‘Nilanjan Sarkar’
Vanderbilt, Ohio State to develop social robots to encourage activity among older adults
Jun. 18, 2020—Researchers from Vanderbilt University and The Ohio State University are teaming up to develop next-generation robotic technology that can help older adults living with forms of dementia through a grant from the National Institute on Aging at the National Institutes of Health. The five-year grant, totaling $3.13 million, will support research and development of robotic...
Two new endowed chair recipients in engineering honored at celebration
Feb. 28, 2020—Two engineering faculty members named to endowed chairs were honored for their academic achievements during a celebration Tuesday, Feb. 25, at the Student Life Center. They were among nine Vanderbilt faculty members who are recipients of chairs. The engineering professors are: Craig Duvall, Cornelius Vanderbilt Chair in Engineering Nilanjan Sarkar, David K. Wilson Chair in...
Vanderbilt engineers lead $1 million NSF pilot to develop tech for workforce inclusion of people with autism
Oct. 11, 2019—A Vanderbilt mechanical engineering professor is leading an ambitious pilot project that will develop prototypes of new, AI-based technology and tools to train, connect and support people with autism spectrum disorders in finding jobs and succeeding in the workforce. The multi-university, multi-disciplinary team is at the forefront of a new NSF program that aims to...
Robot-guided video game prompts peer interaction among older adults
Mar. 18, 2019—Two residents of Elmcroft Senior Living sat side-by-side facing a large screen, raising their hands in tandem as watch-style devices on their wrists controlled the avatars in front of them. Every so often, a squat little robot off to the side would remind them the object of the game: Get your avatar’s books into the...
Sarkar named chair of mechanical engineering department
May. 30, 2018—Nilanjan Sarkar has been named chair of the mechanical engineering department at Vanderbilt University. Sarkar is a professor of mechanical engineering and computer engineering. He is recognized as an expert in robotics, including developing robotic and computer technology that can aid individuals with disabilities. Sarkar succeeds Professor Robert Pitz who remains a faculty member. Pitz...
Engineers develop technologies to make autism treatment more effective, accessible
Apr. 17, 2018—April is National Autism Awareness Month A recent CDC announcement reports that one in 88 children have an Autism Spectrum Disorder, up from one in 110 released in 2009. ASD refers to a range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication, as well as by unique strengths and...
‘Smart cane’ could help flag falling risks more quickly
Feb. 13, 2018—Two Vanderbilt engineers have developed an instrumented cane that can analyze gait to determine the risk of falling while still providing support. Nilanjan Sarkar, professor of mechanical and computer engineering, says the “IntelliCane” can quantitatively calculate falling risk as accurately as a physical therapist can with their own eyes. Dizziness and balance problems are significant...
Vanderbilt joins 40 academic partners to create, deploy robotic technology in critical manufacturing sectors
Apr. 25, 2017—Vanderbilt University is one of 40 academic partners in a new robotics manufacturing institute in Pittsburgh that will be funded with $80 million from the Department of Defense and $173 million in matching funds from more than 200 participating partners, including companies, local governments, academic and nonprofit organizations. The Defense Department awarded the contract to...