Karthik Ramani is the Donald W. Feddersen Distinguished Professor in Mechanical Engineering and Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Purdue University. He holds dual appointments in the Elmore Family School of Electrical and Computer Engineering and the Department of Mechanical Engineering within the College of Engineering. His research focuses on advanced topics in augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), human-computer interaction, artificial intelligence, and robotics, with emphasis on tangible user interfaces, design automation, and immersive learning technologies. His work bridges theory and application, addressing challenges in interactive systems, IoT education, and embodied AI. Key research areas include AR/VR platform development, generative AI for design, and systems enabling bidirectional interaction between digital and physical objects. His contributions span technical innovations like the DuNN method for solving partial differential equations, the pARametric tool for parametric modeling, and collaborative AR platforms for educational and industrial use. He has authored numerous patents and articles on topics ranging from hand-object interaction to large language model visualization. Ramani’s work emphasizes practical applications in fields like manufacturing education, IoT skill development, and immersive training. His systems address challenges such as real-time AR binding with physical toys, causal reasoning visualization in mixed reality, and human-robot collaborative task authoring. His research often integrates hardware innovation with software solutions, as seen in flexible touch sensing systems and stretch-based interaction methods for wearable devices.
