David Hardt

David E. Hardt is the Ralph E. and Eloise F. Cross Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), with a career spanning over four decades. His work focuses on manufacturing process control, large scale additive manufacturing, and smart manufacturing systems. Affiliated with the Department of Mechanical Engineering and a founding member of the Engineering Systems Division, Prof. Hardt has pioneered advancements in welding automation, sheet metal forming, and polymer micro-embossing.

• Ph.D., MIT (1978)
• M.Eng., MIT (1974)
• B.Eng., Lafayette College (1972)

His research bridges system dynamics and control theory with industrial applications. Early contributions included multivariable control in gas metal arc welding (GMAW) and in-process sensing for aerospace-grade sheet forming. Current work addresses scalable additive manufacturing for low-cost housing using recycled materials and statistical control of roll-to-roll systems for microfluidic device production. Publications span biomechanical modeling, adaptive control theory, and nano-tooling design.

Scientific recognitions include:

• ASME Fellow (2012)
• ASME Hideo Hanafusa Outstanding Investigator Award (2020)
• SME College of Fellows (2020)

Prof. Hardt has mentored over 221 graduate theses and co-led the development of MIT’s Master of Engineering in Manufacturing program and EdX MicroMasters in Principles of Manufacturing. He directs research at the MIT Laboratory for Manufacturing and Productivity and serves on technical advisory boards for startups like Digital Alloys and Industrial ML.