Sanjay Sarma

Sanjay Sarma is the Fred Fort Flowers (1941) and Daniel Fort Flowers (1941) Professor of Mechanical Engineering at MIT, currently on leave. He previously served as President, CEO and Dean of the Asia School of Business and as VP for Open Learning at MIT. Sarma co-founded the Auto-ID Center at MIT and developed key technologies behind the EPC suite of RFID standards used worldwide. He was also founder and CTO of OATSystems, acquired by Checkpoint Systems in 2008.

• Bachelor's Degree, Indian Institute of Technology (1989)
• Master of Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University (1992)
• Ph.D., University of California at Berkeley (1995)

Professor Sarma's research spans multiple interdisciplinary fields with a focus on RFID, sensors, and Internet of Things technologies. His work in automotive and autonomous systems explores innovative applications of sensing technology. In augmented reality and brain-computer interfaces, he investigates novel human-machine interaction paradigms. His research in digital learning examines how technology can transform educational experiences at scale, with particular interest in university design and operations.

Analysis of Professor Sarma's recent publications reveals a strong focus on integrating physical and digital systems. His work demonstrates increasing convergence between RFID technology, energy harvesting, and machine learning applications. Key themes include self-powered sensor networks, augmented reality interfaces for IoT devices, and security frameworks for connected systems. The research shows progression from foundational RFID work toward more complex integrated systems that combine sensing, computation, and communication.

Scientific Awards

• NSF Career Initiation Grant (1997)
• Cecil and Ida Green Career Development Chair (1999)
• Den Hartog Teaching Excellence Award (2001)
• Joseph H. Keenan Award for Innovation in Undergraduate Education (2002)
• MacVicar Fellowship (2008)

Industry Recognition

• Information Week's Innovators and Influencers (2003)
• Business Week's e.biz 25 Innovators (2003)
• New England Business and Technology Award (2005)
• MIT Global Indus Award (2005)
• Fast Company Magazine's "Fast 50" (2005)
• Boston Magazine's 40 under 40 (2006)
• RFID Journal Special Achievement Award (2010)

Professor Sarma has advised numerous doctoral and master's students, though specific names are not listed in the available information. His grant portfolio includes significant funding from the National Science Foundation and industry partnerships. He serves on the boards of GS1US and Hochschild Mining, and advises several startup companies including Top Flight Technologies. His research has been supported by both government agencies and industry collaborators interested in RFID, IoT, and digital learning applications.

Sarma leads research in the Auto-ID Labs, which he co-founded, focusing on RFID and sensor technologies. He has also been involved with the Office of Digital Learning at MIT and edX. His work extends to developing world applications through projects focused on low-cost sensing solutions. The research environment he has cultivated brings together electrical engineers, computer scientists, and mechanical engineers to tackle interdisciplinary challenges in sensing and connectivity.