Meet the researcher: Dr Karthick Thiyagarajan

Dr Karthick Thiyagarajan is an internationally recognised scientist in smart sensing and robotics.  He is currently a Lecturer in Mechatronic and Robotic Engineering and Assistant Stream Leader for Automation and Robotics at the Centre for Advanced Manufacturing Technology (CfAMT), within the School of Engineering, Design and Built Environment at Western Sydney University.

Tell me about your interest in robots and sensing. How did you get involved in these areas, and why?

Dr Karthick Thiyagarajan

My fascination with robots and how they sense and perceive the environment has been a lifelong interest. Since childhood, I’ve been captivated by the idea of machines that can interact with the world in ways similar to humans. This curiosity led me to explore the field of robotics more deeply. During my Master's thesis at Newcastle University, UK, I focused on SLAM for robots, primarily using traditional RGB and 3D data for perception—approaches commonly used in robotics research. However, this sparked my desire to explore alternative sensing modalities to enhance robot perception beyond conventional methods.

To pursue this interest, I took a significant step during my PhD at the UTS Robotics Institute (UTS RI), where I had the opportunity to collaborate with four Australian utilities and Data61-CSIRO. My PhD research developed an innovative smart sensing suite that monitors the real-time environmental properties of wastewater pipe concrete surfaces. This tool offers valuable data for predictive analytics models to forecast pipe corrosion conditions in wastewater networks at a low cost. It has proven to be a game-changer, helping water utilities confidently identify corrosion hotspots, which addresses a multibillion-dollar problem that has burdened the global water industry for over 50 years. This project marked my first major contribution to smart sensing solutions for critical infrastructure, and it continues to inspire my work in robotics and sensing technologies.

What’s been your most rewarding achievement or moment in your research career?

Throughout my research career, I’ve had several rewarding experiences that have significantly shaped my journey in different forms. One of the most memorable milestones was receiving the NSW Student Water Prize in 2018 from the Australian Water Association (AWA) for my PhD research. This was my first recognition from the industry and remains one of my most cherished achievements to date.

As a Research Fellow at UTS RI, I significantly contributed to the development of a ground-breaking multimodal robotic sensing suite for non-destructive, real-time assessment of concrete wastewater pipe corrosion. This innovative tool was the first of its kind, measuring the thickness of the corroded layer and providing vital insights into the remaining intact concrete surrounding the rebar. This achievement earned national recognition through the AWA National Research Innovation Award 2020 and the NSW Research Innovation Award 2020, awarded to the UTS RI and Sydney Water team. In 2021, this robotic tool was successfully operationalized by Sydney Water, marking a major achievement during my Research Fellow tenure.

Another rewarding experience was my immense contribution to developing robotic sensing tools for post-application quality assurance and long-term performance monitoring of water and wastewater pipe linings. Collaborating with 34 partners from Australia, the USA, the UK, Canada, and Germany as part of the A$24 million CRC-P project, created novel sensing tools that set new inspection standards for water utilities both in Australia and globally.

What more are you hoping to achieve in your career?

For over a decade, I have been driven by a passion for exploring alternative sensing modalities to elevate robot perception beyond traditional approaches. With the rapid advancements in AI and robotics, this work has become increasingly critical. We are now at a pivotal moment where robots can be seamlessly integrated into real-world applications, significantly impacting critical infrastructure, assistive healthcare, and advanced manufacturing—fields that profoundly shape our environment, society, and industry.

As the Chief Investigator of an ARC Linkage project, I am co-leading the development of a next-generation intelligent robotic mobility aid for individuals with vision impairment. This revolutionary project harnesses advanced sensing technologies to promote safety and independence. Additionally, my research includes wearable sensor-assisted serious games, which aim to enhance human-robot interaction for children with physical disabilities. By integrating robotics with rehabilitation, this work aspires to foster greater inclusivity and improved quality of life.

In the manufacturing domain, my focus is on advancing human-robot collaboration to create safer and more efficient workplaces. Through intelligent sensing, I strive to align robotics with the principles of Industry 5.0, enhancing productivity while fostering sustainability and adaptability in industrial environments.

My ultimate vision is to develop sustainable and inclusive robotic solutions that address today’s challenges while paving the way for a brighter future. By pushing the boundaries of novel sensing and robotics research, I aim to drive innovation that inspires meaningful change and leaves a lasting positive impact on society.

Why is what you do important?

In infrastructure robotics, my work supports the proactive maintenance of critical systems such as water, wastewater, and broadband networks. By providing accurate, evidence-based data, I enable asset owners and field managers to make informed decisions, minimizing service disruptions and mitigating environmental risks. This approach ensures long-term sustainability of essential infrastructure.

In assistive healthcare robotics, my research focuses on empowering individuals with disabilities, particularly those with vision or physical impairments. Advanced robotic mobility aids and sensory tools enhance user independence, improve caregiver support, and contribute to a more inclusive society where everyone can participate fully in daily activities.

In manufacturing robotics, my work aligns with Industry 5.0 by advancing human-robot collaboration. These innovations boost productivity, improve workplace safety, and drive sustainability, fostering local economic growth and enabling smarter, more efficient manufacturing processes.

Through these efforts, my work addresses critical societal needs, driving innovation and delivering tangible benefits across multiple sectors.