Robin Chhabra

Dr. Robin Chhabra is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Mechanical, Industrial, and Mechatronics Engineering, Toronto Metropolitan University. Specializing in robotics and mechatronics, his research focuses on soft robotics, embodied artificial intelligence, and space exploration technologies.

• Canada Research Chair in Cognitive Soft Space Robotics (2018-2024)
• Director of the ELIXIR Lab (Embodied Learning and Intelligence for eXploration and Innovative soft Robotics)

His research integrates geometric mechanics, neuroscience, and artificial general intelligence to develop damage-tolerant, self-aware robotic systems for space applications. Key contributions include:

• First-of-its-kind meta-package for legged robot morphologies
• Singularity-free control algorithms for space manipulators
• Neuromorphic soft robotics prototypes (e.g., silicone inchworm robots)

Recent publications emphasize multi-robot coordination, Lie group-based sensor fusion, and biologically inspired control systems for planetary exploration. Awards include:

• Canada Research Chair in Autonomous Space Robotics and Mechatronics
• Early Career Discovery Launch Supplement

At the ELIXIR Lab, Chhabra mentors graduate students in developing robots capable of creative problem-solving during space disasters like orbital debris encounters or legged locomotion failures. His work spans robotics, control theory, and space systems engineering.