Researcher of the week – Tarun Kuma
Once a week a researcher presents themselves based on four generic questions related to Industrial Transformation. This weeks researcher is Tarun Kumar Agrawal, Ph.D. Postdoc in Production Logistics.
Why is the industry's transformation to meet climate change in a competitive manner important to you?
(In context of manufacturing industry)
Historically, products are needed to satisfy growing population and meet increasing living standards. As a result, manufacturing industry has always been a growing sector globally. It contributes significantly to GDP growth, especially in developing countries where manufacturing is a leading contributor to economic development, employment and social activity. Nevertheless, the current ecological condition has led us to re-evaluate manufacturing strategies, processes and activities so as to transform our industries and meet climate change in a manner so as to retain competitive advantage. It is vital to transform but not on cost of huge economic loss. Thus, for a sustainable future, industries need to work towards decoupling environmental impact and economic activities.
How are you contributing to the transformation?
My main research focus in production logistics and supply chain visibility. Additionally, I am also exploring applications of machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) tools/techniques in production logistics. Visibility in internal and external supply process is crucial in various aspects of sustainable development. For instance, informed decision making related to process transformation, effective utilization of resources and calculating carbon footprint, to name a few. On the other hand, AI and ML tools are vital for process optimization, automation, effective forecasting that can result in reduced carbon footprint.
What do you hope to have achieved with your research in 10 years?
Sustainable development requires collaborative and continuous efforts from all sectors of society. As a researcher I am always excited and enthusiastic to play my part. Most of my projects and that of my research group have strong industrial collaborations. We work on encountering industrial and social challenges using latest technological tool while ensuring sustainability aspect. Down the line, I would like to develop technological solution and business models that can contribute to industrial transformation to meet climate change.
What do you wish KTH to contribute with in regard to competitive industry transformation?
Today, KTH ranks among the top universities in the world in sustainable development. I believe KTH should continue and in fact accelerate its efforts every year and work towards a better and sustainable future. In terms of research and academic contributions, KTH should keep disseminating sustainable solutions to the society, nurture ideas, promote innovation and everyday solutions towards leading a more ecologically conscious life. As a university it provides an excellent platform for the upcoming generation of engineers who can work with the natural rhythm of our declining ecosystem and hence combat various threats posed by climate change.
About Researcher of the week
Any questions about Researcher of the week? Please email to: researchers-indtrf@kth.se.