This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. The democratization of the programmable electronics and manufacturing capabilities calls for a democratization of design capabilities, which is needed for invention and innovation of machines. This talk focuses on challenges, opportunities, and possible solutions for bridging this gap by uniting the teaching of scientific and engineering principles with the new tools of technology while fostering invention, innovation, and creativity.

Dr. Anurag Purwar received his Ph.D. from State University of New York at Stony Brook and his B. Tech from IIT Kanpur, both in Mechanical Engineering. His research interests are in machine design area with a focus on kinematic design of robots and mechanisms, CAD/CAM, and application of Computational Geometry, Virtual Reality (VR), Computer Graphics and Visualization in Design Engineering.
Dr. Purwar’s research work has been published in international journals and conferences and he is the recipient of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Teaching by Stony Brook University. His work on the interactive dimensional synthesis of planar 6R mechanisms won him a best paper award at the 2009 ASME International Design Engineering Technical Conferences (IDETC). He has been twice elected as a member of the ASME Mechanisms and Robotics committee and served as the Program Chair for the 38th ASME Mechanisms and Robotics Conference. He is the conference chair for the 39th ASME Mechanisms and Robotics Conference and has also served as symposium and session chairs for many ASME International Design Engineering Technical Conferences.
Dr. Purwar is also the department’s representative to the NY state-funded Strategic Partnership for Industrial Resurgence (SPIR) program. As the SPIR representative, he identifies and coordinates projects between the department and Long Island based industries. SPIR projects include joint proposals for federal funding, manufacturing and quality assurance improvements, research and development, and testing and evaluation.
Dr. Purwar recently won a SUNY Research Foundation Technology Accelerator Fund (TAF) award, which enabled him to develop a multifunctional Sit-to-Stand-Walker assistive device for people afflicted with neuromuscular degenerative diseases or disability. The technology and the patent behind the device has been licensed to Biodex Medical Systems for bringing the device to institutional market.

About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)