Professor Karel Kruger

Position Governing Body Fellow
School Technology Institute for Manufacturing - Manufacturing and Management
Email kk829@cam.ac.uk
Department link Institute of Manufacturing

Karel's research explores how digital systems can be developed to integrate complex digital and physical systems and humans. He is interested in shaping the future of workspaces for people and building digital systems to serve the needs of industry and society alike.

Karel completed his undergraduate studies in mechatronic engineering, followed by a research master's degree and PhD, at Stellenbosch University (South Africa). After completing his PhD in 2018, he was appointed as a senior lecturer in the Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering at Stellenbosch University and was co-leader of the Mechatronics, Automation and Design Research Group.

He joined the Institute for Manufacturing at the University of Cambridge in May 2024 as an Associate Professor in Automation Systems.

Recognitions & achievements

Extraordinary Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical & Mechatronic Engineering, Stellenbosch University.

Human-System Integration, Digital Twins, Multi-Agent Systems, Holonic Systems, Manufacturing

Quick links

ResearchGate - Karel Kruger

What's on

Event Type (field_event_type)

A close-up of a purple allium flower with a spherical cluster of tiny blossoms on a tall stem, set against a softly blurred garden background.

Wolfson Bulb Trail

18/04/2026 at 10.00

Our new bulb trail allows you to enjoy our thoughtfully planted displays and explore our beautiful College Gardens at your own pace.

A vibrant abstract collage filled with layered cut-paper shapes, symbols, and text fragments in bright reds, oranges, blues, and purples, radiating outward from a glowing central area.

Art Exhibition: 'Epic Journeys'

18/04/2026 at 10.00

Visit Wolfson's latest exhibition 'Epic Journeys' featuring work by distinguished artist Hassan Aliyu.

An older woman in a red striped shirt and glasses stretches her arms out while standing on a sandy beach with waves in the background.

Lessons from WHO Non-Communicable Disease Initiative about Chronic Disease

21/04/2026 at 17.30

What links osteoporosis and heart disease? Dr Gordon Klein reveals surprising connections between two of ageing's biggest health challenges, and what they mean for prevention.