I'm Dr. Pathmanaban Pugazhendi, an Assistant Professor at Easwari Engineering College, where I combine my passion for Computer Vision, Thermal Imaging, Deep Learning, and Edge AI to solve real-world problems in agriculture, food safety, and sustainable technology.

My Research Journey

My work has been cited over 410 times across various international journals, with a Total Author Impact Factor of 62.20. What drives me is the opportunity to bridge the gap between cutting-edge AI research and practical applications that make a tangible difference.

In Agricultural Technology & Food Science:

• I develop AI-powered systems for precision agriculture, helping farmers detect diseases and defects in crops like guava, sugarcane, and sapota
• I use thermal imaging to assess fruit quality post-harvest, reducing food waste and improving safety
• My recent work includes uncertainty-aware deep learning models that make agricultural AI more reliable and trustworthy

In Sustainable Engineering:

• I apply machine learning to optimize engine performance using alternative fuels like biodiesel and ethanol-water blends
• I'm working on intelligent battery management systems for electric vehicles
• My research explores how AI can accelerate our transition to renewable energy

In Computer Vision & AI:

• I specialize in developing lightweight deep learning models (like YOLO architectures) that can run on edge devices
• I'm particularly interested in making AI accessible for resource-constrained environments—bringing powerful technology to where it's needed most, not just where computational resources are abundant

What Drives My Work

I believe AI should be practical, deployable, and accessible. That's why much of my research focuses on developing efficient models that work in real-world conditions—whether it's detecting bread contamination using thermal imaging, identifying weld defects in manufacturing, or helping farmers spot crop diseases early.

My work has been published in top-tier Q1 journals including Journal of Food Engineering (IF: 5.8), Scientific Reports (IF: 3.9), and Trends in Food Science & Technology (IF: 15.4), but what matters most to me is seeing these technologies actually being used to solve problems.

Looking Forward

I'm currently focused on advancing Edge AI technologies—developing intelligent systems that can make split-second decisions without needing constant cloud connectivity. From smart farming tools to industrial quality control systems, I'm excited about building AI that works anywhere, for anyone.

I'm always open to collaborations, discussions, and connecting with fellow researchers, students, and industry professionals who share a passion for applied AI and sustainable technology.