Prof. Dr. Prabhu Sethuramalingam | Robotics and Machine Learning | Best Research Article Award

Professor at SRM Institute of Science and Technology, India

Dr. S. Prabhu is a seasoned academician and researcher with over 24 years of teaching and research experience and 3.5 years in industry. Currently serving as Professor of Mechanical Engineering at SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, he is renowned for his work in nanotechnology and smart manufacturing systems. He has previously served as Head of the Department for 4.5 years, during which he led strategic improvements in academic and research performance. A dedicated scholar, Dr. Prabhu has mentored multiple Ph.D. scholars and contributed to over 199 publications and patents in the field. His work on carbon nanotube-enhanced machining and robotic systems using AI and fuzzy logic has gained international recognition. He has also served as an external examiner for institutions abroad, including Harare Institute of Technology in Zimbabwe. Dr. Prabhu is widely respected for his academic leadership and has delivered keynote addresses at prestigious international conferences. With a comprehensive understanding of CNC programming, MATLAB, machine learning, and robotics, he has significantly impacted both academic scholarship and industrial innovation. Dr. Prabhu is committed to continuing his journey of excellence in teaching, research, and academic administration with a vision to elevate education through technology and innovation.

Profile

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ORCID

Education

Dr. S. Prabhu holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from SRM University, Chennai, awarded in July 2013. His doctoral research focused on “Investigations on the Surface Characteristics of Grinding and EDM Processes Using Carbon Nanotubes,” a pioneering study in nanotechnology applications for manufacturing processes. He completed his Master of Engineering in Production Engineering from Thiagarajar College of Engineering under Madurai Kamaraj University with First Class honors and an aggregate of 80%. His postgraduate research involved using convex hull approaches to evaluate circularity error, demonstrating his early inclination toward precision machining and computational methods. Dr. Prabhu earned his Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Karunya Institute of Technology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, where he undertook a project on the design and fabrication of the Stefan-Boltzmann apparatus, exploring thermodynamic principles. His academic journey reflects a consistent focus on mechanical systems, machining, thermal science, and the integration of computational tools with engineering problems. This solid educational foundation has enabled him to explore interdisciplinary applications of mechanical engineering, particularly in nano-manufacturing, robotics, and intelligent systems, establishing him as an expert in his field with both theoretical insight and experimental rigor.

Professional Experience

Dr. Prabhu began his career as a Production Engineer at Muthukumar Engineering Works in Salem, gaining hands-on industry experience for 3.5 years. Transitioning to academia in 2001, he joined SRM University as a Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering. Over the next two decades, he steadily advanced through the academic ranks—Assistant Professor, Senior Grade, and later Professor—demonstrating consistent leadership and technical proficiency. From February 2016 to July 2020, he served as Head of the Department, playing a pivotal role in academic administration, curriculum enhancement, and faculty mentoring. Currently, he continues as a Professor at SRM Institute of Science and Technology, where he leads multiple interdisciplinary projects. Notably, he also served as an External Examiner at the Harare Institute of Technology, Zimbabwe, a testament to his global academic standing. His work spans teaching, mentoring, research, and departmental leadership. Under his guidance, the department has achieved high-impact publications, patent filings, and collaborations. His expertise includes CNC programming, fuzzy logic, neural networks, robotic automation, and experimental design. With over 23 years of academic service, Dr. Prabhu exemplifies dedication, innovation, and excellence in mechanical engineering education.

Research Interest

Dr. Prabhu’s research interests encompass a wide spectrum of mechanical and interdisciplinary engineering domains. Central to his work is the application of nanotechnology in machining processes, particularly involving carbon nanotubes for surface modification and efficiency improvement in grinding and EDM. He has explored functionally graded materials (FGMs), robotic spray painting, soft robotics, and autonomous health-monitoring systems, merging classical mechanical systems with modern AI and machine learning techniques. His recent research also involves the development of robotic grippers for bio-inspired and agricultural applications, EEG-based robotic control systems, and neural network algorithms for precision classification in medical imaging and signal processing. Additionally, he is engaged in smart manufacturing systems that integrate MATLAB simulations, DOE using MINITAB, and fuzzy logic optimization techniques. His research has consistently aimed to bridge traditional manufacturing with intelligent systems, making his contributions vital for Industry 4.0 applications. Dr. Prabhu is also passionate about sustainability and eco-friendly composites, contributing to the design of lightweight materials using agro-waste fillers. His forward-looking research agenda continues to blend mechanical principles with cutting-edge computational models to address emerging challenges in automation, healthcare, materials science, and precision engineering.

Research Skills

Dr. Prabhu possesses an exceptional command of diverse research methodologies and technical tools across multiple engineering disciplines. He is proficient in the design of experiments (DOE) using MINITAB, MATLAB-based fuzzy logic, neural network modeling, and CNC/robotic programming. His technical skills enable comprehensive modeling and analysis for machining, robotics, and nanomaterials. He has expertise in using Taguchi methods, ANOVA, regression modeling, and multi-objective optimization techniques such as Grey Relational Analysis and TOPSIS. His ability to design experimental frameworks for surface analysis, grinding operations, and robotic simulations has led to a large volume of impactful publications. He is skilled in using advanced manufacturing equipment, virtual robotic platforms, and diagnostic tools like AFM and SEM for nanostructure analysis. He has also worked with Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI), EEG signal classification, and machine learning algorithms in control systems. This broad skill set is evident in his 199 publications and multiple granted/pending patents, which focus on both fundamental and applied research. His experience spans interdisciplinary fields, demonstrating both technical depth and versatility. These skills make Dr. Prabhu an influential researcher capable of solving complex engineering problems through innovative, data-driven, and AI-powered approaches.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Prabhu has received numerous accolades for his outstanding contributions to research, teaching, and innovation. Notably, he has been granted five patents in the last two years, reflecting the originality and industrial relevance of his innovations in robotics, nano machining, and smart materials. His research excellence is further recognized by over 200 publications in reputed Scopus and SCI-indexed journals, many of which are high-impact (up to IF 6.3). He holds significant academic metrics, including an h-index of 26 and 2128 citations on Google Scholar. His contributions have earned him invitations as a keynote speaker at major international conferences, including Curtin University, Malaysia. As a research guide, he has successfully mentored four Ph.D. scholars and continues to supervise several others. His role as an international examiner for institutions like Harare Institute of Technology adds to his distinguished global profile. Moreover, his consistent publication record in high-impact journals and invited editorial contributions place him among leading researchers in mechanical and manufacturing engineering. These achievements underscore his standing as a thought leader and innovation-driven academic in the engineering fraternity.

Publications

Dr. Prabhu has authored an impressive body of work, with 199 research publications, including 125 international journal papers, 54 international conference presentations, and 20 national conference contributions. His scholarly output spans premier journals such as Computers in Biology and Medicine, Neural Computing and Applications, Fibers and Polymers, Journal of Intelligent Robotics and Applications, and SAE Technical Papers, many of which have impact factors above 5.0. His publications consistently explore the nexus between mechanical systems, nanotechnology, fuzzy logic, robotics, and machine learning. His work on carbon nanotube-infused tools, robotic control systems using EEG, and intelligent grippers for automation is widely cited and recognized. He also contributes actively to books and edited volumes, including Elsevier and IGI Global chapters. Dr. Prabhu maintains an active profile on Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science, reflecting his global academic footprint. His publications not only advance theoretical models but also emphasize practical applications in industry, healthcare, and smart manufacturing. This vast and interdisciplinary publication record positions him as a leading voice in next-generation mechanical research, capable of influencing both academia and applied technology development.

Conclusion

Dr. S. Prabhu exemplifies the ideal blend of academic scholarship, industrial relevance, and visionary leadership. His journey from a production engineer to a highly respected professor and research mentor is marked by consistent achievements in teaching, research, and innovation. With expertise spanning nanotechnology, robotics, AI, and advanced manufacturing, he has positioned himself at the forefront of interdisciplinary mechanical engineering. His publication volume, patent portfolio, and academic citations are a testament to his sustained research impact. Through strategic leadership, mentorship, and global collaborations, Dr. Prabhu continues to inspire the next generation of engineers. As he advances in his career, his commitment to integrating smart technologies into engineering education and practice ensures that he remains a pivotal contributor to the evolving landscape of mechanical science. He is not only a researcher of high repute but also an academic visionary dedicated to shaping the future of technical education and industrial transformation.