Sunil K. Agrawal

Sunil K. Agrawal is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Professor of Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine at Columbia University, where he directs a highly interdisciplinary rehabilitation robotics program bridging the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and the College of Physicians and Surgeons. His research focuses on developing robotic systems to restore and enhance human mobility for individuals with neurological disorders, pediatric conditions, and age-related decline.

Education:

• PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, 1990
• MS in Mechanical Engineering, Ohio State University, 1986
• BS in Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, 1984

Research Focus: Dr. Agrawal’s work centers on rehabilitation robotics, where he integrates dynamic systems, control theory, and optimization to create robotic devices that assist in gait training, balance improvement, and functional movement restoration. His studies span stroke, Parkinson’s disease, cerebral palsy, vestibular disorders, and spinal cord injury, using devices like the Tethered Pelvic Assist Device (TPAD) and robotic exoskeletons.

Scientific Honors:

• Machine Design Award, ASME (2016)
• Robotics and Mechanisms Award, ASME (2016)
• Fellow, American Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE) (2016)
• Fellow, American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) (2004)
• Alexander von Humboldt Foundation U.S. Senior Scientist Award (2007)
• Friedrich Wilhelm Bessel Research Award (2002)
• Presidential Faculty Fellow Award, The White House (1994)

Research Collaborations & Funding: Dr. Agrawal collaborates with faculty across Neurology, Rehabilitation Medicine, Pediatric Orthopedics, Otolaryngology, Geriatrics, and Psychiatry. His work is supported by the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, and the Spinal Cord Injury Research Board.

Laboratory & Outreach: He leads an active research group focused on translational robotic systems, with ongoing clinical trials for stroke, Parkinson’s, cerebral palsy, and elderly fall prevention. His lab develops novel robotic braces, exoskeletons, and VR-integrated training platforms.