Canada

    • Provided consultation services to the mobile robots division team on the design and operation of autonomous mobile robots.
    • Implemented new methods for distributed wireless computer hardware architectures for mobile robots.
    • Manufactured and integrated mobile robot prototypes.

  • 2000 - 2002

    Mechanical Engineer - Research & Development


    General Electric, Medical Systems Division, Haifa, Israel

    • Conducted research into the technical feasibility, design, operation and performance of mechanisms, components and mechatronic systems for medical imaging (CT-Computerized Tomography and PET-Positron Emission Tomography).
    • Originated new design concepts for medical equipment, and supervised the development and integration of prototypes, project team activities, and design reviews.
    • Performed dynamics and vibrations analyses of the systems to improve reliability and safety.
    • Designed mechanical components, assemblies, tools and auxiliary equipment, and created solid models and detail drawings in SolidWorks, I-DEAS and AutoCAD.
    • Reviewed and approved manufacturing designs and calculations and prepared cost estimates.
    • Wrote technical reports, test procedures, proposals, product specifications, assembly instructions and installation manuals, and developed standards for maintenance procedures.

  • 1996

    Mechanical Technician


    Klil Industries Ltd, Qiryat Bialik, Israel

    • Designed and Integrated prototypes of aluminum structures and performed tests with "The Standards Institute of Israel".
    • Performed strength and fatigue tests and analyses of aluminum products, structures, components and materials for buildings and industry implementation.
    • Designed modules, tools, jigs and fixtures for use in manufacturing of aluminum products.
    • Installed, repaired and maintained product line exhibits.

Teaching Experience

  • Department of Mechanical Engineering, Virginia Tech

  • Spring 2020
    ME5704/ECE 5704 - Advanced Robotics and Automation
  • Spring 2020
    ME 4524 - Robotics and Automation
  • Spring 2019
    ME5704/ECE 5704 - Advanced Robotics and Automation
  • Spring 2019
    ME 4584/ECE 4584 - Robotics Laboratory
  • Spring 2019
    ME 4524/ECE 4707 - Robotics and Automation
  • Spring 2018
    ME5704/ECE 5704 - Advanced Robotics and Automation
  • Spring 2018
    ME 4584/ECE 4584 - Robotics Laboratory
  • Spring 2018
    ME 4524/ECE 4707 - Robotics and Automation
  • Fall 2017
    ME 4015 - Senior Design
  • Spring 2017
    ME 4524/ECE 4707 - Robotics and Automation
  • Spring 2016
    ME 4524/ECE 4707 - Robotics and Automation
  • Spring 2016
    ME 4016 - Senior Design
  • Fall 2015
    ME 3514 - System Dynamics
  • Fall 2015
    ME 4015 - Senior Design

  • Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, George Washington University

  • Spring 2015
    MAE 6245 - Robotic Systems
  • Spring 2015
    MAE 4194 - Mechatronics Design
  • Fall 2014
    MAE 4182 - Electromechacnical Control System Design
  • Spring 2014
    MAE 6245 - Robotic Systems
  • Spring 2014
    MAE 4194 - Mechatronics Design
  • Fall 2013
    MAE 3190 - Analysis and Synthesis of Mechanisms
  • Spring 2013
    MAE 6245 - Robotic Systems
  • Spring 2013
    MAE 4194 - Mechatronics Design
  • Fall 2012
    MAE 3190 - Analysis and Synthesis of Mechanisms
  • Spring 2012
    MAE 6245 - Robotic Systems
  • Spring 2012
    MAE 4194 - Mechatronics Design
  • Fall 2011
    MAE 4182 - Electromechanical Control System Design
  • Spring 2011
    MAE 6245 - Robotic Systems
  • Spring 2011
    MAE 4194 - Mechatronics Design
  • Fall 2010
    MAE 4182 - Electromechacnical Control System Design
  • Spring 2010
    MAE 4194 - Mechatronics Design
  • Spring 2010
    MAE 3134 - Introduction to Vibration Analysis
  • Fall 2009
    MAE 4182 - Electromechacnical Control System Design
  • Spring 2009
    MAE 3134 - Introduction to Vibration Analysis

  • Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto

  • Winter 2008, 2007, 2006
    MIE 441 - Computer Aided Design
  • Winter 2008, Winter, Spring, Fall 2007
    Introduction to Computer Aided Design (Short Course)
  • Fall 2003, 2004
    MIE 372 - Control Systems

  • Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering, University of Toronto (The da Vinci Engineering Enrichment Program (DEEP))

  • Fall 2006
    Artificial Intelligence and Robotics
  • Summer 2005
    Mechatronics and Artificial Intelligence
  • Fall 2004
    Mechatronics Design and Operation
  • Summer 2004
    Mechatronics

  • Technion Israel Institute of Technology

  • July 1999-July 2000
    Physics Courses - Mechanics (Students Association Department)

  • Vocational High School, Air Force Academy, Haifa, Israel

  • May 1993-April 1996
    Engineering Courses:
    • Control Systems; Mechanics and Control Lab; Mechanical Machining Lab
    • Hydraulics Lab; Pneumatics Lab; CNC Lab, Engineering Drafting; Computer Aided Design Lab

TEACHING ASSISTANSHIPS (1998 - 2008)

Major activities and duties as a teaching assistant to various courses involved the following: prepare and present tutorial materials; conduct seminars, discussion groups and laboratory sessions to supplement lectures; organize reference materials, visual aids and other lecture material, tutorial sessions and laboratory sessions; prepare and mark term tests and examinations; provide regular office hours for students; coordinate other teaching assistants; substitute lecturer when required.

  • Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto

  • Fall 2003, 2004, 2007
    Mechatronics Principles (MIE444)
  • Winter 2008, Fall 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002
    Control Systems (MIE372)
  • Fall 2002
    Control Systems I (MIE404)
  • Fall 2007, 2006, 2005, 2002
    Circuits with Applications to Mechanical Eng. (MIE342)
  • Summer 2007, 2006, 2005, Winter 2005, 2004, 2003
    Dynamics (MIE100)
  • Winter 2005
    Computer Aided Design - CAD (MIE441)

  • Department of Mathematics, University of Toronto

  • Winter 2003, 2004
    Calculus II (MAT187)

  • Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology

  • Spring 1999/2000
    Sensors and Instrumentation (035009)
  • Spring 1999/2000
    Mechanics and Control Lab (034024)
  • Winter 1999/2000
    Machine Shop (034003)
  • Spring 1998/1999
    Mechanical Engineering Design I (034015)

OTHER TEACHING AND VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES (during undergraduate studies 1996 - 2000)



  • Volunteer for the "Big Brother" program of "Perach", Israel
  • Volunteer for the "Center for the Advancement of Technical Personnel Group" as an instructor and coordinator for science studies in high schools.
  • Participated in a special program as an instructor at the "Technoda Science and Technology Center and Museum".
  • Instructor for small radio controlled planes.
  • Participated in an undergraduate students counseling, and guidance for new students.
  • Tutored students from undergraduate studies at the Technion from several departments in various courses.

  • Journal Editorial Board

  • July 2016 - Present
    Technical Editor, IEEE/ASME Transactions on Mechatronics
  • Jan. 2018 - Present
    Associate Editor, ASME Journal of Mechanisms and Robotics
  • Oct. 2017 - Present
    Associate Editor, IEEE Robotics and Automation Magazine
  • Jan. 2011 - Present
    Associate Editor, International Journal of Control, Automation and Systems

  • Conference General Chair

  • IEEE International Symposium on Robotic and Sensors Environments - ROSE 2013, Washington, DC, 21-23 October 2013.

  • Symposium Co-Chair

  • Mobile Robotics Symposium, 42nd Mechanisms and Robotics Conference at the 2018 ASME International Design Engineering Technical Conferences (IDETC/CIE), August 26-29, 2018, Quebec City, Canada.

  • Conference Editorial Board

  • 2017 - 2018
    Associate Editor, IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA 2018)
  • 2016 - 2017
    Associate Editor, IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA 2017)
  • 2015 - 2016
    Associate Editor, IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA 2016)
  • 2013 - 2014
    Associate Editor, IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA 2014)
  • 2012 - 2013
    Associate Editor, IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA 2013)

Technical Program Committee

  • Chair / Co-Chair of a Technical Program Committee

  • Chair for Workshops, Tutorials and Special Sessions for the 2017 ASME Dynamic Systems and Control Conference – DSCC 2017, Tysons Corner, VA, 11-13 Oct. 2017.
  • Co-Chair of the Technical Program Committee for the 10th IEEE International Symposium on Robotic and Sensors Environments - ROSE 2012, Magdeburg, Germany, 16-18 Nov. 2012.
  • Co-Chair of the Technical Program Committee for the 7th IEEE International Workshop on RObotic and SEnsors Environments - ROSE 2009, Lecco, Italy, 6-7 November 2009.

  • Technical Program Committee

  • Member of the Organizing Committee for the 2018 International Conference on Mechatronics Systems and Control Engineering – ICMSCE 2018, Amsterdam, Netherlands, 21-23 Feb. 2018.
  • Member of the Technical Program Committee for the 2017 IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Biomimetics – ROBIO 2017, Macau SAR, China, 5-8 Dec. 2017.
  • Member of the Technical Program Committee for the 2017 IEEE International Conference on Mechatronics and Automation - IEEE ICMA 2017, Takamatsu, Japan, 6-9 Aug. 2017.
  • Member of the Organizing Committee for the 2017 International Conference on Mechatronics Systems and Control Engineering – ICMSCE 2017, Kayseri, Turkey, 2-4 Feb. 2017.
  • Member of the Technical Program Committee for the 2016 IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Biomimetics – ROBIO 2016, Qingdao, China, 3-7 Dec. 2016.
  • Member of the Technical Program Committee for the 2016 IEEE International Conference on Mechatronics and Automation - IEEE ICMA 2016, Harbin, China, 7-10 Aug. 2016.
  • Member of the Technical Editorial Board for the 2016 CSME (Canadian Society for Mechanical Engineering) International Congress – Symposium on Control and Robotics, Kelowna, BC, Canada, 26-29 June 2016.
  • Member of the Technical Program Committee for the 2015 IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Biomimetics – ROBIO 2015, Zhuhai, China, 6-9 Dec. 2015.
  • Member of the Technical Program Committee for the 2014 IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Biomimetics – ROBIO 2014, Bali, Indonesia, 5-10 Dec. 2014.
  • Member of the Technical Program Committee for the 12th IEEE International Symposium on Robotic and Sensors Environments - ROSE 2014, Timisoara, Romania, 16-18 Oct. 2014.
  • Member of the Technical Program Committee for the 2014 IEEE International Conference on Mechatronics and Automation - IEEE ICMA 2014, Takamatsu, Tianjin, China, 3-6 Aug. 2014.
  • Member of the Technical Program Committee for the 2014 Robotics Science and Systems Conference - RSS 2014, Berkeley, CA, USA, July 12-16, 2014.
  • Member of the Technical Program Committee for the 2013 IEEE International Conference on Mechatronics and Automation - IEEE ICMA 2013, Takamatsu, Kagawa, Japan, 4-7 Aug. 2013.
  • Member of the Technical Program Committee for the 2012 IEEE International Conference on Mechatronics and Automation - IEEE ICMA 2012, Chengdu, Sichuan, China, 5-8 Aug. 2012.
  • Member of the Technical Program Committee for the 9th IEEE International Symposium on Robotic and Sensors Environments - ROSE 2011, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, 17-18 Sep. 2011.
  • Member of the Technical Program Committee for the 7th ASME/IEEE Int. Conf. on Mechatronics & Embedded Systems & Applications - MESA 2011, Washington, DC, August 28-31, 2011
  • Member of the Technical Program Committee for the 2011 IEEE International Conference on Mechatronics and Automation - IEEE ICMA 2011, Beijing, China, 7-10 August 2011.
  • Member of the Technical Program Committee for the 8th IEEE International Workshop on Robotic and Sensors Environments - ROSE 2010, Phoenix, Arizona, 15-16 October 2010.
  • Member of the Technical Program Committee for the 6th IEEE International Workshop on Robotic and Sensors Environments - ROSE 2008, Ottawa, Canada, 17-18 October 2008.

Editorial Review Work



  • Journal Reviewer (2007 -current)

  • IEEE Transactions on Robotics
  • IEEE/ASME Transactions on Mechatronics
  • Transactions of the ASME, Journal of Mechanical Design
  • Transactions of the ASME, Journal of Dynamic Systems, Measurement and Control
  • Journal of Field Robotics
  • Journal of Robotics and Autonomous Systems
  • Robotica Journal
  • Mechatronics Journal
  • IEEE Sensors Journal
  • IEEE Transactions on Systems, Man, and Cybernetics - Part A: Systems & Humans
  • IEEE Transactions on Nanotechnology
  • Journal of Intelligent Service Robots (ISR)
  • Autonomous Robots
  • Journal of Biomedical Microdevices

  • Conference Proceedings Reviewer (2004 - current)

  • IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA)
  • IEEE International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems (IROS)
  • Transactions of the ASME, Journal of Mechanical Design
  • IEEE International Workshop on Robotic and Sensors Environments (ROSE)
  • IEEE International Conference on Mechatronics and Automation (ICMA)
  • Journal of Robotics and Autonomous Systems
  • ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition (IMECE)
  • Dynamic Systems and Control Conference (DSCC)
  • IEEE Conference on Automation Science and Engineering (CASE)
  • IEEE Conference on Decision and Control (CDC)
  • IEEE RAS/EMBS Int. Conference on Biomedical Robotics and Biomechatronics (BioRob)
  • IEEE/ASME International Conference on Advanced Intelligent Mechatronics (AIM)
  • American Control Conference
  • ASME Int'l Design Engineering Technical Conferences & Computers and Information in Engineering Conference (IDETC/CIE)
  • ASME/IFToMM International Conference on Reconfigurable Mechanisms and Robots
  • IASTED Conference on Robotics and Applications

Education

  • 2004 - 2008

    Ph.D., University of Toronto

    Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering

    Dissertation: Hybrid Mobile Robot System: Interchanging Locomotion and Manipulation

  • 2002 - 2003

    M.Sc., University of Toronto

    Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering

    Thesis: Development of a Dispensing System for Microdrops Generation in Medical Applications

  • 1996 - 2000

    B.Sc. (Summa Cum Laude)
    Technion-Israel Institute of Technology

    Department of Mechanical Engineering

    Thesis: Development and Implementation of Sensors and Control System for a Deep Drawing Mechanical Process

  • 1992 - 1993

    Practical Engineer Diploma (with Highest Honors)
    ORT Vocational College, Haifa, Israel

    Mechanical Engineering

CV is available upon request. Please email your requests to Dr. Ben-Tzvi.

Invited Talks / Research Presentation and Seminars

  • 2021

  • June 2021

    [27] Towards Dynamic Locomotion of Legged Robots Using Biomimetic Articulated Robotic Tails, 2021 Annual Symposium of the Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology (SICB 2021), Washington, DC, January 3-7, 2021. (Invited Symposium Speaker)

  • 2020

  • June 2020

    [26] Novel Field Robots for Military Applications and Multi-Domain Operations, 2020 Annual Conference on Robotics and Autonomous Systems USA, DOD Military Robotics Forum, Arlington, VA, June 22-23, 2020. (Keynote Presentation)

  • April 2020

    [25] Novel Field Robots and Robotic Exoskeletons: Design, Integration and Applications, 2020 SPIE Smart Structures and Nondestructive Evaluation (EAPAD 2020) Conference, Anaheim, CA, April 26-30, 2020. (Keynote Presentation)

  • 2019

  • February 2019

    [24] Novel Field Robots and Robotic Exoskeletons: Design, Integration and Applications, Stevens Institute of Technology, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Hoboken, NJ, February 8, 2019. (Research Presentation)

  • January 2019

    [23] Novel Field Robots and Robotic Exoskeletons: Design, Integration and Applications, University of Waterloo, Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, January 18, 2019. (Research Presentation)

  • 2018

  • June 2018

    [22] Design and Control of Bioinspired Articulated Robotic Tails for Stabilization and Maneuvering of Legged Robots, Carnegie Mellon University, Robotics Science and Systems Conference (RSS 2018), Pittsburgh, PA, June 26–30, 2018. (Invited Workshop Presentation on “Unusual Appendages: Novel, multi-modal, or multi-functional uses for limbs, tails, and other body parts”)

  • March 2018

    [21] Novel Field Robots and Robotic Exoskeletons: Design, Integration and Applications, The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, March 4-6, 2018. (Invited Research Presentation)

  • February 2018

    [20] Recent Trends on Modeling and Integration of Novel Field Robots and Robotic Exoskeletons and Their Applications, 2018 International Conference on Mechatronics Systems and Control Engineering (ICMSCE 2018), Amsterdam, Netherlands, February 21-23, 2018. (Keynote Lecture)

  • 2016

  • June 2016

    [19] Integrating Novel Field Robots and Robotic Exoskeletons of the Future, Maxon Precision Motors, Inc. Annual Executive Meeting, Washington, DC, June 1, 2016. (Research Presentation)

  • February 2016

    [18] Novel Field Robots and Robotic Exoskeletons: Design, Integration and Applications, University of Toronto, Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Toronto, ON, Canada, February 26, 2016. (Distinguished Seminar Series – Research Presentation)

  • 2015

  • October 2015

    [17] Novel Field Robots and Robotic Exoskeletons: Design, Integration and Applications, Vanderbilt University, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Nashville, Tennessee, October 19, 2015. (Research Presentation)

  • October 2015

    [16] Intelligent Biomimetic Flexible Robots for Stabilizing and Agile Maneuvering of Legged Robots, Virginia Tech, Center for Bioinspired Science and Technology (BIST), Blacksburg, VA, October 9, 2015. (Research Presentation)

  • October 2015

    [15] Novel Field Robots and Robotic Exoskeletons: Design, Integration and Applications, Virginia Tech, Virginia Center for Autonomous Systems (VaCAS), Blacksburg, VA, October 9, 2015. (Research Presentation)

  • April 2015

    [14] Design and Integration of Novel Field Robots and Robotic Exoskeletons, University of Maryland, Maryland Robotics Center, Department of Mechanical Engineering, College Park, MD, April 24, 2015. (Research Presentation)

  • March 2015

    [13] Design and Integration of Novel Field Robots and Robotic Exoskeletons, State University of New York at Buffalo (UB), Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department, Buffalo, NY, March 12, 2015. (Research Presentation)

  • March 2015

    [12] Design and Integration of Novel Field Robots and Robotic Exoskeletons, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Mechanical Engineering Department, Robotics Engineering Department, Worcester, MA, March 9, 2015. (Research Presentation)

  • March 2015

    [11] Design and Integration of Novel Field Robots and Robotic Exoskeletons, Virginia Tech, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Blacksburg, VA, March 2, 2015. (Research Presentation)

  • February 2015

    [10] Design and Integration of Novel Field Robots and Robotic Exoskeletons, University of California, San Diego, Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, San Diego, CA, February 27, 2015. (Research Presentation)

  • 2013

  • February 2013

    [9] Symbiosis of Mobile Robotic Locomotion and Manipulation on Rough Terrain - Towards Modularity and Reconfigurability, State University of New York at Buffalo (UB), Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department, Buffalo, NY, February 28, 2013. (Research Presentation)

  • 2012

  • July 2012

    [8] Autonomous Symbiosis of Mobile Robotic Locomotion and Manipulation on Rough Terrain, DARPA Defense Sciences Office Maximum Mobility and Manipulation (M3) Conference, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, July 17-18, 2012. (Research Presentation)

  • March 2012

    [7] STORM: Self-configurable and Transformable Omni-directional Robotic Modules for Rough Terrain Maximum Mobility and Manipulation, Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), Robotics Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, March 5, 2012. (Research Presentation)

  • January 2012

    [6] Autonomous Symbiosis of Mobile Robotic Locomotion and Manipulation on Rough Terrain, DARPA Defense Sciences Office Maximum Mobility and Manipulation (M3) Conference, Miramar Beach, FL, January 24-25, 2012. (Research Presentation)

  • 2011

  • December 2011

    [5] Symbiosis of Mobile Robotic Locomotion and Manipulation on Rough Terrain, 2011 Symposium on Advanced Intelligent Systems, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada, December 1-2, 2011. (Keynote Lecture)

  • 2008

  • September 2008

    [4] Sensor-Controlled Autonomous Compounded Manipulation and Locomotion of Mobile Robots, Örebro University, School of Science and Technology, Centre for Applied Autonomous Sensor Systems (AASS), Sweden, September 10, 2008. (Research Talk)

  • September 2008

    [3] Autonomous Mobile Manipulation for Rough-Terrain Environments, Mälardalen University, Intelligent Sensor Systems Division, Eskilstuna, Sweden, Sep. 11, 2008. (Research Talk)

  • September 2008

    [2] Hybrid Mobile Robot System for Field Operations: Interchanging Locomotion and Manipulation, Robotdalen Day, Volvo CE Democenter, Eskilstuna, Sweden, Sep 10, 2008. (Research Presentation)

  • March 2008

    [1] Wireless Hybrid Mobile Robot system: Adaptive and Interchanging Locomotion and Manipulation, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, March 2008. (Research Presentation)

Dr. Pinhas Ben-Tzvi - Expert Witness in IP Litigation

Dr. Pinhas Ben-Tzvi, PhD, PE

Expert Witness in IP Litigation

Mechanical, Electromechanical, Robotics, and Mechatronics Design Specialist

Qualifications and Experience

Dr. Pinhas Ben-Tzvi holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering and boasts over 24 years of combined industrial and academic experience. Currently a tenured Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Electrical and Computer Engineering at Virginia Tech and the Director of the Robotics and Mechatronics Lab, Dr. Ben-Tzvi is committed to cutting-edge engineering research and innovation. As a licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.), Dr. Ben-Tzvi upholds the highest standards of professionalism in all engineering endeavors.

With a comprehensive background in mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering, Dr. Ben-Tzvi has extensive expertise in developing advanced engineering solutions. His research and industrial experiences and expertise span the areas of mechanical/mechatronics design, electromechanical systems design, smart precision sensors and actuators, precision engineering design, mechanism/product design and system integration, intelligent autonomous systems and robotics, precision healthcare technologies, cyber-physical systems, machine learning and AI, human-machine interactions, industrial automation systems, feedback motion control systems, and system dynamics.

Notably, previous roles at General Electric Medical Systems involved the development of intricate systems for medical equipment, providing a profound understanding of complex design and integration requirements.

Dr. Ben-Tzvi's academic research, supported by various government agencies, frequently delves into innovative techniques and technologies for advanced systems. This dedication to advancing knowledge is reflected in the publication of over 180 peer-reviewed articles, underscoring a commitment to expanding the understanding of engineering design and the critical role of cutting-edge technologies.

In addition to academic and industrial roles, Dr. Ben-Tzvi has served as an expert witness in various legal proceedings, preparing expert reports and providing testimony in depositions, IPR, and ITC cases related to patent infringement and validity matters. This legal experience has refined Dr. Ben-Tzvi's ability to effectively communicate complex technical concepts within a legal framework.

As a named inventor on a dozen U.S. patents and patent applications, as well as a Canadian patent centered on diverse engineering devices and systems, Dr. Ben-Tzvi is recognized for innovative contributions to the field. This recognition solidifies Dr. Ben-Tzvi's standing as a leading expert witness in the engineering domain.

Research and Industrial Expertise

  • Mechanical/Mechatronics Design
  • Electromechanical Systems Design
  • Smart Precision Sensors and Actuators
  • Precision Engineering Design
  • Mechanism/Product Design and System Integration
  • Intelligent Autonomous Systems and Robotics
  • Precision Healthcare Technologies
  • Cyber-Physical Systems
  • Machine Learning and AI
  • Human-Machine Interactions
  • Industrial Automation Systems
  • Feedback Motion Control Systems
  • System Dynamics

Contact Information

Additional Links

CV is available upon request. Please email your requests to Dr. Ben-Tzvi.