Recent Advances in Production Engineering

This book presents the select proceedings of 4th Biennial International Conference on the Future Learning Aspects of Mechanical Engineering (FLAME 2024). It explores the application of emerging technologies in the development of sustainable and carbon-neutral practices of manufacturing. Various topics covered in this volume are emerging technological advancements in manufacturing, sustainable manufacturing, rapid prototyping, quality and performance improvement, intelligent manufacturing, additive manufacturing, digital manufacturing, materials & methods , AI in manufacturing, etc. This book will be a good reference for researchers and professionals working in the area of industrial and production engineering.

Dr. Sumit Gupta is presently working as an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Head (Research and Publications) in Amity School of Engineering and Technology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida, India. Dr. Gupta has over 15 years of teaching and research experience. He is graduated in Mechanical Engineering from University of Rajasthan and earned master’s as well as Doctorate degree from Malaviya National Institute of Technology Jaipur, India. He has published over 120 research papers in peer reviewed international journals as well as in reputed international and national conferences. Dr Gupta serves on the Editorial Advisory Board for Discover Sustainability, Springer. He also served as Guest Editor in IJFST Springer, Sustainability MDPI and IJLM Emerald etc. He is a reviewer of various reputeds journals, including the Journal of Cleaner Production, Business strategy and environment, International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, British Food Journal, Resource policy etc. He is life member of Indian Institute of Industrial Engineering and Fellow of The Institution of Engineers (India). His areas of research are sustainable manufacturing, lean manufacturing, supply chain management and smart manufacturing, life cycle assessment (LCA) and sustainable materials.

Dr Priyank Srivastava is continuing as Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Amity School of Engineering and Technology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida, India. He has vast academic and research experience of eighteen years. He completed graduation in 2001, post-graduation in 2006, PhD in 2018, from Amravati University and Madan Mohan Malviya Engineering College, Gorakhpur and National Institute of Technology, Kurukshetra, respectively. He has published numerous articles in international journals and conferences, book chapters, and edited books. He has guided twelve (12) PG students and is presently guiding one (01) Ph.D. student as well. He is a reviewer of many journals of international repute. His research interests are operations management, maintenance management, risk and reliability analysis, supply chain management, business analytics and MCDM techniques.

Prof. J. Ramkumar has an illustrious career spanning more than two decades in the realms of research, academia, and industry. His remarkable contributions to the development of highly accurate micro/nano machining processes have played a pivotal role in shaping the cutting-edge defense systems of our time. From revolutionary metamaterials for defense technology to advanced machining processes for aerospace and missile components, such as those used in the Man Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM), Prof. Ramkumar's work has left an indelible mark on the field. As a dedicated researcher, he has harnessed his knowledge and expertise to address the needs of the less fortunate, focusing on empathy-driven studies to improve the lives of deserving individuals. Notably, he has spearheaded the implementation of assistive technologies for locomotive and visual disabilities, breaking down architectural barriers and revolutionizing the Agritech sector. Since joining IIT Kanpur in 2003, Prof. Ramkumar's research journey has been characterized by a harmonious fusion of teaching and learning practices, aiming to produce innovative solutions that enhance product efficiency while minimizing environmental impact. His brainchild projects, including the Imagineering Lab, Tinkering Lab, Maker's space, MedTech Lab, and RuTAG (Rural Technology Action Group) at IIT Kanpur, have created an ecosystem catering to the needs of students, scholars, faculties, and projects across the nation. Beyond his pioneering work, Prof. Ramkumar has been an inspiring mentor, nurturing over 15 successful start-ups throughout the country, each of which has introduced groundbreaking products to the market. Moreover, during the challenging times of the Covid pandemic, he exhibited frugal innovation by creating essential solutions like the SWASA masks and Sanjeevani (Oxygen Concentrator), blessing frontline workers and hospitals nationwide. Prof. Ramkumar's dedication to sharing knowledge has been evident through his creation of twelve MOOCs courses with a staggering 5 lakh views, reaching an international audience. He has also conducted and organized more than 100 workshops on design thinking, passionately propagating science and research among students, scholars, industrial practitioners, and faculties. The impact of Prof. Ramkumar's ingenuity and inquisitive spirit is so profound that his name has become synonymous with manufacturing engineering in the research community. His illustrious career stands as a testament to his unwavering commitment to excellence and advancement, bringing honor to the fields of academia and engineering alike.