Robert D. Gregg, IV

Robert D. Gregg, IV is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, and Electrical & Computer Engineering at the University of Michigan. He serves as Associate Director for Graduate Education at Michigan Robotics and directs the Locomotor Control Systems Laboratory. His research focuses on control systems for wearable robots, prosthetics, and orthotics, emphasizing biomimetic principles and nonlinear control theory. Gregg holds a PhD from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2010) and prior academic roles at the University of Texas at Dallas and Northwestern University.

Education:

• PhD, Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2010
• MS, Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2007
• BS, Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences, University of California, Berkeley, 2006

Research Interests: Gregg’s work spans control mechanisms for bipedal locomotion, wearable robotics, nonlinear control theory, and rehabilitation engineering. His lab develops high-performance control systems for prosthetic legs and exoskeletons to enhance mobility for individuals with disabilities. Key areas include energy-efficient control strategies, adaptive impedance systems, and biomechanical modeling of human movement.

Grant & Award Highlights:

• $3M NIH R01 Grant (2023): Modeling and control of agile powered prosthetic legs for varied activities.
• $1.7M NIH R01 Grant (2021): Modular powered orthoses for broad patient populations.
• NSF CAREER Award (2017)
• NIH New Innovator Award (2013)

Advising & Labs: Gregg mentors PhD students in robotics and biomechanics, emphasizing independent research and collaborative team environments. His lab supports over 15 researchers and has produced notable alumni like Dr. Cara Welker (University of Colorado Boulder faculty). The lab’s work is supported by NIH, NSF, and industry partnerships.

Recent Contributions: Recent work includes phase-variable control for stair climbing, energy shaping methods for exoskeletons, and open-source robotic leg platforms. Gregg also chairs major robotics conferences (e.g., IROS 2023) and advises on clinical translation of wearable robotics.