Lalita Udpa

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About

Lalita Udpa is a pioneering figure in nondestructive evaluation (NDE), specializing in the integration of robotics, artificial intelligence, and advanced sensing for structural health monitoring. Her research focuses on developing autonomous systems that combine robotic manipulation with ultrasonic and eddy current testing to inspect complex industrial components, particularly in power generation and aerospace sectors. Udpa’s major contributions include pioneering AI-enabled robotic platforms for live damage assessment and repair, as demonstrated in her 2021 work on intelligent mobile inspection systems for power plant boilers. She has also advanced air-coupled ultrasonic techniques for robotic NDE, enabling efficient data acquisition from complex geometries without physical contact. Her most-cited papers, including works on robotic NDE and air-coupled ultrasonic scanning, have garnered significant attention, with each accumulating 6 citations in specialized engineering contexts. Udpa’s work bridges the gap between traditional NDE and modern automation, earning her recognition as a leader in smart infrastructure maintenance. Her achievements include developing prototypes that autonomously detect and characterize defects, reducing human intervention in hazardous environments. For students and researchers, Udpa’s research exemplifies how robotics and AI can transform safety-critical inspection processes, offering a roadmap for future innovations in non-destructive testing.