Introduction

Prof. Ayon Chakraborty is an Assistant Professor in the Department of CSE at IIT Madras, specializing in the development of IoT-based and mobile systems that bridge the digital and physical realms. His research interests include algorithm design with end-to-end system prototyping, aiming to enhance how these systems interact with and interpret the physical world.

Recently, we had the opportunity to have a brief interaction with him, during which he shared valuable information and insights about the IoT world as well as his latest work.

He introduced the conversation by discussing IoT and its impact on our daily lives. His main interest is in applications of IoT in surveillance, intelligent systems, and healthcare.  Prof Chakraborty’s work in IoT involved optimizing battery-powered devices, such as those used in health monitoring, which cannot rely on grid power, to provide low-cost solutions that make healthcare IoT technology more accessible. He also specializes in enhancing the intelligence of IoT systems by optimizing device processing capabilities and minimizing their reliance on cloud-based solutions.

Now, we turn the spotlight to Prof. Chakraborty, who graciously shares his expertise and insights into the transformative role of IoT technologies in bridging the digital and physical worlds.

Our research explores system-level design of next-generation intelligent wireless systems and advanced sensing technologies, spanning both algorithm design as well as system prototyping. A key area of our work involves creating intelligent sensing platforms that integrate diverse sensor modalities to address complex real-world challenges. Our approach bridges the gap between theoretical innovation and robust system prototyping, driving advancements in connected and context-aware environments.

Advanced Sensing Applications and Hardware-Accelerated Sensing Solutions. Our research specializes in advanced sensing technologies, particularly RF-based methods such as RFID, Wi-Fi, Ultra-wide band, and millimeter waves, which complement traditional line-of-sight modalities like cameras. By integrating these innovative sensing techniques with mobile platforms such as robots and drones, we create scalable and efficient solutions for applications like location tracking, robotics, and smart homes. These systems are designed to perform reliably even in challenging environments, including emergency scenarios. However, such advanced sensing tasks on embedded devices often pose significant computational challenges, particularly involving advanced signal processing and deep learning. One of our key focus is to optimize these solutions to be lightweight and practical for resource-constrained IoT and edge devices. Through hardware acceleration techniques, we make our systems energy-efficient, cost-effective, and ready for real-world deployment, ensuring they meet the demands of modern applications.

Aerial Communication and Sensing. In emergencies where traditional communication networks fail or are unavailable, rapid and reliable solutions can make all the difference. Our research focuses on leveraging drone technology as an “on-demand” platform to create rapidly deployable and scalable solutions for public safety. These lightweight, cost-effective drone networks are designed to be quickly deployable, providing essential support to first responders. Acting as a communication backbone, they enable connectivity in critical situations. Additionally, they serve as mobile sensing platforms, capable of tasks like real-time human tracking in search-and-rescue missions or environmental monitoring during natural disasters. We create prototypes to turn our research ideas into practical solutions. By harnessing the power of drone technology, we are reimagining how to provide better and enhanced services to first responders during public safety incidents.

Patient care through virtual reality is not a dream anymore

“By tracking the patient’s movements in their actual home, doctors can use 3D simulations to show patients a virtual version of their living space, offering real-time advice as if they were there in person. For instance, a doctor might instruct a patient to walk to a virtual bathroom, simulating their daily routines for better rehabilitation feedback. This method addresses the challenge of providing immediate, personalized care without the need for patients to make difficult trips to the hospital. Additionally, IoT sensors, such as radar-based fall detection systems, are being developed to monitor vulnerable patients at home, ensuring timely medical intervention in case of emergencies like sudden falls. These innovations are crucial, especially in situations where wearing traditional monitoring devices is impractical or uncomfortable for the patient.”

Prof. Chakraborty emphasized the immense potential of sensing technologies and highlighted the growing demand for AI applications, particularly for cost effective devices. He also pointed out that while opportunities in this area are vast, there remains untapped potential, suggesting it as a promising avenue for future talent and innovation.