Dr. Manish Anand

Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, IIT Madras

Dr. Sivakumar Balasubramanian

Professor, Department of Bioengineering, CMC Vellore

Dr. Sourav Rakshit

Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, IIT Madras

Dr. Sundararajan Natarajan

Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, IIT Madras

Ann David is a postdoctoral researcher. She completed her Ph.D. in Biomedical Devices and Technology through the joint Ph.D. programme conducted by IIT Madras, CMC Vellore and SCTIMST Trivandrum. Her Ph.D. thesis was on understanding the asymmetry in arm use among stroke patients with one-side weakness. She completed her master's in bioengineering from CMC Vellore and bachelor's in electronics and communication engineering from Govt. Model Engineering College, Kerala. 

Having worked closely with patients and clinicians for the past ten years, her research interests are in developing affordable and easy-to-use technological solutions. She also has an interest in computational neurorehabilitation. She enjoys exploring new places and music.

Aravind is a PhD scholar in a joint program between IIT Madras and CMC Vellore; his research is focused on developing a robot for assessing and training hand functions.  He did his undergrad in Mechanical Engineering from VIT University Vellore and his Masters in Bioengineering from CMC Vellore. His research interests include rehabilitation engineering, serious games, and neuromechanics. 

Being a high school basketball player undergoing multiple ACL reconstruction surgeries has pushed him towards rehabilitation engineering. His personal experiences and professional experiences of working with patients motivate him to develop accessible and affordable tools for rehabilitation. Aravind enjoys his weekend bicycle rides and spends his free time reading non-fiction books and rock tumbling.

Ritwika Choudhuri is an IIT Madras - CMC Vellore joint postdoctoral fellow. She completed her Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from IIT Bombay. She received her B.Tech. Degree in Instrumentation and Control Engineering and M.Tech. Degree in Applied Electronics and Instrumentation Engineering from West Bengal University of Technology. Before starting to pursue Ph.D., she worked as a faculty for 1.5 years in the Department of Electronics and Instrumentation Engineering of the National Institute of Science and Technology, Orissa. Her Ph.D. thesis was focused on understanding the neural drive underlying dynamic postural control mechanisms in humans. Her current research interests lie in movement neuroscience and rehabilitation technology. 

She loves to do trekking and camping in her leisure time.

Sanjay Singh is a Postdoctoral Fellow at the TTK Center for Rehabilitation Research and Device Development (R2D2), IIT Madras. He completed his PhD in Mechanical Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology Ropar, Punjab,  focusing on Computational Modeling of Bone Adaptation. 

He has done his M tech from the Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Uttarakhand. His PhD focuses on developing a computational model that simultaneously predicts Mineral Apposition Rates (MAR) at both the periosteal and endocortical surfaces. Specifically, he addresses the following questions:

1. Is fluid flow in lacunae canalicular porosity sufficient to estimate new bone formation at both cortical surfaces?

2. If not, what other stimulus, individually or in conjugation with fluid flow, may be necessary to accurately calculate MAR at both cortical surfaces?

Rajesh Kumar is a senior fabrication and assembly Technician, educated at the Industrial Training Institute. Besides, he holds a bachelor’s degree in arts. 

Rajesh started working on the Gait trainer and Standing wheelchair, then worked on NeoFly, NeoBolt, Saathi Walker, Beach Wheelchair, TCM, Walkchair, and Body Movement Wheelchair. Rajesh is an expert in identifying fabrication possibilities and enhancements that help the research team during the design process. His keen interest in the area led him to learn Solidworks and Master Cam.  

He loves to play cricket, volleyball, and football, and he is very interested in trekking and sea swimming.

Dheeraj K Panicker completed his undergraduate degree in Mechanical Production Engineering from TKM College of Engineering, Kollam, Kerala. 

At college, he organized a social fest, Trika '20, the first of its kind in Kerala. As part of his college design project, he designed a portable ramp facility that allowed people with disabilities to access beaches and experience the waves. He is a mechanical design engineer working on Saathi WalkChair, Transfer board, and Stair Climbing devices. 

He is a massive fan of O. V. Vijayan and Gabriel García Márquez because of the magical realism in their books, loves to watch and play football, and is also interested in cricket.

Seethapathi is a Senior Technician at R2D2 and holds a diploma in Mechanical Engineering. He has worked on projects such as Arise Standing Wheelchair, NeoFly, NeoBolt, and EZ-LOK orthotic knee. He has been involved in the assembly and associated works of Prosthetic knee and Hip simulators. He voluntarily trained in Mastercam and has taken responsibility for manufacturing prosthetic knee prototypes at R2D2. 

With over a decade of experience, he has accumulated a wealth of knowledge that makes him more productive, easily takes on challenges, and achieves the required output. He is interested in developing educational games for school children. He likes to play cricket and listen to music.

Aghil, a graduate in engineering from Calicut University, discovered his innate passion for invention when he developed a patentable book-binding machine as part of his academic pursuits. Over more than five years, Aghil has honed his expertise in these fields through diverse roles in various organizations. Seeking to augment his skills, Aghil pursued additional training in mechanical product design at the CADD Centre and completed a Post Graduate Certificate Course in Professional development (PGCCPD) from the prestigious CREST-IIMK institute. 

He avidly consumes literature and educative YouTube infographics and keeps abreast of geopolitics and current affairs. 

Sathish completed his undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering at Thanthai Periyar Government Institute of Technology, Vellore, and then pursued a master's program in bioengineering at Christian Medical College, Vellore. As part of his master's thesis, he worked on a Plug and Train Robot for hand rehabilitation (PLUTO). He is now a project associate in R2D2, IITM, on the same project. He works on mechanical design and inventory management for the commercialization of PLUTO. In his free time, he enjoys watching movies and sports.

Ashish holds a Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering from VTU, Bangalore, and a Master's in Design Engineering from BITS Pilani. 

He has always been interested in concept ideation, generating manufacturable designs, and making prototypes. He is passionate about biomimicry and has created prototypes of a lower limb exoskeleton and several automated prosthetic arms. With four years of experience working in kitchen automation and rehabilitation devices, he has led multiple projects from initial ideation to complete production as a design engineer. 

He enjoys music, watching movies, traveling, and working on DIY projects in his free time.

Likhitha completed her B. Tech in Mechanical Engineering (Production) from T. K. M. College of Engineering, Kollam. She worked at Infosys Limited as a system engineer. She coordinated many sociocultural events in the college, which helped her to improve her leadership skills. While studying at T K M, she participated in the 2019 National Electric Kart Championship, qualifying for all safety rounds on her first attempt. 

She joined R2D2 as a design engineer researching and developing affordable prosthetic foot and looking for research in energy-storing foot development. She is curious to learn new things, experience new cultures, and meet new people.

Anisha completed her Electrical and Electronics Engineering bachelor's degree at Sri Venkateswara College of Engineering, Chennai. 

She worked with a startup where she designed two medical device products on the market. She is a passionate embedded engineer who designs products based on architectural ideas. 

Currently, she is working on wheelchair mobility solutions. 

She is a person who loves fraternizing and strongly believes in teamwork. Besides work, she enjoys watching series and traveling. 

Manavalan completed his bachelor's degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Jeppiaar SRR Engineering College, Chennai. After that, he worked as a maintenance trainee in Sri Ramalinga Mills, Aruppukottai, for a year. He worked in the Maintenance & Store Department at Kusauto PVT Ltd Chennai for a few months. 

Manavalan Joined the R2D2 lab in June 2022 as a Project Associate. He Worked on an Electroporation Project (Electric Circuit code & designing). Currently, he's Working on the design and development of a portable weighing Scale for bed-ridden patients. 

In his free time, he plays Cricket, watches sports and movies, and loves to travel. 

Naveen is an automotive engineer by education with a Bachelor's degree In Automobile Engineering from Rajalakshmi Engineering College, Chennai, and a master's degree in the same from Birmingham City University. He has joined Thryv as the product development and manufacturing lead. Naveen, before this, has worked R&D in various domains ranging from core automotive OEMs to healthcare to bespoke motorcycle development. 

His primary experience is in manufacturable design and development, with a keen interest in simple solutions and clean engineering practices. Naveen has helped develop several product and technology patents in automotive engineering, healthcare, and production automation. He specializes in the productization and monetization of intellectual property. 

He is an avid animal lover, specifically dogs. He is a vocal advocate for native breeds and bringing back the breeds lost to obscurity. He is a biker, a tinkerer, a PC enthusiast, a huge proponent of DIY, and a gamer. 

Praveen Kumar completed his undergraduate degree in Mechanical engineering from Global  Institute of Engineering & Technology, Vellore, post which he worked 3yrs of  R&D and Service  Engineer for Indian railway, and also metro rail track inspection in S.V.A. Rikkon Lubes Pvt. Ltd. And then in the lubrication field as a Service Engineer in Auto Lubricators (SKF LINCOLN). 

Praveen joined the R2D2 Project Associate in Plug and Train Robot for Hand Rehabilitation (PLUTO) IITM. He works on mechanical design and all the 3D printing machines that handle, fabricate, and assemble parts of PLUTO. Then, he interacts with users and patients for Clinical Trials, medical professionals, hospitals, and rehab centers. He plays shuttle and cricket in his free time and enjoys watching movies and sports. 

Dharmesh is a mechanical engineering graduate from V. V. P. Engineering College, Gujarat. He is interested in biomechanics and the development of prosthetics. 

He has more than eight years of experience in design and manufacturing and more than three years of experience in linear, non-linear, static and dynamic analysis. 

Currently working as a project associate at R2D2 lab for research and development of affordable prosthetic foot and looking for research in energy-storing foot development. 

He is also interested in travelling and exploring ancient sites and temples of India and different cultural activities in India.

Arjun Saxena K S is a Mechanical design engineer who graduated from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras. During his Mtech program, he worked under Prof. Sujatha Srinivasan's guidance. He is actively engaged in a project related to the design and analysis of a Rotary Vane Magneto-Rheological (MR) Damper for a prosthetic ankle. This project implies the application of mechanical design principles to address real-world challenges, particularly in the healthcare field. 

Beyond his academic commitments, he is greatly interested in sports, especially Cricket and Badminton. He is a creative individual who enjoys pencil drawing. 

Prajith Raj R is a dedicated FEA Engineer at the R2D2 Lab, where he actively contributes to innovative mobility solutions, including developing a Prosthetic Foot and other mobility projects. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Adi Shankara Institute of Engineering and Technology, Kerala. 

Before joining R2D2, he gained valuable experience designing and developing battery packs for electric vehicles. He also published in the academic field, with a journal paper on his final-year college project titled, "Design and Analysis of a Solar Dryer with a Parabolic-Shaped Dish-Type Collector for Drying Peanuts," featured in IOPScience.

He completed his undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering at the Government College of Engineering – Tirunelveli. 

Thiagu joined the AREBO team as a project associate in June 2022. He handles mechanical design, fabrication, and 3D printing of rehabilitation robots. 

He likes to explore music and meditates during his free time. 

V Kabilan earned a Bachelor's in Medical Electronics Engineering from Saveetha Engineering College in Chennai. His professional journey commenced with a two-month internship at SMCH. After He joined an internship at CMC, he had the privilege of working under the guidance of Dr. Sivakumar Balasubrmanian. Following this enriching experience, he joined R2D2 as a Trainee. Currently, He is actively engaged in the design and development of rehabilitation and assistive devices, contributing significantly to the advancement of this field.

Dilip Vijay Ram earned his bachelor's degree in Mechatronics Engineering from Kongu Engineering College, Erode. 

During his academic tenure, he showed a keen interest in product design engineering, fluid power system design, and robot system integration. He successfully executed two projects in industrial automation: A smart IoT solution for inland aquaculture and an automated coconut shell charcoal powder maker using PLC. Moreover, he holds several industry certifications in SolidWorks, including CSWA - Mechanical Design, Electrical, 3D Symer, Additive Manufacturing, and FANUC - Robot Operation and Programming. 

In addition, he has registered a design under Indian IP, focusing on mobility. He enjoys watching space exploration and deep-tech movies and loves to cook.

Sugumaran is a skilled machinist who has completed ITI Machinist from MINT ITI North Chennai. He has worked as a Trainee at Wabco Pvt Ltd in the air brakes assembly section and at the Central Skill Training and Fabrication Facility, IIT Madras, where he gained valuable experience in critical machining processes through various research projects. 

Since September 2023, he has been working as a machinist at R2D2, where he applies his expertise and creativity to develop smart ways of machining. In his spare time, he enjoys playing cricket and volleyball.

Sridhar K, a 2018 Mechanical Engineering graduate from Thanthai Periyar Government Institute of Technology, gained diverse experience. At Best Fab Technical Services, he supervised production systems, coordinated design and production stages, and managed a team. At VBK Fibreo Tech Industries, he designed products, managed the design-to-production process, and addressed customer feedback. 

As a product development engineer for the PLUTO project, he focuses on new product development. Outside work, he enjoys reading history books and listening to music.

Kishore is a proficient machinist, holding a diploma in Tool & Die making (Jigs and Fixtures) from Guindy ITI Chennai. Previously, he honed his skills at Wabco Pvt Ltd as a maintenance technician and later at the Central Skill Training and Fabrication Facility, IIT Madras, as a Trainee, where he actively participated in diverse research projects, gaining invaluable experience in intricate machining processes. 

Since November 2023, Kishore has been a pivotal part of R2D2 as a fabrication and machinist, where he channels his expertise and ingenuity to pioneer innovative fabrication techniques. His unwavering passion for his craft is evident in his relentless pursuit of mastering new methodologies. In his spare time, Kishore finds solace in the simple pleasures of drawing and immersing himself in literature through reading books.

Sujith, an engineer, began his journey with our laboratory as a project associate. He holds a graduate degree and an MS in bioengineering, jointly awarded by CMC Vellore and SCTIMST. His undergraduate education was in Electronics and Communication Engineering at Karunya University, Coimbatore. During his tenure at the Department of Radiation Oncology at CMC Vellore as a Research Fellow, he contributed to teaching Basic Electronics and MATLAB programming to BSLAP and M.Sc. medical physics students. 

As part of his MS thesis, he developed the Instrumented Arm-Skateboard (ARMBO), designed for upper-limb assessment and rehabilitation. He is passionate about teaching programming languages and enjoys playing the guitar in his free time. 

Adithya Venkata Narayanan is a Mechanical Engineering graduate from the National Institute of Technology, Trichy. 

His interest lies in mechatronics, and has worked on several interdisciplinary projects. He is interested in assistive technology, tools that help the learner and explorer community, and believes one’s work should benefit lives. 

His hobbies include reading manga, manhwa, exercising, listening to music, watching movies, and doing origami, among many other things. He aspires to be a polymath.

Mohammed Millath, from Karaikudi, is a graduate of Automobile Engineering from the University College of Engineering, Anna University (BIT Campus) in Tiruchirapalli. 

He has a strong passion for transforming designs from concept to finished products. With a solid understanding of battery management systems, he completed a project integrating a battery cooling system using phase change materials (PCM), significantly enhancing charging and discharging efficiency. His innovative approach improved performance and contributed to the battery's longevity. 

Outside of academics, he plays for the Sivagangai district basketball team and is strongly interested in playing cricket and football.

R Charan Bhardhwaj is a Mechanical Engineering graduate from the National Institute of Technology, Trichy. 

He has a keen interest in robotics and, during his college days, was the head of the Robotics Club. His expertise in working with the Robotics Operating System allowed him to execute grasp planning strategies in simulation and perform sim2real on a RobotIQ gripper mounted on a UR5e serial manipulator. 

His hobbies include playing chess and flute. He is an audiophile and enjoys reading non-fiction books.

Ezhilarasan holds a Master’s in Computer Applications (MCA) from Thanthai Periyar Government Institute of Technology. Following graduation, he began his career as an intern with CMC, contributing to a project on gamification software for an arm rehabilitation device under the guidance of Dr. Sivakumar Balasubramanian. This experience helped refine his software development skills, particularly in healthcare technology. Currently, he works with the R2D2 team, focusing on 3D visualization software for force plates. 

Technically, he is skilled in Android app development, web development, and multiple programming languages. Outside work, he has a passion for travel and enjoys discovering new places.

Manivasagam is a Thanthai Periyar Government Institute of Technology graduate, where he completed his Master’s degree in Computer Applications (MCA). During the final semester of college, he joined CMC as an intern for six months, working under the supervision of Dr. Sivakumar Balasubramanian. In this role, he developed an Android application focused on capturing IMU sensor data for movement analysis. This experience sharpened his software development skills and deepened his understanding of healthcare technology. 

He is working with the R2D2 team, contributing to developing gamification software using Unity Engine. 

Hamras Wasith K, from Malappuram, is a graduate of  Mechanical Engineering from Government Engineering College, Kozhikode. He has an innovative passion for identifying problems and generating solutions. During his B. Tech program, his group designed and fabricated a “Biodegradable Acoustic Metamaterial Beam splitter.”

Later, he joined the TTK Center for Rehabilitation Research and Device Development (R2D2) at IIT Madras as a mechanical engineer. 

Outside his professional life, he enjoys football, movies, anime, and reading.

Abhishek graduated from Saveetha Engineering College, Chennai, where he completed his undergraduate degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering. He joined R2D2 as a Project Associate and actively engaged in groundbreaking projects, including AREBO and MARS. He specializes in electronic circuit testing and 3D CAD modeling in these projects. 

Outside of his professional life, Abhishek is an ardent music lover, frequently seeking solace and inspiration through the beauty of melodies. He is also a passionate traveler, constantly looking for opportunities to explore new destinations and cultures, adding depth to his life experiences.

Karthikeyan V is from Madurai. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from Thiagarajar College of Engineering, Madurai. With a strong foundation in engineering principles and specialization in Product Design and Manufacturing.  During his academic career, he demonstrated his leadership skills as the Manufacturing Lead for Formula Bharat, a prestigious Indian Formula Student competition, where he was involved in the design and fabrication of high-performance automotive components. His involvement in the Go-Karting Club further honed his teamwork and hands-on engineering skills. His project experience is notable for its innovation and real-world application. 

Currently, he is contributing his expertise as a Graduate Design Engineer in the R2D2 Lab at Thryv Mobility. His passion for engineering excellence and his creative problem-solving skills make him a valuable asset to any team. 

Outside of his professional pursuits, he enjoys playing football and traveling, reflecting his commitment to teamwork, fitness, and cultural exploration.

Rishikesh Guruprasad is from Chennai. Graduating in 2022 with a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Aston University, he has experience in the automotive industry. He was with the quality team at OPmobility, where he was involved in assembling front and rear bumpers for light motor vehicles. 

Demonstrating a flair for innovation, Rishikesh was involved in designing, optimizing, and building a novel small-scale Vertical-Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT) during his time at Aston. He strives to be a ‘True’ engineer who, by definition, is one who designs and builds. Passionate about aviation and aircraft structures, Rishikesh further honed his skills by interning at Simulation Lab, and Bangalore Aircraft Industries Private Ltd. He’s also an avid gamer delving into simulation titles. 

Currently, he is with Thryv Mobility at the R2D2 Lab as a Graduate Mechanical Engineer, contributing to the team in developing novel solutions for age-old challenges faced by people with accessibility needs.

Kunal Kirnapure, from Nagpur, Maharashtra is a 2023 Mechanical Engineering graduate, SAE member, Former Vehicle Dynamics Head of Team E-FORMULA ASHWA RIDERS, automotive & motorsports enthusiast. As an engineering student, he was able to design and fabricate the steering, suspension & brakes for an all-electric Formula Student Style race car. Also, he gained experience in the automotive industry through an internship at Maruti Suzuki India Limited. He is enthusiastic about contributing his expertise and skills in the engineering and automotive sector & making a meaningful impact in the field. He is always open to new opportunities, connecting with like-minded professionals, industry experts, and those with the same enthusiasm for engineering & mobility. Apart from his professional career, he has a keen interest in music production & digital content creation. 

Kritika is a Physiotherapy alumnus from Christian Medical College, Vellore, and the School of Allied Health Sciences (MAHE), Manipal. She is a postgraduate in Neurosciences Physiotherapy and has more than four years of experience treating patients with neuromotor disorders with a specific focus on spinal cord injury rehabilitation. 

She is currently a part of the Touch REHAB project under R2D2 as a Content Leader and leads a subsidiary project, Touch FREEDOM. Both projects are user-oriented and aim at disseminating evidence-based information about the best affordable practices to live well with spinal cord injury. The projects also focus on delivering rehabilitation-related guidance to users with spinal cord injuries in remote locations to enable them to lead independent lives. 

In her free time, she loves to read and has a newfound love for gardening.

Ida, a dedicated Occupational Therapist, is an alumna of Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore. She specializes in Pediatrics, earning her Master's in Occupational Therapy from Kovai Medical College and Hospital (KMCH), Coimbatore. Her primary area of expertise lies in Community-Based Rehabilitation, where she has taken on challenging roles in rural villages of North East India as a Project Officer for a mission hospital - Baptist Christian Hospital, Tezpur. Furthermore, she has valuable experience caring for children with neurodevelopmental disorders at Neolife Children's Hospital, Chennai. Currently working as Project Associate - Occupational Therapist at TTK Centre for Rehabilitation Research and Device Development, IIT Madras. 

Outside of her professional life, Ida finds joy in painting and quality time with friends and family.

Anushka is a physiotherapy postgraduate specialising in neurology. She completed her bachelor's from Manipal College of Health Professions and her master's from Amity Institute of Health Allied Sciences. She has received certifications from the American Academy of Electrodiagnosis, IIT Madras, the World Federation of Neurorehabilitation, and WHO. Her time working all over India in different hospital settings has given her an in-depth understanding of the needs of a diverse group of patients. 

She is a Clinical Research Associate at R2D2 IIT Madras. Aside from work, she enjoys singing, sketching, cooking, and reading. She also enjoys travelling and learning about different cultures.

Poornachandran is a Peer Trainer for persons with spinal cord injury with more than two years of experience, earlier with The Ganga Foundation and currently with TTK Center for Rehabilitation Research and Device Development at IIT Madras. He completed his undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering from Sathyabhama University, Chennai. He has immense experience working as a trainer and coordinator for Touch Freedom - a virtual rehabilitation resource for persons with a spinal cord injury. He is also a Wheelchair Marathoner, Wheelchair Basketball player and won a Silver medal during the Tamil Nadu Para Powerlifting Championship 2018.

Lakshmanan has been a Peer Trainer for persons with spinal cord injuries since 2015. He has completed his B.Com at Sathyabama University. His contributions to the sport have been exemplary, representing Tamil Nadu with pride in four national games, clinching two silver and one bronze. His appearances in international tournaments, notably the under-23 event in Thailand in 2017 and India's historic tournament in Noida, Delhi, in 2022, where he secured a silver medal, reflecting his stellar performance on a global platform. 

These achievements, underscored by his commitment to excellence, were further recognized when Lakshmanan was honored with the Tamil Nadu Governor's Award in 2021. 

Jennifer is a Peer Trainer for persons with spinal cord injuries. Jennifer completed her Bachelor of Science from Queen Mary's College, Chennai. She works at the TTK Center for Rehabilitation Research and Device Development (R2D2) at IIT Madras. 

In addition to her role as a trainer, Jennifer is an accomplished wheelchair marathoner, wheelchair basketball player, and yoga practitioner. Before her current position, she gained five years of experience as a school physical education teacher. 

Viji is a peer trainer for persons with spinal cord injuries.  Viji completed her information technology (DIT) diploma at Karaikal Polytechnic College.  She works at the TTK Center for Rehabilitation Research and Device Development (R2D2) at IIT Madras. In addition to her role as a trainer, Viji is a wheelchair badminton player and a wheelchair marathoner. 

Kalpana Suresh is a physiotherapist who specialises in neurorehabilitation. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from the Manipal College of Health Professions and a Master’s from Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore. Her professional experience includes working as a physiotherapist with the Parkinson’s Society of India and providing care at various elderly homes in Mumbai. 

She is currently a Clinical Research Associate at R2D2 IIT Madras. Outside of work, she is passionate about attending dance workshops, engaging in cultural activities, and hosting events. She also enjoys meeting new people, traveling, and discovering diverse cuisines.