Rajko Tomović (1919 – 2007) was a Serbian engineer, scientist, and professor known for his pioneering contributions to robotics, cybernetics, and biomedical engineering. Born in Belgrade, then part of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia, he earned his doctorate in electrical engineering from the University of Belgrade, where he later held a senior faculty position in the Faculty of Electrical Engineering.
Tomović’s research focused on the development of control systems for artificial limbs, early robotic manipulators, and human–machine interfaces. He directed the Institute for Automation and Robotics at the University of Belgrade, where he led projects that produced some of the first powered prosthetic devices and autonomous robotic arms in the region. His work on adaptive control algorithms and sensory feedback mechanisms contributed to the foundational principles of modern cybernetic systems.
Among his notable achievements, Tomović:
- Developed the “Tomović robotic hand,” an early prosthetic hand with electrically actuated fingers and force feedback, influencing subsequent prosthetic designs worldwide.
- Authored influential publications on adaptive control theory, including the 1965 monograph Adaptive Control of Mechanical Systems.
- Served as a consultant to the Yugoslav Ministry of Defense on the automation of military equipment and to international organizations on the standardization of robotic interfaces.
Throughout his career, Tomović was a member of several scientific societies, including the International Federation of Automatic Control (IFAC) and the IEEE. He received multiple honors for his contributions, such as the Yugoslav Order of Labor with Gold Wreath and the IEEE Robotics and Automation Society Distinguished Service Award.
Rajko Tomović’s legacy endures in contemporary robotics and prosthetics research, where his early work on integrative control systems continues to inform the design of intelligent, bio‑compatible devices.
