Faculty of Engineering
Research project description
Cell injection is a key technique in biomedical research and therapy, enabling the delivery of biomolecules into cells for gene modification and treatment development. It is widely used in gene therapy, drug discovery, cancer research, and stem cell research, where precise force control is critical to preserve cell viability. AI and micro-robotics enhance injection accuracy and consistency by reducing human variability.
At the University of Waterloo, we have developed a magnetically levitated micro-robot with micro-newton force control that guides cells onto a stationary needle rather than inserting the needle into the cell. Combined with AI-based modelling, sensor fusion, and force control, this approach offers a promising advancement in cell injection and related biomedical applications.
Fields of research
- Contactless micromanipulation and micro-robotics
- Manipulation in hazardous environment
- Clean rooms applications
- Wind tunnel testing
- Wafer growth and wafer transportation
Qualifications and ideal student profile
Prospective graduate student researchers must meet or exceed the minimum admission requirements for the programs connected to this opportunity. Visit the program pages using the links on this page to learn more about minimum admission requirements. In addition to minimum requirements, the research supervisor is looking for the following qualifications and student profile.
- A candidate (master's or PhD level) should have a background in mechatronics and control systems, as well as basic knowledge of machine learning.
- Candidates for a master’s program are required to have a scholarship. Candidates for a PhD program may apply without a scholarship; however, a higher GPA will make them eligible for various scholarships for which they can apply.
Faculty researcher and supervisor
- Behrad Khamesee
Professor, Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering
View faculty profile →
Maglev Micorobotics Laboratory→
Graduate programs connected to this project
Important dates
AI-Powered Magnetically Levitated Microrobots for Precision Force-Controlled Cell Injections is accepting expressions of interest for the spring 2026, fall 2026, winter 2027 terms.