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
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Muditha Senanayake, Professor, Family and Consumer Sciences - mmsenanayake@ncat.edu
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Zhaohui Wang, Assistant Professor, Computer Systems Technology - zwang3@ncat.edu
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Balakrishna (Balu) Gokaraju, Professor, Computer Systems Technology - bgokaraju@ncat.edu
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Troy Purdom, Assistant Professor, Kinesiology- tpurdom@ncat.edu
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James D. Kribs, Assistant Professor, Applied Engineering Technology - jdkribs@ncat.edu
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Elizabeth Newcomb-Hopfer, Associate Professor. Family and Consumer Sciences - eanewcom@ncat.edu
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Mohammad Azad, Associate Professor, Chemical, Biological and Bioengineering - emaazad@ncat.edu
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Shyam Aravamudhan, Professor, Nanoengineering - saravamu@ncat.edu
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Yantian Zha, Assistant Professor, Computer Science - yzha@ncat.edu
