Alexander Behr

Hi, I'm Alex. I have always had a deep passion for design and prototyping, in particular electromechanical and robotic devices. Examples of my recent work include: designing, assembling, and testing robots for marine applications, building 3D printers, and crafting steel chef's knives.

I combine my design, software, woodworking, machining, welding and blacksmithing skills to make almost anything, and that is what inspires me.   Recently, I was  given the opportunity to make a wheelchair for an injured tortoise.  For me,  this was a dream project! I love animals, and getting to design a unique wheelchair that would allow this hefty tortoise to move around while he recovered was so fulfilling. 

 As a child, I spent much time taking apart broken toys and electronic devices to learn what was inside. It became clear to me and my family that I was hardwired with a strong mechanical inclination and curiosity in general  about how things worked.  Pursuing my curiosity about all things and how they work has contributed to how I have acquired many relevant skills.  For example, at some point I decided that I wanted to know how to work with wood, so I started to learn woodworking.  In high school, I started to become interested in electromechanical devices, so I began experimenting, reading, and learning from whoever would teach me. When a new skill or technique catches my interest, I will always find a way to learn it and figure out a way to incorporate it into what I do.  Most recently, I found myself limited by desktop 3D printing, so I decided to learn more about machining. Since then, I have acquired a lathe and can make just about anything!

Being naturally curious and pursuing how mechanical things work has ultimately contributed to my educational and work accomplishments, skills and abilities that will last throughout my personal and work life.

I graduated from Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) with a degree in Computer Science and a minor in business management. In addition, I have 3 AWS welding certifications.

Currently, I am working as a Digital Manufacturing Engineer for Autotiv Manufacturing. I am responsible for putting together manufacturability reports, communicating with customers, and assisting other engineers with their work. I also have worked on a number of independent software development projects.

Previously, I had been working in the CWRU Crab Lab making crab-like robots designed for traversing beaches & oceans (for example to deal with submerged debris). My responsibilities have included:

• setting up lab equipment 
• designing,  manufacturing, and programming robots 
• designing & programming testing rigs
• supervising graduate and undergraduate students

Additionally I have worked as a prototype technician at two startups in Boston where I was responsible for setting up 3D printers & laser cutters, and for designing and manufacturing testing equipment.