Cameron Riviere

Cameron Riviere is an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology at the University of Pittsburgh and a faculty member at the Robotics Institute, Carnegie Mellon University. He leads the Surgical Mechatronics Laboratory, focusing on robotic systems for microsurgery and medical interventions.

• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University (1995)
• B.S. in Ocean Engineering, Virginia Tech (1989)
• B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Virginia Tech (1989)

His research spans medical robotics, surgical mechatronics, and bioengineering, with emphasis on handheld micromanipulators, tremor suppression, and robot-assisted intraocular and cardiac procedures. He develops systems that enhance precision, safety, and autonomy in surgery through advanced sensing, control, and machine learning.

The recent publications highlight a strong trend in image-guided surgical robotics, particularly using monocular vision and electromagnetic tracking for retinal and cardiac interventions. Themes include physiological motion compensation, force control, needle steering, and real-time localization. His work bridges engineering innovation with clinical application, aiming to improve surgeon workflow and patient outcomes.

• Second Place, 1995 Whitaker Student Paper Competition, IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society

As director of the Surgical Mechatronics Laboratory, Dr. Riviere mentors students and researchers in developing next-generation surgical robots. While no specific grants are listed, his sustained publication record suggests continuous funding in robotics and biomedical engineering. His work includes collaborations across institutions and disciplines, particularly in integrating robotics into ophthalmology and cardiology.

He directs the Surgical Mechatronics Laboratory at Carnegie Mellon, where his team develops innovative robotic tools such as the Micron handheld device, epicardial wire robots, and soft actuators for ablation catheters. The lab focuses on practical, deployable systems that address clinical challenges in minimally invasive surgery.