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Robert Brooks
Founder and CEO at Forcen
Robert Brooks is the Founder and CEO of Forcen, a Toronto-based company that manufactures digital force/torque sensing solutions for high-reliability robotics applications.1 With over a decade of experience in robotics, Brooks has worked across various industries including nuclear, manufacturing, logistics, pharmaceutical, and surgical robotics.1
Education and Background
Brooks holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Toronto, where his thesis focused on next-generation sensing and actuation for surgical robotics.1 He also earned a Bachelor of Applied Science in Honours Mechatronics Engineering from the University of Waterloo, graduating with an impressive 88.6% overall GPA and on the Dean's Honor List.2
Professional Experience
Forcen: As the founder and CEO of Forcen since December 2015, Brooks leads the company in developing force/torque sensing solutions for complex and high-reliability applications in surgical, logistic, field, space, and frontier robotics.12
Previous Roles: Before founding Forcen, Brooks held several positions that contributed to his expertise:
- Co-Founder and CTO at MagniWare Ltd (April 2014 - May 2015)
- Medical Device Designer at The Hospital for Sick Children (May 2011 - August 2012)
- Control Systems Designer at Pharmatrust (September 2010 - December 2010)
- Electrical/Computer Engineer at Lutron Electronics (January 2010 - April 2010)
- Mobile Robotics Developer at University of Waterloo (May 2009 - August 2009)2
Expertise and Skills
Robert Brooks is recognized as a leading expert in precision, high-reliability robotic sensing and design.3 His experience spans various areas, including:
- Micro-machining
- High-density circuit board assembly
- Welding with a focus on precision machine assemblies
- Designing and developing next-generation surgical robotic mechanisms and sensors3
Throughout his career, Brooks has demonstrated his ability to take medical devices from clinical need to commercialization, showcasing his skills as both an R&D engineer and an entrepreneur.2
