NJIT Alumnus Robert Cohen Elected to National Academy of Engineering

Robert Cohen, president of Digital, Robotics, and Enabling Technology at Stryker, and a distinguished alumnus of New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), has been elected to the prestigious National Academy of Engineering (NAE). This honor, one of the highest professional distinctions in engineering, recognizes Cohen's outstanding contributions to orthopedic surgical procedures and devices, and his leadership in additive manufacturing and biomaterials.

Cohen's career has been marked by the pursuit of innovation, resulting in groundbreaking technologies that have impacted millions of patients worldwide. He is a visionary inventor holding 29 design and method patents, many of which have been commercialized by some of the largest MedTech companies in the world. His work has significantly advanced the field of orthopedic joint replacement surgery, improving patient quality of life and implant survivorship longevity.

One key focus of Cohen's work has been the application of additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, to the design and production of orthopedic implants. He has been instrumental in developing novel design features for these implants, leading to improved manufacturability, accuracy, and robustness. These advancements have directly contributed to the durability of implants, which reduces the need for revision surgery, benefiting millions of patients.

“Robert has been both a leader and an innovator throughout his incredible career,” said fellow NJIT alumna, trustee and NAE member Norma Clayton. “His contributions to both the field of engineering and to higher education through his service to NJIT and the University of Miami have been remarkable.”

Cohen's leadership extends beyond his technical innovations. He played a crucial role in the integration of Mako Surgical Corp into Stryker, a $128 billion market cap company. The Mako robotic arm-assisted system, which he helped bring to the operating room and global market, has revolutionized orthopedic hip and knee joint replacement surgery, leading to better patient outcomes including less pain and shorter recovery times. With over 2,000 Mako systems in operation globally, and over 1 million procedures completed, the impact and patient benefit of this technology has been felt throughout the health care industry.

His contributions also include the invention of a novel design for implant components used in total knee replacements, features that have been recognized as important advancements in implant design. These innovations, used in over 4 million patients, have significantly reduced the need for revision surgery. Furthermore, Cohen invented a new polymer/metal lattice composite biomaterial that enables more stable joint function, also used in millions of patients.

With the advent of 3D printing, Cohen’s innovative spirit found a way to leverage the technology into orthopedic devices. He guided Pipeline Orthopedics to the first FDA approval of a 3D-printed orthopedic device for joint load-bearing applications, paving the way for other companies to expand the field with similar designs.

A dedicated supporter of his alma mater, the three-time alumnus serves as chair of the NJIT Board of Trustees. He actively champions the innovation ecosystem and speaks at the univeristy and at high schools to motivate students to pursue a STEM career while detailing careers in medical technology. He continuously mentors students and, with his family, provides scholarships over the many years to students in need.

"Robert is driven and incredibly passionate about his work at Stryker, NJIT and on behalf of the many other organizations he serves," added NJIT President Teik C. Lim. "He understands how significant innovations that improve lives can be, whether in health care or education, and he has been a catalyst for many critical innovations."

Cohen's numerous accolades include being a National Academy of Inventors Fellow (2024), an American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering Fellow (2019), and a Stryker R&D Fellow (2018). He is also a member of Tau Beta Pi National Engineering Honor Society and has received the NJIT Alumni Achievement Award (2012) and The Hip Society Otto Aufranc Award (2005).

In addition to his leadership on NJIT’s Board of Trustees, Cohen has served on the board of the Research & Development Council of New Jersey, and currently is vice-chair of the Advanced Medical (AdvaMed) Digital Technology Board.

Cohen earned his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering (1983), M.S. in Mechanical Engineering (1984) and M.S. in Engineering Management (1987). His election to the NAE is a well-deserved recognition of his outstanding contributions to engineering and his dedication to improving patient care. He will be formally inducted during the NAE's annual meeting Oct. 5, 2025.