Masayoshi Tomizuka

Masayoshi Tomizuka is the Cheryl and John Neerhout Jr. Distinguished Professor in Engineering and a Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at UC Berkeley. He directs the Mechanical Systems Control Laboratory, where his research focuses on the design, modeling, and control of mechanical and robotic systems. Tomizuka’s group investigates cutting-edge topics such as intelligent robotic systems, autonomous vehicles, precision motion control, and human–robot collaboration. His work spans theoretical foundations—digital control, adaptive and optimal control, dynamic systems—and their translation into practical applications with real-world constraints. Over several decades, Tomizuka has made foundational contributions to control theory and mechatronics, influencing technologies used in manufacturing, robotics, automotive systems, and advanced automation. His lab emphasizes rigorous first-principles modeling, data-driven refinement, and experimental validation. Tomizuka joined the Berkeley faculty in 1974 and has since mentored numerous graduate students who have become leaders in academia and industry. His impact extends through extensive publications, collaborations, and service to the control and robotics research communities.