Smart Manufacturing and Automation​

The Smart Manufacturing and Automation cluster advances next-generation manufacturing through the integration of digital and additive technologies, robotics, AI, and data-driven decision systems. Its research spans autonomous systems, human–robot collaboration, supply chain intelligence, and immersive technologies such as VR/AR and IoT-enabled smart sensing. ​

By uniting expertise in automation, artificial intelligence, and human-centered design, the cluster drives innovation in intelligent, adaptive, and sustainable manufacturing systems that strengthen resilience, productivity, and societal benefit.

Group Members

• Samuel Oliveira, Assistant Professor, Nanoengineering - smdoliveira@ncat.edu

• Muditha Senanayake, Professor, Family and Consumer Sciences - mmsenanayake@ncat.edu

• Zhaohui Wang, Assistant Professor, Computer Systems Technology - zwang3@ncat.edu

• Balakrishna (Balu) Gokaraju, Professor, Computer Systems Technology - bgokaraju@ncat.edu

• Troy Purdom, Assistant Professor, Kinesiology- tpurdom@ncat.edu

• James D. Kribs, Assistant Professor, Applied Engineering Technology - jdkribs@ncat.edu

• Elizabeth Newcomb-Hopfer, Associate Professor. Family and Consumer Sciences - eanewcom@ncat.edu

• Mohammad Azad, Associate Professor, Chemical, Biological and Bioengineering - emaazad@ncat.edu

• Shyam Aravamudhan, Professor, Nanoengineering - saravamu@ncat.edu