Rob N. Candler

California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Rob N. Candler is a leading innovator in the field of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and surgical robotics, with a focused expertise in developing advanced tactile feedback technologies for minimally invasive procedures. His major contributions center on restoring the sense of touch to robotic surgery, a critical limitation of current systems. Candler pioneered the design and microfabrication of miniature, high-performance force sensors, including a groundbreaking tri-axial sensor capable of measuring both normal and shear forces simultaneously—a first for the field. His work on a thin-film capacitive force sensor array and a biaxial sensing suture breakage warning system further demonstrates his commitment to enhancing surgical precision and safety. With his most-cited papers collectively garnering over 65 citations, Candler’s research has laid the essential groundwork for integrating tactile feedback into clinical robotic systems, directly improving the dexterity and situational awareness of surgeons. His notable achievements include demonstrating the first microfabricated sensor for triaxial force sensing in a single element, a key step toward making robotic surgery more intuitive and effective.