Prof. Bishakh Bhattacharya | SMSS Laboratory | IIT Kanpur

Power Substation Inspection Robot

Wed, 21 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0530

Project Status: Ongoing

Design and Developement of Autonomous Power Substation Inspection Robot

POWERGRID is presently operating 1,70,224 ckms of transmission lines along with 262 substations with 4,51,351 MVA transformation capacity. To maintain such vast network with more than 99% availability, it is challenging and requires lot of resources. Substations are the nodes of electrical grids, ensuring reliability, efficiency, and sustainability of electricity transmission and delivery.

In order to address the demands that arise during construction, refurbishment, and operation and maintenance (O&M) of substations, substantial efforts have been made to develop robots capable of assisting or replacing engineers in the performance of repetitive and/or dangerous tasks comprising the substation lifecycle. A further advantage of O&M robotics is that it can increase availability, as many facilities are unattended, yet must be continuously operational. POWERGRID and IIT Kanpur are jointly developing an autonomous mobile robot for inspection of substations to take care of repetitive and time-consuming inspection activities on a regular basis. The robot will be equipped with a wide array of sensors (IRIS control cameras, IR thermal sensors, LIDAR, fire alarms) and an autonomously (along with tele-operation feature) navigating platform which will roam around a substation and perform regular inspection for any damages in components that are essential for continuous running of the sub-station.

The robot will utilize advanced vision processing and machine learning algorithms to independently identify and flag any damages or failure to any critical components in the substation and automatically trigger an alarm. Use of such robot will also allow ground staff to access areas in a substation that are manually difficult to inspect. The robot will be trained using condition monitoring algorithms based on machine learning. This will enable the robot in damage identification, classification and prognosis of every sub-system. The procedure will upgrade the maintenance from routine monitoring to a continuous monitoring system and enhance the life of the components significantly.

Project Recruitment 🔔

Fri, 12 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0530

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Top 10% Citation in Smart Materials and Structures Journal!

Sun, 20 Aug 2023 00:00:00 +0530

🌟 Exciting News! 🌟

We are thrilled to share a great news! Our review article, “A review on shape memory alloy reinforced polymer composite materials and structures,” published in Smart Materials and Structures (SMS), has made a significant impact in the field.

According to the latest analysis shared by Dr. Ian Forbes (Publisher - SMS) , our article was cited a remarkable 15 times in 2022, placing it in the top 10% of articles contributing to the impressive 2022 Impact Factor of 4.1 for SMS. 📈

We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Ian Forbes, the Publisher of SMS, for the kind acknowledgment and for providing a platform to share my research with the world. 🙏

We are truly humbled by this recognition, and it serves as a testament to the importance of collaborative research and the incredible potential of shape memory alloy reinforced polymer composite materials and structures. 🔬

Jitendra Bhaskar, Arun Kumar Sharma, Bishakh Bhattacharya, Sondipon Adhikari (2020). A review on shape memory alloy reinforced polymer composite materials and structures. Smart Materials and Structures.

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Best Paper Award in 6th IEEE ICKII 2023 - Mr. Ashish Shukla

Tue, 15 Aug 2023 00:00:00 +0530

6th IEEE international Conference on Knowledge Innovation and Invention 2023

Conference website : https://www.ickii.org/

August 11-13, 2023 - Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan

Paper Title: Phygital design of an innovative and portable Autosampler using SMA based mini-actuator for river quality assessment

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Abstract

The evaluation of river water quality is of paramount importance in the maintenance of the well-being and durability of our water reservoirs. While real time sensors can be utilised to analyse various water properties of a river, being able to automatically extract water from a natural setting for controlled laboratory analysis has potential to broaden the scope of research opportunities in terms of quality assurance and range of tests which can be conducted. The present research outlines the proposed conceptual design of a novel and portable submersible autosampler. The Quality Function Deployment (QFD) methodology is utilised to ensure a thorough and methodical approach to the design process. The QFD is employed to determine and rank customer needs, vis a vis currently available auto-sampling technology transforming them into precise design attributes and performance benchmarks. As one of the design solutions, prioritised by QFD on light deployable actuator, we have considered Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) based actuation as a disruptive technology. The proposed device incorporates a NITINOL based SMA spring architecture to effectively draw water samples from rivers via an active syringe. The use of SMA spring based actuation in the submersible autosampler provides various benefits, such as high energy density in a lightweight actuator, superior mechanical strength, and corrosion resistance, in comparison to other existing actuation techniques. The autosampler has the capability to gather a maximum of 10 samples at intervals that can be controlled by the user. It is powered by open-source Arduino hardware and software integrated with the actuator that can be customised by the user to meet the specific deployment needs. This autosampler employs a time triggered sampling methodology by collecting water samples in a syringe and the volume of the sample is determined by the duration of the actuation of the SMA spring. We envisage the integration of the autosampler into our previously designed buoy system which also has the capacity of self-harvesting energy to sustain the monitoring system.

Best Projects Awards - SMSS Lab Summer Internship 2023 🏅

Sat, 22 Jul 2023 00:00:00 +0530

Best Summer Projects Result Declaration 🏅

With a moment of great pride, we are delighted to announce the declaration of the Best Projects from the Summer Internship Program 2023! 🎉🏆

The Summer Internship Program at SMSS Laboratory, IIT Kanpur has been a journey of innovation, dedication, and collaborative exploration. We had the privilege of mentoring some of the brightest young minds from different institutes across the country. Their enthusiasm and commitment to research have been truly commendable.

The projects presented during the internship period were of exceptional quality, making the evaluation process both exciting and challenging for us. The depth of analysis, novel approaches, and real-world applicability demonstrated by our interns were truly inspiring.

Recipients of the Best Summer Projects awards 🏅

Position	Name	Institute	Project Title
1️⃣ Joint 1st	Brid Ojas Chandrashekhar	IIT Kanpur	Development of Social Robot for Child robot Interaction
1️⃣ Joint 1st	Akshat Nama	IIITDM Jabalpur	Design and development of Bionic arm model
2️⃣ Joint 2nd	Shivam Gupta	IIT Kanpur	Compressed Air-based Cargo Hyperloop Mobility System
2️⃣ Joint 2nd	Suryansh Pathak	MNNIT Allahabad	Exploring the Dynamics of Interlaced Metamaterial Lattices
3️⃣ Joint 3rd	Shashikant Yadav	IIT Kanpur	Size Optimization of Shape Memory Allor (SMA) based Rotary Actuator
3️⃣ Joint 3rd	Navya Gupta	Shiv Nadar University	Exploring a novel evaporative cooling technique for SMA-powered actuation system

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to each of the awardees for their outstanding contributions to their respective fields of study. Your dedication and hard work have not only advanced the frontiers of knowledge but also inspired all of us at SMSS Lab.

We would also like to express our gratitude to all the interns who participated in the Summer Internship Program. Your passion for research, collaboration, and thirst for knowledge have been the driving force behind the success of this program.

Join Us in Applauding the Future Innovators! 🌟👏

Please join us in congratulating the awardees and all the interns of SMSS Lab Summer Internship 2023! We are confident that the experiences gained during this internship will serve as a solid foundation for your future pursuits in academia and beyond.

Design and Development of Aquatic Autonomous Observatory Using QFD Methodology

Sat, 01 Jul 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Celebrating 23 Years of Innovation and Excellence SMSS Lab, IIT Kanpur! 🎉

Thu, 08 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0530

Today, on the auspicious occasion of the 23rd foundation day of the Smart Materials, Structures, and Systems (SMSS) Lab at IIT Kanpur, we are delighted to reflect upon the incredible journey of this esteemed laboratory. Since its establishment on 8th June 2001, the SMSS Lab has been at the forefront of cutting-edge research and has consistently strived for excellence in the field of smart materials and robotics.

Over the years, the SMSS Lab has made remarkable contributions to the world of science and technology. With an extensive alumni network comprising 14 PhDs, 82 M.Tech/ MS(R), and 31 M.Des graduates, our lab has nurtured exceptional talent and empowered individuals to become leaders in their respective fields. One of our proudest achievements is the significant impact we have made through our research outputs. The SMSS Lab has published over 100 journal articles and presented at 50+ conferences, showcasing our dedication to advancing knowledge and sharing our findings with the global scientific community. Additionally, our lab has been awarded 14 patents, highlighting our commitment to innovation and intellectual property.

Collaboration has been a key pillar of our success, and we have forged strong ties with both industry and academia. These partnerships have enabled us to bring real-world applicability to our research and fostered an environment of interdisciplinary learning. We are grateful for the support and cooperation received from our collaborators, as together, we have achieved remarkable milestones. Furthermore, the SMSS Lab has undertaken more than 60 projects, with a sanctioned budget of 30 Crore INR. This reflects not only the trust placed in our capabilities but also our commitment to executing impactful research that brings tangible benefits to society.

The core research areas of the SMSS Lab encompass Healthcare Robotics, Active & Passive Vibration Control, Intelligent System Design, Structural Health Management, Sensors and Actuators, and Smart Materials and Robotics.

On this special occasion, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the faculty members, researchers, staff, alumni, industry partners, and well-wishers who have been part of the SMSS Lab’s journey. Your unwavering support and dedication have been instrumental in our accomplishments. As we celebrate the 23rd foundation day of the SMSS Lab, we recommit ourselves to the pursuit of knowledge, innovation, and societal impact. We look forward to continuing our mission of pushing boundaries, shaping the future, and making a difference in the world through smart materials, structures, and systems. Here’s to many more years of groundbreaking research, transformative partnerships, and exceptional achievements! 🚀

#SMSSLab #IITKanpur #FoundationDay #Innovation #ResearchExcellence #Collaboration #SmartMaterials #Structures #Robotics

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Recent Publication (May-2023)

Fri, 26 May 2023 00:00:00 +0530

Journal Article

Harsh Mirani, Vivek Gupta, Sondipon Adhikari, Bishakh Bhattacharya (2023). Tailoring of interface modes in topologically protected edge states with hourglass lattice metamaterials. Journal of Sound and Vibration.

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Welcome Summer Interns 2023 at SMSS Lab, IIT Kanpur! 🌟

Sat, 20 May 2023 00:00:00 +0530

It’s with great excitement that we welcome the talented Summer Interns 2023 to SMSS Laboratory, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur! 🎉 These interns, hailing from various esteemed institutes across the country, bring a diverse range of skills, perspectives, and experiences to our dynamic research community.

🤝 Embracing Diversity and Collaboration 🌐

We embrace diversity and collaboration, recognizing that innovation thrives when different voices come together. Our interns represent a rich tapestry of academic backgrounds and disciplines, and we are excited to witness the fruitful exchange of ideas that will shape their journey and the progress of our research endeavors.

🔬 Projects and Mentorship 👥

During their tenure at SMSS Lab, our interns will have the opportunity to work on exciting research projects that align with their interests and goals. They will be paired with experienced mentors who will guide and support them throughout their journey. We believe in empowering our interns to take ownership of their projects, encouraging independent thinking, and nurturing their research skills.

On behalf of the entire SMSS Lab Group, we extend a warm welcome to our Summer Interns 2023! 🌟 We are thrilled to have you join us and look forward to witnessing your achievements, discoveries, and contributions during your time with us.

ISSS Technology Award-2022 jontly awarded to Kanhaiya Lal Chaurasiya and Yashaswi Sinha

Mon, 15 May 2023 19:12:06 +0530

Heartiest Congratulations to Mr. Kanhaiya Lal Chaurasiya & Mr. Yashaswi Sinha from the Deptof Mechanical Eng for being awarded the WINNER under the ISSS Technology Award 2022 ISSS, a professional society at IISc Bangalore.#IITKStudents #iitk #IITKanpur pic.twitter.com/4QukLUHk2r
— IIT Kanpur (@IITKanpur) May 12, 2023

Heartiest Congratulations to Mr. Kanhaiya Lal Chaurasiya and Mr. Yashaswi Sinha from the Department of Mechanical Engineering for being awarded the WINNER under the ISSS Technology Award 2022 category constituted by Institute for Smart Structures and Systems (ISSS), a professional society at Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore.

Mr. Kanhaiya (Senior Project Scientist) and Mr. Yashaswi (Project Engineer) have worked with Prof. Bishakh Bhattacharya and got this award for their innovation on “Bio-inspired shape memory alloy based artificial muscle actuator for medical and space robots application.”

This Technology Award is designed for scientists/engineers who undertake major initiatives to commercialize a product in the area of micro and smart systems.

You may read more about the award on ISSS Technology Award.

Recent Publications (Apr-2023)

Tue, 25 Apr 2023 00:00:00 +0530

Conference Papers

Ambuj Kumar Gautam, Wen Chuan Wu, Ching-Chung Yin, Bishakh Bhattacharya (2023). Investigation of mode conversion of SH waves at the welded tabular ends of a fuel storage tank. Health Monitoring of Structural and Biological Systems XVII.

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Kanhaiya Lal Chaurasiya, Varun Pawar, Bishakh Bhattacharya (2023). An innovative method and apparatus for speed control of pipe health monitoring robot during gas pipeline inspection. Health Monitoring of Structural and Biological Systems XVII.

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Yashaswi Sinha, Kanhaiya Lal Chaurasiya, Yash Ashok Kumar Patel, Tanuj Gupta, Bishakh Bhattacharya, Amanpreet Singh (2023). Design and development of novel rotary actuation system based on shape memory alloy springs driven mechanism arranged in bipennate muscle architecture. Active and Passive Smart Structures and Integrated Systems XVII.

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Amanpreet Singh, Vivek Gupta, Bishakh Bhattacharya (2023). Dispersion characteristics of a ZPR hourglass lattice structure. Active and Passive Smart Structures and Integrated Systems XVII.

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Vivek Gupta, Amanpreet Singh, Bishakh Bhattacharya (2023). Wave propagation study in metamaterial sandwich structure with periodically inserted hourglass resonators. Active and Passive Smart Structures and Integrated Systems XVII.

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Australia India Research Students Fellow: Ashish Shukla

Sat, 21 Jan 2023 00:00:00 +0530

We are happy to share that Mr. Ashish Shukla has been selected as an Australia India Research Students Fellow for 2023 under the IIT Kanpur-La Trobe University Exchange Program.

Ashish is working on his PhD in the Department of Design under the supervision of Prof. Bishakh Bhattacharya.

The program is funded by the Australian government and he will be visiting La Trobe University to work on the project on Design and Development of Intelligent Energy Harvesting Autonomous Buoy for River Water Quality Management.

Patent Granted (January-2023)

Fri, 06 Jan 2023 00:00:00 +0530

Mahendra Kumar Gohil, Anirudha Bhattacharjee, Bishakh Bhattacharya, Samir Kumar Biswas (2022). A ROBOT SYSTEM FOR AUTOMATICALLY MANAGING AGRICULTURAL ACTIVITIES. Patent No: 416719.

Patent Certificate

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AgroTech

SMSS Lab Visit: Guest of Honour Dr. Shriya Srinivasan

Wed, 04 Jan 2023 00:00:01 +0530

On behalf of the CoE: Telemedicine and Robotics, Gangwal School of Medical Sciences and Technology, Prof. Bishakh Bhattacharya invited Dr. Shriya Srinivasan for a talk on Neural Interfacing for Sensory Feedback and Neuroprosthetic Control. She also visited our SMSS Laboratory on 04-Jan-2023. Dr. Shriya Srinivasan is a Schmidt Science Fellow and Junior Fellow at the Harvard Society of Fellows. She graduated from Case Western Reserve University with a BS in biomedical engineering, with a concentration in biomaterials. Shriya received her doctoral degree in medical engineering and medical physics through the Harvard-MIT Health Sciences and Technology program in January 2020. Shriya will be an assistant professor in the school of engineering and applied science at Harvard University in July 2023.

The lab members showcased demonstration of AgroTech robots, Bioinspired SMA based actuators, Gripper system based on soft robotics, Pipe health monitoring robot, Power Substation Inspection Robot and state-of-the-art Laser Doppler Vibrometer among others. Through this visit, we got a chance to interact and receive critical inputs and feedback from the Dr. Srinivasan.

Dr. Shriya Srinivasan and Prof. Bishakh Bhattacharya with the SMSS Lab members

The Shape Memory Alloy Actuator team demonstrating the concept of Bioinspired SMA Actuation system to Dr. Shriya Srinivasan

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YNU International Symposium 2022 at Yokohama, Japan

Thu, 22 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0530

About the Symposium: YOKOHAMA-SXIP

Yokohama International Education Program for Leading Sustainability Transformation towards a Resilient Society with Industry-Government-Academia Network

YNU’s proposal “Yokohama International Education Program for Leading Sustainability Transformation towards a Resilient Society with Industry-Government-Academia Network” was accepted by Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Japan (MEXT) as an “INTER-UNIVERSITY EXCHANGE PROJECT” in FY2022. In collaboration with partner universities in India and Australia, an international collaborative learning program will be established to enable international and cross-disciplinary student teams to proactively develop plans and engage in interactive exchanges to solve global issues.

Organized by YOKOHAMA-SXIP Organizing Committee
Supported by MEXT-JSPS “INTER- UNIVERSITY EXCHANGE PROJECT”
Date: December 21st - 22nd, 2022
Venue: Yokohama National University, Japan

Scope and Topics

The environment surrounding us is rapidly changing due to global environmental issues such as global warming, changes in industrial structure caused by technological advancements, and epidemics of new coronaviruses. By interacting directly with students and faculty from overseas, both in person and online, the symposium will provide an opportunity for global interactions across disciplines and to understand each other’s values. We hope that this symposium will provide an opportunity for new exchanges among the participants and their research colleagues.

Keynote Speaker - Prof. Bishakh Bhattacharya at YNU International Symposium 2022

Invited Speaker - Kanhaiya Lal Chaurasiya at YNU International Symposium 2022

Student Poster Presentation - Mahendra Kumar Gohil at YNU International Symposium 2022

Student Poster Presentation - Anjali Rameswari at YNU International Symposium 2022

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Bioinspired SMA based Actuator

Mon, 12 Dec 2022 20:18:05 +0530

Project Status: Ongoing

Challenge #1: DC motor based actuators are being widely used in various fields; however, they mostly depend upon the embedded gear train mechanism to provide required torque output. The use of gear trains, in turn, increases the cost, size, and weight of the actuators.
Challenge #2: Yuan et al. (2017) reviewed shape memory alloy (SMA) based rotary actuators available and reported that their output torque capacity is limited to 1.1 N-m with a design envelope size of approximately (140 x 90 x 60 mm). The survey also reported that the overall dimension of the SMA based actuator keeps on increasing drastically with an increase in output torque requirement for a particular mechanical design.

All the n unipennate structure (n=6 in this figure) have been connected in series with Vin as the input voltage. Stage I: schematic of SMA wires in a bipennate configuration under zero voltage condition; Stage II: depicts the structure under actuation where the SMA wires have contracted because of the reverses transformation as represented by red lines.

The plot depicts the experimental results for the temperature of the SMA wires as well as the force generated by the SMA-based bipennate actuator over two cycles. The input voltage was provided in two 10 s cycles (as shown by the red dots) with a 15 s cooling period between each cycle. The SMA wire used for the experimentation is the 0.51 mm diameter Flexinol wire from Dynalloy, Inc. (a) The graph depicts the experimental force obtained over the course of two cycles, (c, d) show two independent instances of the movable arm of actuator striking the PACEline CFT/5kN piezoelectric force transducer, (b) the graph depicts the maximum temperature across the entire length of the SMA wire during the two cycles, and (e) shows the snapshot of the temperature across the SMA wires obtained from the LWIR camera using the FLIR ResearchIR software.

(a) Displays the simulation output of the temperature distribution as well as the stress-induced transition temperature of the SMA-based bipennate actuator. When the temperature of the wire crosses the austenite transition temperature in the heating phase, the modified austenite transition temperature starts to rise, and likewise the martensite transition temperatures drops when the temperature of the wire crosses the martensite transition temperature in the cooling phase, (b) a Simulink block diagram of the mathematical model for a bipennate-based SMA linear actuator that was utilised for analytical modelling of the actuation process.

Therefore, the current project proposes to provide a solution to tackle both of the abovementioned challenges. The idea behind the project is based on the biomimetic approach, which provides an abundance of designs and solutions which are optimized and efficient in nature to solve complex human problems. The solution to this problem can be obtained from the biomimicry of muscles located in the human body. These types of muscles generally allow higher force production but a smaller range of motion. The design of muscle provides the flexibility of controlling the length of fiber (in our case, SMA wire) to obtain the torque requirement without having any significant effect on the overall dimensions, weight, and cost of the actuator.

The proposed shape memory alloy-based actuator has wide applications ranging from building automation controls to precise drug delivery methods Being in compact nature, it can also be used to control microvalves for precise drug delivery systems for cancer patients. SMA controlled actuators can be optimized towards aspects like reliability, low-cost production, safety, and minimal dimensions.

Journal Article

Kanhaiya Lal Chaurasiya, A. Sri Harsha, Yashaswi Sinha, Bishakh Bhattacharya (2022). Design and development of non-magnetic hierarchical actuator powered by shape memory alloy based bipennate muscle. Scientific Reports.

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Patent

Bishakh Bhattacharya, A Sri Harsha, Kanhaiya Lal Chaurasiya (2022). Bipennate Muscle Architecture-based Shape Memory Alloy Embedded Hierarchical Actuator. Patent Number: 414106.

Bishakh Bhattacharya, Kapil Das Sahu, Kanhaiya Lal Chaurasiya, Ujjain Kumar Bidila, P Mani Kumar, Yashaswi Sinha, Johnson Controls (2022). An Actuator for a Valve. WIPO (PCT) Application: PCT/US22/41899.

Patent Granted (December-2022)

Fri, 09 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0530

Bishakh Bhattacharya, A Sri Harsha, Kanhaiya Lal Chaurasiya (2022). Bipennate Muscle Architecture-based Shape Memory Alloy Embedded Hierarchical Actuator. Patent Number: 414106.

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Bioinspired SMA Actuator

SMSS Lab showcases Pipe Health Monitoring Robot at IInvenTiv -2022, IIT Delhi

Fri, 14 Oct 2022 00:00:00 +0530

SMSS Laboratory presented the indigenous innovation on adaptive intelligent pipe health monitoring robot for fuel transportation systems in IInvenTiv 2022, the first-of-its mega R&D Innovation Fair showcasing 75 technologies from 23 IITs under one umbrella. The event was inaugurated by Hon’ble Union Minister of Education, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan Ji, at IIT Delhi on 14 Oct 2022.

The team representing the lab got an opportunity to interact with various institutes and industries for further collaborations on futuristic research and innovations.

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Pipe Health Monitoring Robot (PHMR)

Dr. Vikas Sharma (Assistant Professor, LNMIIT Jaipur) received SERB funded Teachers Associateship for Research Excellence (TARE)

Thu, 06 Oct 2022 00:00:00 +0530

Dr. Vikas Sharma (Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical-Mechatronics Engineering, The LNM Institute of Information Technology) has received Science and Engineering Research Board funding under Teachers Associateship for Research Excellence (TARE) for the project titled “Development of shape memory alloy based smart bearing system for vibration isolation of an axle for locomotive applications”. He will be joining the SMSS Laboratory under the mentorship of Prof. Bishakh Bhattacharya for undertaking the research.

SMSS lab showcases high societal impact projects to Portescap

Tue, 20 Sep 2022 00:00:00 +0530

SMSS Laboratory hosted Mr. Amitava Sur (Managing Director), Ms. Usha Vandavasi (CFO), and Dr. Samsul Ekram (Head Engineering R&D) from Portescap India Pvt Ltd. Portescap has been supporting Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur for the last four years on different research initiatives, such as designing and developing a miniature rotary actuator based on flexinol SMA, an adaptive smart stick for sit-to-stand motion, etc. under #CSR funding. The team appreciated the in-progress research work and the impact it is intended to create. The team also interacted with Prof. Bishakh Bhattacharya and lab members, to understand ongoing latest research, and discussed future collaborations as well.

It was a pleasure to meet Mr. Amitava Sur (Managing Director), Ms. Usha Vandavasi (CFO), and Dr. Samsul Ekram (Head Engineering R&D) from @Portescap India Pvt Ltd. Portescap has been supporting @IITKanpur for the last four years on different research initiatives pic.twitter.com/YEU9McrIOB
— Abhay Karandikar (@karandi65) September 22, 2022

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Patent Granted (August-2022)

Thu, 18 Aug 2022 00:00:00 +0530

Bishakh Bhattacharya, Nachiketa Tiwari, Nayan Jyoti Baishya, Himanshu Panday, Vaibhav Verma, S. Barathy, Raj Kumar Kashyap, Parivesh Chugh, T.P. Yuvaraj, Pushpit Kant, Sumit Kumar (2015). A Novel Self Powered, Intelligent Pipe Health Monitoring Robot (PHMR) for Inspecting Gas Pipe Line. Patent No: 403841.

Patent Certificate

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Pipeline Health Monitoring Robot (PHMR)

Recent Publication (Aug-2022)

Mon, 15 Aug 2022 19:12:06 +0530

Vivek Gupta, Rajendra Kumar Munian, Bishakh Bhattacharya (2022). Dispersion analysis of the hourglass-shaped periodic shell lattice structure.

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Valedictory Ceremony: HAL Short Term Training Programme

Sat, 23 Jul 2022 00:00:00 +0530

Successful completion of a short-term intensive training program organized for the 44th batch of Management and Design Trainees of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

As a part of the training program organized by Prof Bishakh Bhattacharya, the trainees also worked on projects related to aeronautical and mechanical design. For 10 weeks, faculty members from the Departments of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, IIT Kanpur have trained 48 HAL employees as part of induction training program.

It was a pleasure to host Dr. G Srikantha Sharma, Executive Director, HAL. The program brings out the future possibilities of greater collaboration between HAL & IIT Kanpur in the fields of training, research and development of new technologies.

It was a pleasure to host Dr. G. Srikantha Sharma, Executive Director, HAL. The program brings out the future possibilities of greater collaboration between @HALHQBLR & @IITKanpur in the fields of #training, #research and development of new technologies.
— Abhay Karandikar (@karandi65) July 23, 2022

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Patent Granted (July-2022)

Thu, 21 Jul 2022 00:00:00 +0530

Mahendra Kumar Gohil, Anirudha Bhattacharjee, Divya Jyoti Pandey, Chetan Vashishtha, Bishakh Bhattacharya (2021). A SYSTEM FOR FACILITATING TWO-DIMENSIONAL FLUID MOVEMENT OF AN OBJECT OVER AN AREA. Patent No: 401748.

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AgroTech

SMSS Lab - IIT Kanpur develops bio-inspired artificial muscle for next-gen space robots and medical prostheses

Wed, 20 Jul 2022 00:00:00 +0530

Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Director, IIT Kanpur said, “Shape memory alloy (SMA) based actuators are considered better alternatives to the conventional actuators, although it has some limitations. Researchers at the SMSS Lab at IIT Kanpur worked upon those limitations and has developed this unique shape memory alloy-based bio-inspired muscle design that holds the potential to revitalize the Space Robotics and bio-medical technology industry.

This invention will not only result in the development of Next Gen Space Robots and Medical Prostheses, but will also help aviation and some other industries. In a way, it will help make multiple sectors self-reliant and more advanced in the long run. I congratulate the whole team for this invention.” ~ IIT Kanpur News, 19 July 2022

I congratulate Prof Bishakh Bhattacharya and his team, Kanhaiya Lal Chaurasiya, A Sri Harsha, and Yashaswi Sinha for this useful invention. Our thanks to Portescap India Pvt Ltd for supporting this project under CSR funding.
— Abhay Karandikar (@karandi65) July 19, 2022

SMSS on the track of Motor-less Robotics! Read our latest #research “..non-magnetic hierarchical actuator powered by shape memory alloy based bipennate muscle”, published @NaturePortfolio @SpringerNature @SciReports. Read https://t.co/GC98jtPQEC @IITKanpur @Portescap @DoRA_IITK pic.twitter.com/M9t8mrmNPD
— Dr. Bishakh Bhatacharya (@BishakhDr) June 25, 2022

Interesting... a new robust, reliable, lighter robot system. @IITKanpur https://t.co/QXfo2NnRpZ
— Amit Paranjape (@aparanjape) July 20, 2022

TV News: विज्ञान प्रसार (हिन्दी संस्करण)

TV News: Vigyan Prasar (English Version)

Online Print

S.No.	Media Agency	Headline
1	Times Of India	IIT-K develops artificial muscle for space robots
2	Deccan Herald	IIT Kanpur develops bio-inspired artificial muscle for space robots
3	Mint	IIT Kanpur builds bio-inspired artificial muscle for space robots
4	India Today	IIT Kanpur develops bio-inspired artificial muscle for next-gen space robots and medical prostheses
5	Business Insider	IIT Kanpur develops bio-inspired artificial muscle for space robots to boost Indian space technology
6	Tech Circle	IIT Kanpur builds bio-inspired artificial muscle for medical prostheses, space robots
7	Medical Buyer	IIT Kanpur builds bio-inspired artificial muscle for medical prostheses, space robots
8	News18	IIT Kanpur Team Develops Bio-inspired Artifical Muscle for Space Robots
9	Hans India	Bio-inspired artificial muscle for space robots developed
10	Dainik Jagran	IIT Kanpur की एक और उपलब्धि, विकसित किया एक्चुएटर, अंतरिक्ष रोबोट और चिकित्सा क्षेत्र में होगा इस्तेमाल
11	Etv Bharat	IIT कानपुर में बनाई गई कृत्रिम मांसपेशी, एक तिहाई दाम में बन सकेंगे सर्जिकल रोबोट
12	The Times Bureau	IIT-K creates robotic muscle for space travel.
13	IANS Live	IIT Kanpur team develops bio-inspired artificial m.
14	Edex Live	IIT Kanpur research team develops bio-inspired artificial muscle for space robots
15	Express Healthcare	IIT Kanpur develops bio-inspired artificial muscle for space robots and medical prostheses
16	SME Futures	IIT Kanpur team develops bio-inspired artificial muscle for space robots
17	Shiksha	IIT Kanpur develops bio-inspired artificial muscle
18	Data Quest	IIT Kanpur develops bio-inspired artificial muscle for next gen space robots and medical prostheses
19	BioSpectrum India	IIT Kanpur develops bio-inspired artificial muscle for medical prostheses
20	Bharat Times	IIT Kanpur creates bio-inspired artificial muscle
21	Freshers Live	IIT Kanpur team develops bio-inspired artificial muscle for space robots
22	Report Wire	IIT Kanpur builds bio-inspired synthetic muscle
23	Paris Town News	IIT Kanpur develops biology-inspired artificial muscle for space robots and medical prostheses

Media Gallery

Journal Article

PDF DOI

For more details, please visit https://www.iitk.ac.in/smss/projects/smaact/

AgroTech

Thu, 07 Jul 2022 00:00:05 +0530

Project Status: Ongoing

Design and Development of Autonomous Robot for Crop-Monitoring and Localized Pest Neutralization

Motivation

Sustainable and profitable farming is essential for economic growth. Automation and AI/ML-based technologies can help farmers increase their productivity. It has the potential to increase agricultural yields and reduce losses. Farming is a major source of income in our nation’s economy. As a result, raising agricultural output is essential. The use of pesticides must be minimised, and disease-related losses must be prevented. Keeping these goals in mind, our lab has accepted the challenge of developing new technologies to help solve this critical issue.

Objectives

Autonomous Robot development for:

Monitoring local conditions (temperature, humidity etc.) in the farm
Autonomous navigation (manual override option available)
Smart sensors (high resolution camera) and algorithms (AI/ML based) to detect local infestation of crops
Efficient deterrence by localised pesticides delivery mechanism to the affected area
Advance precision farming technique
Display for real-time image feeds from inaccessible regions on the farm

Experimental Fields for Potato and Tomato Crop

Experimental Potato Crop Field at CSA university Kanpur measuring 60m X 15m with 1400 potato plants for disease data collection for the entire lifecycle (sowing to harvesting). Cultivated between Dec 2020 and March 2021 the test field yielded around 10000 image data and 4000 multimodal data by continuous autonomous sampling.

AgroTech Robots

(Click to Expand)

KriPaN - Agricultural Environmental Observator

KriPaN

कृषि पर्यावरण निरीक्षक (Krishi Pariyavaran Nirikshak)

Agricultural Environmental Observator

The first line of technology which we have developed is KriPaN (Krishi Parayavaran Nirikshak, Agriculture Environment Observator). It is an robot/observator to monitor field conditions and collect field data. It can scan the entire field autonomously and can collect required data. It is one of the unique kinds of system and patent has been applied.

In-house designed and developed KriPaN, capable of scanning the field in X-Y direction and capture images from above. The system includes a high-resolution camera and an onboard Cortex-A72 processor, and it can be controlled remotely from anywhere on the field. It can operate autonomously and relay the captured images to a server. It enabled capturing approximately 10000 images over a period of 3 months for Potato crop. This is a unique system for remote monitoring and patent has been filed to protect IP.

SaRP – Plant Disease Investigator

SaRP

सस्य रोग परिवेक्षक (Sasya Rog Parivekshak)

Plant Disease Investigator

The proposed developed robot is able to identify the plant disease in potato and tomato field. It roams in the field and observes the plant which are disease prone or diseased. It keeps that information and shares with KriPaN or SUrYa.

SaRP : Plant Disease Investigator

SUrYa – Crop Treatment Robot

SUrYa

सस्य उपचार यंत्रोर (Sasya Upchar Yantror)

Crop Treatment Robot

This robot is in the final phase of development. This robot can apply the proper treatment to diseased plants. It works in the coordination with SaRP or KriPaN.

SUrYa : Crop Treatment Robot

Patents:

Mahendra Kumar Gohil, Anirudha Bhattacharjee, Bishakh Bhattacharya, Samir Kumar Biswas (2022). A ROBOT SYSTEM FOR AUTOMATICALLY MANAGING AGRICULTURAL ACTIVITIES. Patent No: 416719.

SMSS Lab Visit: Guest of Honour Dr. Manoj Gonuguntla

Wed, 29 Jun 2022 00:00:01 +0530

Prof. Bishakh Bhattacharya invited Dr. Manoj Gonuguntla [Member, Board of Governors (BoG), IIT Kanpur] to visit our SMSS Laboratory on 29-June-2022. Dr. Gonuguntla has received his Ph.D. from IIT Kanpur (2006) and has been working as a Senior Materials & Corrosion Engineer at Shell Technology Centre, Bangalore, with 16+ years of extensive industry experience. He has shown a keen interest in our projects and ongoing research, especially in the area of robotics systems.

The lab members showcased live demonstration of AgroTech robots,Bioinspired SMA based actuators, Gripper system based on soft robotics, Pipe health monitoring robot, Cognitive robotics - Child Robot Interaction using NAO and state-of-the-art Laser Doppler Vibrometer among others. Through this visit, we got a chance to interact and receive critical inputs and feedback from the industry expert. This would definitely help us make our system more in line with the market demand and expectations and will open up the path for research collaboration in the near future.

Dr. Manoj Gonuguntla with Prof. Bishakh Bhattacharya interacting with the Agricultural Robots team

The Pipe Health Monitoring Robot team demonstrating the concept to Dr. Manoj Gonuguntla and Prof. Bishakh Bhattacharya

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Recent Publication (Jun-2022)

Fri, 24 Jun 2022 00:00:00 +0530

Journal Article

PDF DOI

SMSS Lab celebrates its 21st Foundation Day

Wed, 08 Jun 2022 00:00:00 +0530

The Smart Materials, Structures and Systems (SMSS) Lab in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, IIT Kanpur was established on 8th June 2001 by Prof. Bishakh Bhattacharya and Dr. Om Prakash.

We, the Smart people of SMSS Lab recently celebrated the 21st foundation of the Laboratory. It was a transcending time with many remarkable projects and a million memories that the SMSS Lab holds. We wish to bring glory and more milestones ahead.

Event Gallery

Recent Publications (Apr-2022)

Sat, 30 Apr 2022 00:00:00 +0530

Journal Articles

V. Gupta, B. Bhattacharya, S. Adhikari (2022). Energy Absorption of Hourglass Shaped Lattice Metastructures. Experimental Mechanics.

PDF DOI

Ankur Dwivedi, Arnab Banerjee, Sondipon Adhikari, Bishakh Bhattacharya (2022). Bandgap merging with double-negative metabeam. Mechanics Research Communications.

PDF DOI

Rupal Srivastava, Bishakh Bhattacharya (2022). De-coupling the Eigenmodes of SMA-reinforced Bimorph Composites using Multi-objective Optimization. Journal of Vibration Engineering & Technologies.

PDF DOI

Conference Papers

Vivek Gupta, Rajendra Kumar Munian, Bishakh Bhattacharya (2022). Dispersion analysis of periodic hourglass-shaped metamaterials for wave propagation. Active and Passive Smart Structures and Integrated Systems XVI.

PDF DOI

Kumar Gourav, Amanpreet Singh, Bishakh Bhattacharya (2022). A study on bandgap attenuation in metamaterials by varying the shape of cross-section. Active and Passive Smart Structures and Integrated Systems XVI.

PDF DOI

Amanpreet Singh, Bishakh Bhattacharya, Arnab Banerjee (2022). Vibration attenuation in graded meta-sandwich beam. Active and Passive Smart Structures and Integrated Systems XVI.

PDF DOI

Amanpreet Singh, Tanmoy Mukhopadhyay, Sondipon Adhikari, Bishakh Bhattacharya (2022). Voltage modulation of elastic properties of asymmetric hybrid lattice structure. Active and Passive Smart Structures and Integrated Systems XVI.

PDF DOI

Harsh Mirani, Vivek Gupta, Sondipon Adhikari, Bishakh Bhattacharya (2022). Interface modes in topologically protected edge states using hourglass based metastructures. Active and Passive Smart Structures and Integrated Systems XVI.

PDF DOI

International Symposium on Robotics in Industry, Agriculture and Healthcare

Thu, 07 Apr 2022 00:00:00 +0530

ISRIAH 2022

Symposium Details

Date: 9th & 10th April, 2022
Mode: Zoom Meeting Link
Zoom Virtual Background: Download

Symposium Themes

Agricultural Robots
Assistive Health Care
Cognitive Robots
Condition Monitoring
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Robots
Social Robots
Structural Health monitoring

Inaugural Address

Prof. Yogesh M. Joshi	Prof. Shigeru Fujimura
Dean of International Relations, IIT Kanpur	Dean of Graduate School-IPS, Waseda University

Keynote Speakers

Prof. Hiroaki Wagatsuma, Kyushu Institute of Technology, JAPAN

Title: “Brain-inspired Robotics Applied to Cyber-Physical Space Issues”

Abstract: CPS is a statement to focus the importance of the integration between the informatized virtual world “Cyber” and the real world “Physical” that requires physical interactions. Seemingly unrelated phenomena and events in the real world may have hidden complex relationships. Semantics and conceptual treatments in the virtual world will be required as well as brain (mind)-body issues. A local optimization is possible in the conventional information processing systems and automation (robotization); however, trade-off issues, such as environmental issues, where maximizing a benefit is inevitably accompanied with drawbacks in other factors. We are tackling issues of how a global optimization can be achieved from an overall perspective. For the purpose, it is necessary to consider an integration of continuous and discrete (analog and digital) schemes, metadata and semantics, and designing a system to understand the situation. Fundamental theories and implementation methods are developing now to solve those issues.

According to the expectation of the next-generation artificial intelligence to support intelligence inrobotics, we have been devoted to the development of core technologies for the safety assurance in automated driving systems during years of experience. The knowledge-based AI has developed, and it is utilized for intelligent robots to be able to collaborate with humans in a specific task. The achievement of an autonomy of situation- and context-dependent planning is highly important and it can be provided as an integrated AI technology such as the data-driven AI and logic knowledge type AI has been built to overcome the AI black boxing issue, which cannot explain its reason in the decision-making for human experts. By using this architecture, the machine-readable expert knowledge in the site is reconstructed in the form of the hierarchical information for solving the target problem with various constraints such as the environment, tasks, mobility and contraindications of the robots, and it enables to visualize the logical judgment process and provide the effective autonomous procedure. It changes the world in the sense of Society 5.0.

Keywords: description logic, ontology, robot operating system (ROS), RDF/OWL, Semantic Web Rule Language (SWRL)

Biosketch: Hiroaki Wagatsuma started his career as a hardware engineer on development projects of personal computer at the NEC Corporation, for producing the world’s first generation of the notebook-type computer, PC-98note, released in 1989. He received a M.S. in Mathematical Sciences in 1997 and a Dr. Sci. in Mathematical Sciences in 2005 from Tokyo Denki University. In 2000, he became a Special Postdoctoral Researcher at RIKEN for studying computational models focusing on the brain oscillation. From 2003 to 2008, he was a Research Scientist in the Laboratory for Dynamics of Emergent Intelligence at the RIKEN Brain Science Institute. He was a Senior Research Scientist. His research interests include theoretical modeling of brain oscillations, the memory integration process of experienced episodes, and the implementation of oscillatory neural networks into neurorobotics. His research for elucidating emerging process of creative decisions depending on spatial and behavioral contexts in the brain, by using the robotic platform, has received great interest and is supported by grants from the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. Dr. Wagatsuma is currently Professor at Kyushu Institute of Technology (KYUTECH) in the department of Brain Science and Engineering, Graduate School of Life Science and Systems Engineering.

Prof. Darwin G. Caldwell, Italian Institute of Technology, ITALY

Title: “Robotics for Healthcare, Construction and Agriculture”

Abstract: The Italian Institute of Technology (IIT) was founded in 2006, with the Dept. of Advanced Robotics (ADVR) being one of four founding Departments. Over the next 15 years IIT-ADVR has grew to become one of the largest robotics centres in the world developing key robotic platforms such as the iCub, a child-sized humanoid robot capable of crawling, grasping objects, and interacting with people; COMAN, a controllably compliant humanoid designed to safely interact with people, WALK-MAN, a 1.85m tall, 120kg humanoid that represented the EU in the DARPA Robotics Challenge; the HyQ series (HyQ, HyQ2Max, HyQ-Real) of high performance hydraulic quadrupedal robots; and the Centauro, a human-robot symbiotic system capable of robust locomotion and dexterous manipulation in rough terrains and harsh environments.

Away from legged robotics, developments at ADVR also focused on medical/surgical robot with devices such as the CALM (Computer Aided Laser Microsurgery) system, the Cathbot and SVEI (for catherization and tissue type detection) and the Arbot (Ankle rehabilitation robot) that is now successfully commercialised by Movendo Technology. There was also pioneering work on exoskeletons such as the XoTrunk, XoShoulder, XoElbow and the XoSoft Exosuit, while industrially ADVR has worked on many manufacturing tasks, but also was central in the deployment of inspection and maintenance robots on the recently opened San Giorgio Bridge in Genoa.

In this presentation I shall very briefly try to cover some of the key developments at IIT in robotics for healthcare, construction, agriculture.

Biosketch: Darwin G Caldwell is Founding Director of the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT) in Genoa, Italy, and Director of the Dept. of Advanced Robotics (ADVR) at IIT. Prof. Caldwell was a pioneer in the development of core technologies in compliant and variable impedance actuation, Soft and Human Friendly Robotics and the creation of ‘softer’, safer robots, that draw on developments in materials, mechanisms, sensing, actuation and software. These developments have been fundamental to advances in humanoids, quadrupedal robots and medical robotics. Key robots developed by his team include: iCub, a child-sized humanoid robot capable of crawling, grasping objects, and interacting with people; COMAN, a controllably compliant humanoid designed to safely interact with people and have more natural (loco)motion. WALK-MAN, a 1.85m tall, 120kg humanoid that competed in the DARPA Robotics Challenge; the HyQ series (HyQ, HyQ2Max, HyQ-Real) of high performance (speed, agility, power) hydraulic quadrupedal robots; and the PHOLUS/Centauro, a human-robot symbiotic system capable of robust locomotion and dexterous manipulation in rough terrain and harsh environments. Prof. Caldwell is or has been an Honorary professor at the Universities of Manchester, Sheffield, Bangor and King’s College London in the UK, and Tianjin University in China. He has published over 700 papers, has over 20 patents and has received over 50 awards/nominations at international conferences and events. In 2015, he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering for “his outstanding contribution to robotic systems, their mechanisms, electronics and control”. In 2022 he was elected a Fellow of the IEEE “for contributions to Actuator Technology, Legged Systems and Soft Human Friendly Robotics”.

Prof. Yasemin Ozkan-Aydin, University of Notre Dame, USA

Title: “A bioinspired approach to task-oriented legged swarm robots in a complex environment”

Abstract: Legged robots can achieve high performance in uneven or complex environments; however, as the complexity of the environment increases the robot’s performance can suffer due to deleterious interactions like jamming of limbs with environmental heterogeneities. In such situations, increasing the number of legs can be a solution to increase the adaptability, robustness, and maneuverability of the system as well as stability. In this talk, I will introduce a swarm robotic system where low-cost, modular four-legged robots join together to create a functional, resilient multi-legged robot that is capable of performing challenging real-world tasks such as climbing hills, overcoming obstacles, and moving on rough terrain by maintaining stability, which is almost impossible for individuals to do alone. Further, will explain how the variation in body/limb forms of individuals affect the mechanics and performance of swarm locomotion.

Biosketch: Dr. Yasemin Ozkan-Aydin is an Assistant Professor at the College of Engineering in the University of Notre Dame. She completed her Ph.D in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from the Middle East Technical University, Turkey in 2014. She was a Postdoctoral Fellow at Georgia Tech from 2016 to 2021. Her research lies at the intersection of robotics, biology, and computer science - specifically, soft robotics, bio-inspired design, and swarm robotics. She focuses on understanding the factors that play a key role in animals’ locomotion and developing predictable, precise, and robust robotic systems that can move across unpredictable, complex terrains as skillfully as biological organisms.

Prof. Yusuke Maeda, Yokohama National University, JAPAN

Title: “Challenges for accelerating automation with home, industrial and field robotics "

Abstract: Automation is critically important to realize a safe, efficient, and comfortable society. This talk will describe our ongoing projects to support human domestic life, production in factories, and mining by robotic automation. The topics are: home robotics including dishwashing and origami folding, industrial robotics including robot calibration and part feeding, and field robotics including traffic control of dump trucks in mines.

Biosketch: Prof. Yusuke Maeda is a Professor in the Division of Systems Research, Faculty of Engineering at Yokohama National University. His research interests include Robotic Manipulation, Robot teaching, and Decentralized Manufacturing Systems. Prof. Maeda became a Fellow of Robotics Society of Japan in 2019. Some of his various honors and accolades include:

Finalist, Best Manipulation Paper Award, IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation 2013 (ICRA 2013), IEEE Robotics and Automation Society, 2013.
Funai Gakujutsu Sho (Academic Award), Funai Foundation for Information Technology, 2012.
Manufacturing Systems Technological Achievement Award, Manufacturing Systems Division, The Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers, 2010.
2007 Original Paper Award, FANUC FA & Robot Foundation, 2008.
Funai Joho Kagaku Shorei Sho (Information Technology Young Investigator Award), Funai Foundation for Information Technology, 2005.
Young Investigator Excellence Award, The Robotics Society of Japan, 2004.

He is a member of the following professional societies:

IEEE Robotics and Automation Society (IEEE-RAS)
The Robotics Society of Japan (RSJ)
The Japan Society for Precision Engineering (JSPE)
The Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers (JSME)
The Society of Instrument and Control Engineers (SICE)

Prof. Rajesh Elara Mohan, Singapore University of Technology and Design, SINGAPORE

Title: “The Rise of Self-reconfigurable Maintenance Robots”

Abstract: Self-reconfigurable robots are intelligent machines capable of autonomously changing their kinematic morphologies to overcome complexities in the traversing environment or task being handled. Their promise of a high degree of versatility, robustness, and modularity is set to open up a wide range of new applications for robots. However, developing these robots are highly challenging. While some progress has been achieved, there are still many open issues. In this talk, I will share our ongoing efforts at the Singapore University of Technology and Design towards the design, development and deployment of self-reconfigurable robots using a well-defined set of deployment use cases in the maintenance domain. I will also provide an insight into our concerted efforts being a catalyst to inspire an ecosystem of Singapore based robotic startups in non-conflicting and niche domains.

Biosketch: Dr. Mohan is currently an Assistant Professor with the Engineering Product Development Pillar at Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD). He received his Ph.D. and M.Sc degrees from the Nanyang Technological University in 2012 and 2005. He obtained his B.E degree from the Amrita Institute of Technology and Sciences, Bharathiar University, India. His research interests are in robotics with an emphasis on self-reconfigurable platforms as well as research problems related to robot ergonomics and autonomous systems. He has published more than 80 papers in leading journals, books, and conferences. He is the recipient of SG Mark Design Award in 2016, 2017 and 2018, ASEE Best of Design in Engineering Award in 2012, Tan Kah Kee Young Inventors’ Award in 2010 and A’ Design award in 2018. He is the co-founder of Lionsbot, a robotics company that develops and deploys a wide range of autonomous cleaning robots. He is also a visiting faculty member of the International Design Institute at Zhejiang University, China.

Prof. Fabio P. Bonsignorio, CEO, HeronRobots, ITALY

Title: “Towards Industry 4.0, Precision Agriculture.. and beyond”

Abstract: The significant progress we witness in sensors, actuators, materials, Internet of Things, perception and many other areas of Robotics and AI enable a radical redesign of production and distribution processes, in any economic sector, from Industry to Agriculture and Logistics. The more mature changes affecting industry are referred to as ‘Digitization of the European Industry’ at European level and ‘Industry 4.0’ in Italy and Germany. The same technologies can be applied to Agriculture leading to the concept of Precision Agriculture or ‘Agriculture 4.0’. A quite positive side effect of the recent advances is that the Circular Economy paradigm becomes economically sustainable allowing to cope with quite serious sustainability issues we are facing.

We will describe and discuss the technological and practical issues and opportunities of the ongoing research and applications for Industry 4.0, Precision Agriculture and the Circular Economy and will explore and make some conjectures on what will come next. We will discuss how and why the issues related to the reproducibility of research results and methods for the objective evaluation of intelligent robots performances are of critical importance in the current context.

The aim of this talk is to give a deep and hands-on understanding of the opportunities and challenges related to the radical transformation of product and service ecology made possible by the recent technological advancements in IOT, Machine and Deep Learning, Computer Vision and Object Recognition.

Biosketch: Fabio Bonsignorio is founder and CEO of Heron Robots. He has been until 2019, a visiting professor at the Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, Pisa, Italy. He was also a professor at the Carlos III University of Madrid, where he was awarded the Santander Chair of Excellence in Robotics in 2009.

He has been working in the R&D departments of several major Italian and American companies, mainly in the applications of intelligent systems and technology transfer with coordination/management responsibilities for some 20 years. He is author or co-author of more than 150 publications in the areas of robotics, cognition and manufacturing systems in the last three years, since he became an almost full time researcher. His first paper on robot control dates back to 1985.

Special Invited Talks

Dr. Anirban Chowdhury, University of Essex, United Kingdom

Homepage

Title: “Affordable Brain-robot interface guided home-based telerehabilitation (BRIGHT)”

Abstract: Telerehabilitation is an important concept in today’s world where stroke is the leading cause of disability worldwide. Especially, in rural areas of low and middle-income countries where access to healthcare facilities is severely scarce, people affected by neurological diseases have no means to get quality rehabilitation therapy. This prevents them from getting back to a normal life, more importantly losing daily livelihood and incurring huge financial burden for their families. A major drawback of the current stroke care system is that as soon as the patients are shifted to home after initial care from the hospital they are deprived of getting adequate therapy required for getting back their motor functionalities. This is because of the huge cost associated with daily therapeutic sessions by an expert therapist and also the lack of availability of an expert therapist. BRIGHT aims at developing a low-cost but highly advanced telerehabilitation facility incorporating the modern concepts of brain-robot interface-based robotic systems and artificial intelligence. This will provide the patients with the best treatment sitting at their homes while still connected to their clinicians and physiotherapists at the hospital with a remote link. Thus the patients will get a continuum of treatment from the occurrence of the injury to full recovery without any break due to shifting from the hospital facility to home. BRIGHT can also be advantageous for the hospitals as they can discharge the patients early while the hospital physiotherapists can be connected virtually to multiple patients at the same time in their home settings.

Dr. Rekha Raja, Wageningen University, Netherlands

Homepage

Title: “Learning manipulation and grasping AgroFood”

Abstract: One food processing phase where current levels of automation do not suffice is the task of bin picking and placing agro-food products in cluttered scene for packaging or further processing tasks. This task is deceptively hard not only because of product variations but overlapping objects make it difficult for a robot to identify the best method for picking up. To handle these complexities, skilled robotic manipulation is necessary. Skilled manipulation uses both non-prehensile (pushing) and prehensile (grasping) actions: pushing can rearrange clutter to create space for fingers while grasping can displace objects making pushing more precise. In this talk, I will demonstrate if a robotic agent can learn this partially skilled manipulation using deep reinforcement learning for the purpose of picking up agro-food products in cluttered environments.

Mr. Bardienus Pieter Duisterhof, Carnegie Mellon University, USA

Homepage

Title: “Insect-inspired AI for gas source localization using a swarm of nano drones”

Abstract: Nano quadcopters are ideal for gas source localization (GSL) as they are safe, agile and inexpensive. However, their extremely restricted sensors and computational resources make GSL a daunting challenge. In this work, we propose a novel bug algorithm named ‘Sniffy Bug’, which allows a fully autonomous swarm of gas-seeking nano quadcopters to localize a gas source in an unknown, cluttered and GPS-denied environment. The computationally efficient, mapless algorithm foresees the avoidance of obstacles and other swarm members, while pursuing desired waypoints. The waypoints are first set for exploration, and, when a single swarm member has sensed the gas, by a particle swarm optimization-based procedure. We evolve all the parameters of the bug (and PSO) algorithm, using our novel simulation pipeline, ‘AutoGDM’. It builds on and expands open source tools in order to enable fully automated end-to-end environment generation and gas dispersion modeling, allowing for learning in simulation. Flight tests show that Sniffy Bug with evolved parameters outperforms manually selected parameters in cluttered, realworld environments. Videos: https://bit.ly/37MmtdL

Prof. Nilanjan Chattaraj, National Institute of Technology, Durgapur, India

Homepage

Title: “The assistive Robosapiens with human-like emotions - its fundamental and technological challenges”

Abstract: Assistive robotics has achieved magnificent attention over the time in healthcare support. Considering its essence, those are designed to execute some tasks, but not to execute those tasks displaying human-like emotion, which has a catalytic impact in healing/support system. Is that indeed possible to develop human-like assistive robot exhibiting human-like emotions in healthcare support? Can the evolution of Robosapiens be a potential alternative to human healthcare support?

Conveners

- Prof. Bishakh Bhattacharya, IIT Kanpur, India

- Prof. Harutoshi Ogai, IPS-Waseda University, Japan

Registration Details

Registration FREE
For Attendees: Fill the following Google Form (Attendees)

For any queries, please contact event co-ordinators:

Anirudha Bhattacharjee (anirub@iitk.ac.in)
Nayan Jyoti Baishya (nayanb@fuji.waseda.jp)

Please keep visiting the website for regular updates.

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Corporate Social Responsibility funded Projects @IITK - Portescap

Sat, 12 Mar 2022 00:00:00 +0530

SMSS Laboratory have developed a smart stick with the help of Portescap which can be used by the elderly both for the support from sit-to-stand motion as well as for the exercise support. We have also developed a actuator from the funding of Portescap. In this particular product, we have used shape memory alloy wires in a bipennate muscle architecture cabpable of generating a high actuation force.

For more details, please visit

Smart Stick

Sat, 01 Jan 2022 20:18:05 +0530

Project Status: Ongoing

Idea for the Intelligent Sit-to-Stand (STS) and Mobility Support System

This project aims to develop a smart, adaptive, and intelligent walking aid for elderly people, which can provide adequate force in a Sit-to-Stand and vice-versa transfer. The proposed device is equipped with sensors and intelligent algorithms that actuates itself adaptively to provide the force deficiency that older people encounters while executing the daily activities.

The population continues to grow older in most of the world. Effectively every country is facing growth in both the number and proportion of aged persons in their overall population. According to the book, “An Aging World,” in 2012, when the global population touched the 7 billion figure, there were 562 million (or 8.0 %) aged 65 and over. After three years of that, the older population increased by 55 million, and the proportion of the older population became 8.5 percent of the total population. This growing elderly population automatically becomes one of the most significant social changes of the century. The natural process of aging causes weakness of muscles, which eventually causes limitation of body movement. A lot of research has been done on the disability; the most significant health problem of older people is lack of regular exercise, such as walking. It has been proven that walking benefits them in the prevention of several diseases. Walking-aid products such as canes, crutches, or walkers are designed to use the arm strength, which helps in walking by providing them external support. Conventional walking aid products lack ingenuity, and the associated risk of using such devices is higher.

Sit-to-stand gait motion

Sit-to-stand or stand-to-sit (STS) motion is a very common and vital activity in everyday mobility. Elderly people often looks for external help/support to gather adequate support to execute the same. This project intends to develop a smart adaptive walking aid for elderly people equipped with sensors and feedback mechanism that actuates itself adaptively to provide the force deficiency.

The end outcomes of the proposed project can be highlighted as under:

Adaptive reconfigurable STS smart walking assistance stick with active actuation to adjust height
Sensors and learning algorithms to train to provide personalized comfort.
Gait calibrated auto adjustment of momentum transfer for effortless walking assistance.
Smart stick integrated with auto calibration.
Uniquely designed vibration dampers (honeycomb flex) integrated to prevent shock and falling.

Article highlighted on the front page of Journal 'MDPI - Actuators'

Mon, 27 Dec 2021 00:00:00 +0530

Actuators is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal on the science and technology of actuators and control systems published monthly online by MDPI.

Our article on the “Design of an Anti-Slip Mechanism for Wheels of Step Climbing Robots” got highlighted on the front page of the Actuators journal.

Nayan Jyoti Baishya, Bishakh Bhattacharya, Harutoshi Ogai, Kohei Tatsumi (2021). Design of an Anti-Slip Mechanism for Wheels of Step Climbing Robots. Actuators.

PDF DOI

IITK-YNU Virtual Lab-Visit

Sat, 18 Dec 2021 00:00:00 +0530

Yokohama National University, Japan and Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur has jointly conducted a virtual lab tour as a part of India-YNU Relay Symposia Sponsored by JST Sakura Online Program

Participating Research Laboratories

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Aquatic Autonomous Observatory - NSVS

Wed, 01 Dec 2021 00:00:00 +0530

Project Status: Ongoing

Design and Development of Aquatic Autonomous Observatory (Niracara Svayamsasita VedhShala - NSVS) for In situ Monitoring, Real Time Data Transmission and Web based Visualization.

Development of a modularly designed, stable buoy platform for river water quality monitoring, capable of being deployed for long periods of time, easily maintained and transported, has design flexibility, low-cost, robust and self-sustainable in producing and utilizing the harvested energy. The system apparatus comprises:

modular system capable of being assembled and transported with ease,
utilizes all the available energy harvesting resources from the riverine environment,
has design flexibility to ensure addition of extra devices that can be carried out with consummate ease,
provides energy autonomy for the system at all times,
has a self-cleaning system for the sensors involved with a pumping system as well as a stirrer assembly and
can be deployed for long periods of time without much maintenance and manual interference.

Inland water pollution has been a great area of concern, due to contamination of fresh water. Various studies for sample collection in rivers have been conducted to ascertain the water quality. A few drawbacks of the current water sample collection procedures are:

the absence of real-time data,
absence of robust and efficient water quality monitoring capability,
lack of self-cleaning system for sensors and
lack of renewable power source.

The river water quality monitoring buoy described herein relates to apparatus and method for real-time, in-situ monitoring of river water quality with a stabilized and modular buoy integrating an array of energy harvesting systems. The system relates to river/lake water monitoring system, in particular to systems such as buoys. It has a sensor housing and cleaning system. In other words, special emphasis is devoted to the invention design, such that it improves or is implemented in fabricating a lighter and smaller buoy for deployment in rivers, a system capable of integrating a range of water quality measuring sensors and equipment, a system able to integrate different energy harvesting systems (photovoltaic panels, wind turbine and vortex induced vibration system) and environmental protection of installed systems.

Publications:

Pawandeep Singh Matharu, Bishakh Bhattacharya (2019). Apparatus and Method for Real-Time, In-Situ Monitoring of Water Quality. Patent No. : 372496.

PDF

Child-Robot Interaction

Wed, 01 Dec 2021 00:00:00 +0530

Project Status: Ongoing

Cognitive Robotics based study of Child-Robot Interaction (CRI) - Characterization of Critical Parameters and Interaction Design

The principles of Child-Robot Interaction is yet underdeveloped and a lot of work is in progress to develop the foundation. Though rapid progress in the field of artificial intelligence is paving a path towards the goal, that machines becoming adaptively intelligent, the complexity associated for designing such a framework is increasingly challenging. Humans subconsciously adapts their behaviour to the surrounding environment to make the interaction run smoothly. Replicating such smooth interaction is difficult for a machine (Robot). The challenge lies in the parameter identification for interactions and subsequently designing an efficient model to handle the same. For an adult these models are even more complex than a child owing to the order of heterogeneity associated with these interactions. This project aims to study several critical parameters that affect interaction with Robots for children with different age groups and develop suitable models that helps in implementing smooth and untethered interaction. Several physical design related issues of a Robot along with the capabilities that enhances interaction will be studied in an experiment based setup. Pre-defined interaction through a Robot (NAO) will be programmed and subjects (children with several age groups) will be engaged with the same. The response from the subjects will be recorded and analysed with the state-of-art data analytics tools to draw inferences. The inferences will help in modelling a more socially adaptive robot and also identify active and passive characteristics that should be inculcated in the Robot’s hardware and software designs.

Recent Publication (Nov-2021)

Mon, 15 Nov 2021 00:00:00 +0530

Arun Kumar Sharma, Bishakh Bhattacharya (2021). Engineering design of sustainable aluminium composite material with rice husk core. International Journal of Sustainable Engineering.

PDF DOI

Media Coverage: In-Situ River Health Monitoring Robot (NSVS)

Fri, 12 Nov 2021 00:00:00 +0530

#IITKanpur has developed an Aquatic Autonomous Observatory named Niracara Svayamsasita Vedh Shala(NSVS), for In situ Monitoring, Real Time Data Transmission & Web based Visualization of river Ganga, inaugurated by Prof. A.R. Harish, DoRD, IIT Kanpur, at Laxman Ghat of Bithoor. pic.twitter.com/LpZExH40sq
— IIT Kanpur (@IITKanpur) November 12, 2021

For more details, please visit https://www.iitk.ac.in/smss/projects/buoy/

Guest of Honour: 1st Taiwan-India Joint Space Technology Workshop

Fri, 29 Oct 2021 00:00:00 +0530

National Chung Cheng University, Taiwan, has hosted the first Taiwan-India Joint Space Technology workshop to initiate the research collaboration with Indian universities and organizations actively working in the field of space technology.

Many dignitaries from CCU Taiwan, IIT Kanpur, IIT Ropar, IIST have attended the workshop. Prof. Bhattacharya from IIT Kanpur presented, in brief, the ongoing and completed projects undertaken by ISRO-IITK Space Technology Cell.

Event Gallery

Media Coverage: Pipeline Health Monitoring Robot

Fri, 22 Oct 2021 00:00:00 +0530

“When the gas pipeline bursts, leakage starts and there is chaos in the populated areas. On receiving such information, the team stops the gas supply through the safety valve. To deal with these situations, IIT Kanpur & GAIL have taken steps to strengthen the safety mechanism.” ~ Dainik Jagran, 22 Oct 2021

https://www.jagran.com/uttar-pradesh/kanpur-city-iit-kanpur-new-research-on-unique-robot-special-innovation-of-iit-kanpur-robot-will-alert-from-accidents-jagran-special-22136288.html

For more details, please visit https://www.iitk.ac.in/smss/projects/phmr/

Archaeological Site Visit: Bhitargaon Temple

Sun, 12 Sep 2021 00:00:00 +0530

#AncientIndia #CulturalSite #FieldTrip #KanpurTourism

- Bhitargaon Temple

The Bhitargaon Temple is a terraced brick building fronted with a terracotta panel. Built in the 6th century during the Gupta Empire, it is the oldest remaining terracotta Hindu shrine with a roof and a high Sikhara, though its upper chamber did sustain some damage in the 18th century. The temple is built on a square plan with double-recessed corners and faces east. There tall pyramidal spire over the garbhagriha. The walls are decorated with terracotta panels depicting aquatic monsters, Shiva and Vishnu etc. When Cunningham first visited the site, the remains of the porch and of the ardhamandapa were still visible, which later collapsed.

- Jagannath Mandir Behta

This temple is a temple of Lord Jagannath. This temple is located in the village of Benhta, three kilometers from the headquarters of the Bhitargaon Block of Kanpur district. It is said that the typical feature of this temple is that some drops of rain begin driping on its roof seven days before rain. The last restoration of the temple was done in the 11th century.

Gallery

Recent Publication (Jul-2021)

Wed, 25 Aug 2021 00:00:00 +0530

The following article is the outcome of the research collaboration between SMSS Laboratory, IIT Kanpur and IPS-Waseda University, Japan

Nayan Jyoti Baishya, Bishakh Bhattacharya, Harutoshi Ogai, Kohei Tatsumi (2021). Analysis and Design of a Minimalist Step Climbing Robot. Applied Sciences.

PDF DOI

Patent Granted (July-2021)

Sat, 24 Jul 2021 00:00:00 +0530

Pawandeep Singh Matharu, Bishakh Bhattacharya (2019). Apparatus and Method for Real-Time, In-Situ Monitoring of Water Quality. Patent No. : 372496.

PDF

Patent Certificate

Recent Publication (Jun-2021)

Wed, 30 Jun 2021 00:00:00 +0530

Amanpreet Singh, Arnab Banerjee, Bishakh Bhattacharya (2021). Waves in elastically coupled sandwich beams: An analytical investigation. Mechanics Research Communications.

PDF DOI

Course on Foundations of Cognitive Robotics

Wed, 23 Jun 2021 19:12:06 +0530

With the rapidly advancing process of inclusion of robots from Industry to the Social Arena, the functional requirement of the robots and corresponding human expectations have increased tremendously. However, in order to fully comprehend the complexities of such robot design, one needs to possess an over-all idea of the field. The objective of this course is to introduce students, researchers to this new field of robotics with the help of illustrative models, facts and relevant theories. The course has been designed by carefully maintaining a balance between biology, engineering and control system design so that it can attract a broad group of people interested in the interdisciplinary field.

Intended Audience: Students and industry experts
Prerequisites: School level science courses
industries Support: Robotics Industry, Neuroscientists, Psychologists, Research scholars in the field of Social Robots

Summary

Course Status	Upcoming
Course Type	Elective
Duration	4 weeks
Start Date	26 Jul 2021
End Date	20 Aug 2021
Exam Date	26 Sep 2021 IST
Enrollment Ends	02 Aug 2021
Category	Mechanical Engineering
Credit Points	1
Level	Postgraduate

Enrollment Link:

This is an AICTE approved FDP course

https://onlinecourses.nptel.ac.in/noc21_me100/preview

Course on Principles of Vibration Control

Wed, 23 Jun 2021 19:12:06 +0530

Vibration is undesirable in most engineering systems. The adverse effects of vibration include fatigue failure, severe damages due to resonance, malfunctioning of sensitive instruments/systems, loss of accuracy of a work-piece due to vibration of machine tools, etc. Hence, this course will give a brief overview of the various strategies to control such vibrations in systems and principle behind them.

Intended Audience: B.Tech/M.Tech/PhD
Prerequisites: Basics of Mechanical Vibrations
industries Support: Oil, Space, Manufacturing industries

Summary

Course Status	Upcoming
Course Type	Elective
Duration	4 weeks
Start Date	26 Jul 2021
End Date	20 Aug 2021
Exam Date	26 Sep 2021 IST
Enrollment Ends	02 Aug 2021
Category	Mechanical Engineering
Credit Points	1
Level	Undergraduate/Postgraduate

Enrollment Link:

This is an AICTE approved FDP course

https://onlinecourses.nptel.ac.in/noc21_me101/preview

Recent Publication (Mar-2021)

Sat, 03 Apr 2021 00:00:00 +0530

Santhakumar Sampath, Kanhaiya Lal Chaurasiya, Pouria Aryan, Bishakh Bhattacharya (2021). An innovative approach towards defect detection and localization in gas pipelines using integrated in-line inspection methods. Journal of Natural Gas Science and Engineering.

PDF DOI

Associate Editor position on Springer Nature JVET Journal Editorial Board

Tue, 23 Mar 2021 00:00:00 +0530

Prof. Bishakh Bhattacharya has accepted the invitation for the position of Associate Editor from the Editorial Board of Springer Nature JVET Journal.

About the Journal

Journal of Vibration Engineering & Technologies (JVET), which is now published by the highly reputable Springer Nature Publishers. It was originally started 19 years ago by Professor J. S. Rao, the well-known professor from Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur; it used to be called Advances in Vibration Engineering. JVET, with its unique mission of publishing high quality research in vibration, has significant growth potential. It features original papers, in-depth reviews, experimental tests and results, design ideas and application papers of direct relevance to the industry.

Workshop on Metamaterial and Metasandwich for Energy Harvesting and Vibration Control

Thu, 18 Mar 2021 00:00:00 +0530

Workshop Details

Date: 26-27 March, 2021
Time: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM IST
Mode: Online via Zoom

Workshop Schedule

Workshop Speakers

- Prof. Sondipon Adhikari (Swansea University, UK)

Lecture 1: Introduction to metamaterials and structural mechanics of cellular metamaterials
Lecture 2: Inhomogeneous cellular metamaterials
Lecture 3: Dynamic homogenisation of metamaterials

- Prof. Tanmoy Mukhopadhyay (IIT Kanpur, India)

Title : Programmable mechanical property modulation in origami metamaterials

Abstract - This lecture will introduce the concept of origami-based mechanical metamaterials for programmable stiffness and shape modulation. We would uncover an unusual behaviour of metamaterials, which would allow the capability of achieving programmable near-zero stiffness, moderate stiffness and substantially high stiffness in a single configuration. Along with stiffness modulation, we would show how it is possible to develop metamaterials with deformation dependent spatially varying mixed-mode Poisson’s ratios, despite having a uniform initial structural configuration. The spatial profile of such metamaterials can be modulated as a function of the applied far-field global force, and the configuration and assembly of the origami bases. This creates a new possibility of developing a distant actuation feature in the metamaterial enabling us to achieve controlled local actuation. The fundamental programmable features of the origami metamaterials unraveled in this lecture can find a wide range of applications in soft robotics, aerospace, biomedical devices and various other advanced physical systems.

- Prof. Arnab Banerjee (IIT Delhi, India)

Title : Wave propagation in metamaterials

Abstract - Wave propagation through the periodic medium attracts the attention of the researcher due to its versatile applications in waveguiding, passive vibration isolation, etc. Different types of beam cross-section, alteration of geometry in a periodic manner gives birth to the attenuation bandgaps. The constitutive transfer and dynamic stiffness matrix of the unit cell govern the wave propagation. First, we will focus on the development of a dynamic stiffness matrix or spectral element matrix from the governing constitutive equation of motion. Interconversion between the spectral element and transfer matrix will be discussed. Some illustrative wave propagation problem will be discussed in more details for beams having not regular cross-section f llowed by the future application of it.

- Prof. Bishakh Bhattacharya (IIT Kanpur, India)

Title : Smart material inspired metamaterials
- Lecture 1: Fundamentals of piezoelectric actuation
- Lecture 2: Application of smart material for meta sandwich and metamaterial
- Lecture 3: Metamaterial for energy harvesting

For Registration:

Fill the following Google Form OR

Scan the below QR Code:

For any query, please contact

Amanpreet Singh (amangill@iitk.ac.in)
Ankur Dwivedi (ankurdwi@iitk.ac.in )
Vivek Gupta (vivekgup@iitk.ac.in)

Image References

Recent Publication (Feb-2021)

Tue, 16 Feb 2021 00:00:00 +0530

Ankur Dwivedi, Arnab Banerjee, Sondipon Adhikari, Bishakh Bhattacharya (2021). Optimal electromechanical bandgaps in piezo-embedded mechanical metamaterials. International Journal of Mechanics and Materials in Design.

PDF DOI

Ankur Dwivedi, Arnab Banerjee, Bishakh Bhattacharya (2021). Dynamics of Piezo-Embedded Negative Stiffness Mechanical Metamaterials: A Study on Electromechanical Bandgaps. Volume 1: Acoustics, Vibration, and Phononics.

PDF DOI

HAL Chair Position: Feb'21 - Jan'24

Fri, 29 Jan 2021 19:12:06 +0530

https://iitk.ac.in/dora/chair/24/h-a-l-chair

Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd., founded in 1980, is an Indian state-owned aerospace & defence company & is headquartered in Bangalore. Governed by the Indian Ministry of Defence, the company primarily works in the operations of the aerospace and also in designing, fabricating & assembly of aircrafts, jet engines, helicopters & their spare parts. Spread across India, its facilities are in Bangalore, Lucknow, Kanpur, Nashik, Hyderabad, Koraput, Korwa and Kasaragod.

Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd., Lucknow, instituted HAL Chair for a period of three years to a faculty working in advanced research and multi-disciplinary problems in aircraft systems technology and its application.

Current Occupant

Prof. Bishakh Bhattacharya

Feb 2021 - Jan 2024

Recent Publication (Jan-2021)

Thu, 28 Jan 2021 19:12:06 +0530

A. Singh, T. Mukhopadhyay, S. Adhikari, B. Bhattacharya (2021). Voltage-dependent modulation of elastic moduli in lattice metamaterials: Emergence of a programmable state-transition capability. International Journal of Solids and Structures.

PDF DOI

Course on Nature and Properties of Materials

Fri, 08 Jan 2021 19:12:06 +0530

This course introduces to the basics of metals and metallic alloys, polymers, composites and smart materials which have extensively broadened the scope of engineering design in the fields of Civil, Mechanical, Aerospace and other structural applications.

After learning this course, students will be well-versed with the underlying principle governing the material properties and should be able to select proper material for their application.

Intended Audience: Students of BE/B.Tech stream
Prerequisites: Basic Physics and Mathematics Courses at the First Year Level, added with thirst for learning.
industries Support: Every industry recommends to have a basic knowledge about various materials and truth behind their properties

Enrollment Link:

https://onlinecourses.nptel.ac.in/noc21_me59/preview

Course on Smart Materials and Intelligent System Design

Fri, 08 Jan 2021 19:12:06 +0530

Smart Structures and Intelligent System are becoming an integral part of new aerospace and automobile systems due to high performance and fast response potential. Knowledge in this field is multi-disciplinary in nature involving materials, composites, basic electronics, control system and informatics. In this short course, I intend to convey the core flavor of the field by introducing the basic concepts behind such system along with some industrial applications developed in the SMSS laboratory of IIT Kanpur.

Intended Audience: People aiming to explore advance areas.
Prerequisites: Basics of Nature and Properties of Materials, Linear algebra.
industries Support: Aerospace, Automobile, Manufacturing industries.

Enrollment Link:

https://onlinecourses.nptel.ac.in/noc21_me60/preview

Exploring the dynamics of hourglass-shaped lattice Meta structures

Fri, 25 Dec 2020 19:12:06 +0530

IIT Kanpur researchers have demonstrated how with the use of a micro-structured hour-glass shaped metastructure in the lattice unit, one can get a wider variation of propagation and stop bands. The hour-glasses are developed in the Smart Materials Laboratory of IIT Kanpur using additive manufacturing.

Lattice based meta-structures have shown tremendous application in electro-magnetic and sonic wave absorption which could in principle create ‘invisibility’ of an object either in optical or in acoustic domain. Existing lattice and crystal based phononic materials have however, practical limitations in terms of customizability and hence, they can be generally used in a narrow band of frequency.

IIT Kanpur in its press release said, Inspiration of the lattice they developed has come from a two-headed drum called ‘Dambaru’ or ‘Damaru’ which is used in ancient Hinduism and Tibetan Buddhism. It is said that Lod Shiva has produced a special sound through this musical instrument to create and regulate the universe. Interestingly, in this application, IIT Kanpur researchers have shown the nature of stiffness of a vibrating medium could be altered drastically by controlling the lattice micro-structure from regular honeycomb to auxtetic honeycomb structure. This has wide applications in the field of vibration isolation in high speed trains, stealth submarines and helicopter rotors. We have also shown that for dynamic systems, we can control the propagation and band-gaps very effectively which can usher in the development of new ultrasonic devices with capacity of sub-wave length imaging empowering the medical practitioners and the health management industry. This work is sponsored by a SPARC project of MHRD and is the outcome of a successful collaboration between Professor Bishakh Bhattacharya and his PhD student Mr. Vivek Gupta of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, IIT Kanpur, and Professor Sondipon Adhikari of Swansea University. The work is published in the scientific report on 1st December, 2020 with the title “Exploring the dynamics of hourglass shaped lattice Metastructures”.

https://twitter.com/DrRPNishank/status/1338141251275669508?s=20

Cabin Pressure Control System (CPCS)

Thu, 24 Dec 2020 20:18:05 +0530

Project Status: Completed

Cabin pressure control system of an aircraft maintains cabin pressure in all flight modes as per the aircraft cabin pressurization characteristics by controlling the air flow from the cabin through the outflow valve of the cabin pressure control valve. The movement of outflow valve in turn depends on the air flow from the control chamber of cabin pressure control valve, which is controlled by the clapper and the poppet valves. These valves are actuated by absolute pressure and the differential pressure capsules, respectively depending upon the operating flight conditions. Mathematical models have been developed to simulate the air outflow rates from the cabin and the control chamber of cabin pressure control valve during steady-state and transient flight conditions. These mathematical models have then been translated into a MATLAB program to obtain plots of cabin pressures as a function of aircraft altitudes. The mathematical models are validated for standard cabin pressurization characteristics of a multirole light fighter/trainer aircraft. The model developed, thus can be used to produce a number of variants of cabin pressure control valve to suit different cabin pressurization characteristics.

Cabin pressurization is a physiological requirement for pilots and passengers flying in an aircraft. At high altitudes, the partial pressure of oxygen is very low and the body is unable to supply an adequate amount of oxygen through normal breathing to cells and tissues. This lack of oxygen in the blood can cause effects ranging from simple headache and discomfort to total loss of consciousness, depending upon the duration of exposure to the high altitude condition. Other effects of low ambient pressure levels are the expansion of gases in cavities (sinus, abdomen) and getting dissolved in the blood (nitrogen) that may cause serious problems.

The cabin pressurization control law for a multirole light fighter/trainer aircraft is shown in Figure 2. Taking the structural limitations of the aircraft into consideration, it depicts the way in which cabin altitude (cabin pressure) must vary with aircraft altitude (external ambient pressure) in order to provide appropriate cabin environmental conditions for survival and comfort of pilot and co-pilot based on the physiological requirements.

Cabin pressurization control law for a multirole light fighter/trainer aircraft.

Publication:

Kanhaiya Lal Chaurasiya, Bishakh Bhattacharya, A K Varma, Sarthak Rastogi (2020). Dynamic modeling of a cabin pressure control system. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part G: Journal of Aerospace Engineering.

PDF DOI

Metastructures & Metamaterials

Thu, 24 Dec 2020 20:18:05 +0530

Project Status: Ongoing

1. Dual Functional Metamaterials and Metastructures for Energy Harvesting and Vibration Control

The dynamics of periodic materials and structures have a profound historic background starting from Newton’s first effort to find sound propagation in the air to Rayleigh’s exploration of continuous periodic structures. This field of interest has received another surge from the early 21st century. Elastic mechanical metamaterials are the exemplars of periodic structures that exhibit interesting frequency-dependent properties like negative Young’s modulus and negative mass in a specific frequency band due to additional feature of local resonance. It implies, the spatial periodicity of mechanical unit cells in engineered metamaterials exhibits properties beyond one can expect from conventional naturally occurring materials. Locally resonant units in the designed metamaterial facilitate bandgap formation virtually at any frequency for wavelengths much higher than the lattice length of a unit cell. Whereas at higher frequencies for wavelengths equal to the lattice size of the medium, the Bragg scattering phenomenon occurs, which also helps in the bandgap formation. Read more…

2. Exploring the dynamics of hourglass shaped lattice metastructures

Continuous demand for the improvement of mechanical performance of engineering structures pushes the need for metastructures to fulfil multiple functions. Extensive work on lattice-based metastructure has shown their ability to manipulate wave propagation and producing bandgaps at specific frequency ranges. Enhanced customizability makes them ideal candidates for multifunctional applications. This paper explores a wide range of nonlinear mechanical behavior that can be generated out of the same lattice material by changing the building block into dome shaped structures which improves the functionality of material significantly. Read more…

3. Metamaterial inspired tensairity beam for frequency band attenuation

Tensairity refers to a class of lightweight structure which has a wide range of interesting applications such as temporary bridges, inflatable kites, of unmanned aerial vehicle wings and mainsail in sailing boats. A Tensairity structure has three main components, namely tension element, compression element and air beam. The primary purpose of the air beam is to stabilise the compression element under loading. The combination of these elements results in a structure which has lightweight compared to conventional structures for the same strength and vice versa. In this study, we explore a new concept of meta tensairity beam. Read more…

4. Voltage modulated elastic moduli in lattice metamaterials

Two-dimensional lattices are ideal candidate for developing artificially engineered materials and structures across different length-scales, leading to unprecedented multi-functional mechanical properties which can not be achieved in naturally occurring materials and systems. Characterization of effective elastic properties of these lattices is essential for their adoption as structural elements of various devices and systems. All the parameters that control the effective elastic properties are passive in nature. After manufacturing the lattice structure with a certain set of geometric or material-based parameters, there is no room to modulate the properties further. In this article, we propose a hybrid lattice micro-structure by integrating piezo-electric materials with the members of the lattice for active voltage-dependent modulation of elastic properties. A bottom-up multi-physics based analytical framework leading to closed-form formulae is derived for hexagonal lattices to demonstrate the concept of active lattices. Read more…

Pipe Health Monitoring Robot (PHMR)

Thu, 24 Dec 2020 20:18:05 +0530

Project Status: Ongoing

PHMR ver. IIc

The project aims at developing a pipe health monitoring system based on smart sensors which can be transported inside compressed gas pipes with the help of a conduit crawler robot to determine the extent of anomalies present in the pipeline. The pipe health monitoring system will comprise a sensor network for anomalies detection, a micro-controller for processing the data from various sensor units and a storage unit to store the processed data, and an autonomous platform or robot, to carry these components inside the pipeline.

Compressed Air Test Bed

The entire duration of the project is 3 years and is divided into various phases of 6 months each with specific objectives. The first phase focuses on designing a new wheel assembly, optimising sensor parameters, data acquisition and pipe testbed automation. The second phase focuses on the robot design, GMR sensor, optimizing of optoelectronic sensor and parameter extraction. The third phase focuses on the final assembly of PHMR, design of touch probe, calibration of optoelectronic sensor and anomaly classification. The fourth phase focuses on defect position identification, sensor mounting, calibration of touch probe and user interface development. The final two phases involve testing the robot, communication system and final refinement.

Publications:

PDF DOI

Santhakumar Sampath, Bishakh Bhattacharya, Pouria Aryan, Hoon Sohn (2019). A Real-Time, Non-Contact Method for In-Line Inspection of Oil and Gas Pipelines Using Optical Sensor Array. Sensors.

PDF DOI

Patents:

Kanhaiya Lal Chaurasiya, Bishakh Bhattacharya, S Barathy, Sanjeev Kumar (2020). Speed Control System for Pipe Health Monitoring Robot. IPA: 202011016379.

PDF

Recent Publication (Dec-2020)

Tue, 01 Dec 2020 19:12:06 +0530

Vivek Gupta, Sondipon Adhikari, Bishakh Bhattacharya (2020). Exploring the dynamics of hourglass shaped lattice metastructures. Scientific Reports.

PDF DOI

Course on Foundations of Cognitive Robotics

Tue, 01 Sep 2020 19:12:06 +0530

https://onlinecourses.nptel.ac.in/noc20_me92/preview

INTENDED AUDIENCE: Students and industry experts
PREREQUISITES: School level science courses
INDUSTRIES SUPPORT: Robotics Industry, Neuroscientists, Psychologists, Research scholars in the field of Social Robots