Peter J. Berkelman

Peter J. Berkelman is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Hawaii’s College of Engineering. He holds a PhD from Carnegie Mellon University (1999). His research focuses on Haptic Interfaces, Surgical Robotics, Magnetic Levitation, and Robotic Rehabilitation. He leads the Human-Robot Interaction Lab (HRIL), advancing medical robotics and haptic technologies.

He teaches courses including ME375 (Dynamics of Machines), ME374 (Kinematics), ME452 (Robotics), and ME696 (Biorobotics). His work bridges mechanical engineering with biomedical applications, emphasizing surgical systems, force feedback, and minimally invasive techniques. Key contributions include magnetic levitation for haptic devices, robotic endoscope manipulators, and microsurgical instrumentation.

His patent portfolio includes positioning systems for medical devices and adaptive magnetic surfaces. Collaborative projects span otology surgery, urology interventions, and teleoperated surgical systems. His research emphasizes practical clinical integration of robotic technologies.