Dale Robinson

Dr. Dale Robinson is a Lecturer in The School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering. He specialises in Biomechanics, applying advanced engineering and computational techniques to investigate the function and disease of the musculoskeletal system. Dr. Robinson is an expert in both experimental and computational biomechanics. He develops novel experimental methods that combine customised mechanical loading apparatus with state-of-the-art sensing equipment to measure load and analyse material properties in human tissue and implants across micro- and macro-scales.

His computational expertise centres on rigid body models and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) for examining stress and strain in bone, soft tissue, and medical implants. A key focus is on integrating AI and statistical shape modelling with medical imaging (CT, MRI, micro-CT) to create automated workflows for the design and analysis of personalised 3D-printed implants.

Dr. Robinson’s significant research contributions include:

• Design and analysis of customised 3D printed jaw-joint replacement
• Changes in mechanical properties of cartilage with osteoarthritis
• Fracture risk assessment in at risk populations including osteoporosis
• Injury risk assessment for the lumbar spine and pelvis during blast attacks in military vehicles
• Load analysis of osseointegrated transfemoral amputees
• Pelvic fracture reconstruction using statistical shape modelling
• Automated workflows for the design of 3D-printed implants
• FEA of reverse shoulder replacements

Dale is an expert in the use of mechanical loading equipment to perform static, dynamic and fatigue tests of human cadaveric tissue and implants, with sizes ranging from the micro scale to macro-scale of full joints. Sensors that he has used extensively include:

• Digital image correlation and digital volume correlation
• Acoustic emission
• 3D scanners
• Multi-axis load cells
• Accelerometers
• High-speed cameras

Prior to his academic career, Dr. Robinson completed his undergraduate studies in Mechanical Engineering and Science (Mathematics) at UQ, followed by industrial experience with Boeing Aerostructures Australia. He earned his PhD in 2016 and conducted post-doctoral research in Biomechanical Engineering at the University of Melbourne.