Fathi H. Ghorbel

Fathi H. Ghorbel serves as Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Bioengineering at Rice University with a joint appointment across both departments. He directs the Robotics and Intelligent Systems (RiSYS) Lab and maintains active industry engagement through robotics startups focused on industrial inspection solutions.

His academic credentials include:

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University (1985)
• M.E. in Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University (1987)
• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (1991)

Research centers on dynamic systems and control theory with applications across robotics, biomedical systems, and mechanical engineering. The RiSYS Lab pioneers in-pipe robotics for energy infrastructure inspection (including coiled tubing solutions), swimming robots for subsea applications (Mantaray AUV prototype), and robotic rehabilitation systems. Current focus emphasizes novel magneto-optical sensing techniques and autonomous underwater vehicles for industrial inspection in constrained environments.

Professional recognition includes:

• Fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
• Senior Member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
• Order of National Merit in education and sciences (Tunisia)

Dr. Ghorbel founded itRobotics Inc. (providing non-destructive pipe inspection) and co-founded inRobotics Inc. (specializing in explosion-proof tank inspection), translating lab innovations into commercial applications. He previously served as President of the Tunisian Scientific Society and Vice-President of the Arab Science and Technology Foundation.

The RiSYS Lab drives energy-sector robotics through in-pipe locomotion research, magneto-optical defect identification systems, and subsea AUV development for oil tank inspection and intervention in tight spaces.