Rate My Professor Steven Canfield

Dr. Canfield's research specializes in robot kinematics and dynamics, topological optimization of compliant manipulators, in-space mechanisms, and robot modeling, control, and development, particularly climbing mobile robots for autonomous welding and non-destructive evaluation inspection in hazardous environments. He has published over 70 refereed technical papers and holds multiple patents in robotics, dynamics, and design. Key publications include "Kinematic Control of a Mobile Robot Performing Manufacturing Tasks on Non-Planar Surfaces" (Journal of Automation, Mobile Robotics and Intelligent Systems, 2016), "Theoretical and Empirical Validation of a Mobile Robotic Welding Platform" (Welding Journal, 2012), "Similarity Rules for Scaling Solar Sail Systems" (Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, 2010), and patents such as US Patent No. 8413747 for a suspension for an endless track climbing machine (2012). Dr. Canfield coordinates the Mechatronics concentration, led the development of the university-wide Innovation and Entrepreneurship certificate (first graduates 2017), and created the Early Intervention and Mechanical Engineering (EIME) program, which has served over 1,000 students and families by 2013 and been replicated at other universities. His achievements include awards such as the ASME District F Student Section Advisor Award, National Academy of Engineering FOEE Fellow, TTU Presidential Faculty Fellow, and recognition as one of the Top 10 Scientists in Tennessee by Business Tennessee Magazine. He advises the ASME student chapter and Autonomous Robotics Club.