About Us
Focus Areas
Projects
Testimonials
Partners

Center of System Design (A Center of Excellence at NITK Surathkal) envisages an Interdisciplinary approach and means for realization of successful engineering systems. It aims at facilitating and providing required environment for all key components of system design.

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Key Focus Areas

Interdisciplinary Approach

  • System Modeling & Simulation
  • System Dynamics, Control & Optimization
  • Virtual and Physical Experimentation

Cutting-Edge Research

  • Data Acquisition
  • Digital Signal Processing
  • Real-Time Control Systems
  • Graphical Simulation
  • Product development

Industry Collaboration

  • Partnerships with Industries
  • Collaboration with R&D Labs
  • Engagement with Organizations to Address Multifaceted Challenges

Highlight Projects

Virtual labs

The Virtual Lab at NITK, hosted by the Centre for System Design (CSD), is redefining education and research by providing remote access to experiments typically conducted in physical labs. CSD's initiatives go beyond virtual labs, engaging in outreach activities and workshops designed to foster innovation, collaboration, and practical learning experiences.

SEARCH

SEARCH is a groundbreaking initiative designed to revolutionize emergency management and environmental monitoring. Developed by the Centre for System Design (CSD) at NITK Surathkal, SEARCH integrates cutting-edge UHF/VHF/HF radio stations with autonomous aerial and marine vehicles, creating a robust platform for disaster response, communication, and rescue operations. This initiative represents a global first, setting new standards for how emergencies are managed.

E-Mobility

The Centre for System Design at NITK Surathkal has spearheaded an E-Mobility initiative, developing a diverse fleet of electric vehicles, including e-cycles, e-scooters, and e-bikes, tailored for campus transportation needs. Utilizing AI algorithms, the project optimizes vehicle deployment and routing based on predicted demand. This initiative positions NITK as a leader in sustainable campus transportation and demonstrates the Centre's expertise in integrating technology for practical, eco-friendly solutions.

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Testimonials

Dr. Praveen Shenoy

Dr. Praveen Shenoy

PhD in Control Systems AssocIate Professor Department of Aeronautical Engineering Srinivas Institute of Technology, Mangalore

"My Adventures in Gadget Land at CSD...

My Adventures in Gadget Land at CSD "Stepping into CSD in 2014 felt like entering a tech wonderland, filled with cutting-edge gadgets and endless possibilities. I got to play with sophisticated equipment, like the National Instruments Data Acquisition system, which we used to experiment with innovative materials like Magneto-Rheological Elastomers. My time at CSD wasn’t just about research—it was about creativity, experimentation, and a lot of learning through trial and error (with a few coffee spills along the way!). Today, as an Associate Professor, I share those hands-on experiences with my students, equipping them with the same curiosity and problem-solving skills I honed at CSD. Looking back, the lessons I learned at CSD weren’t just technical—they were about thinking outside the box and turning setbacks into opportunities."

Dr. Sai Aditya Raman Kuchibhatla

Dr. Sai Aditya Raman Kuchibhatla

BTech Mechanical Engineering Graduate Teaching Assistant George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, USA

"From Virtual Labs to Global Research: My CSD Journey...

From Virtual Labs to Global Research: My CSD Journey "My journey with CSD started back in 2011 when I worked on my Bachelor's thesis, which involved developing some of the early virtual labs at NITK. The hands-on experience I gained with cutting-edge hardware and instrumentation at CSD laid a strong foundation for my future career. Working in the fields of vibration instrumentation and measurement not only sharpened my technical skills but also gave me the confidence to tackle challenging research in automotive NVH and acoustics. These skills proved invaluable as I pursued graduate studies and eventually completed my PhD at Georgia Tech. CSD also provided opportunities to expand my professional network and collaborate with other researchers, broadening my perspective beyond my primary research area."

Abhinava Karaba

Abhinava Karaba

Automation Engineer Mercedes-Benz R&D Bengaluru, India

"Preparing for the Industry, One Experiment at a Time...

Preparing for the Industry, One Experiment at a Time "The facilities at CSD provided a rich environment for hands-on learning. I had the opportunity to work with high-end equipment, such as National Instruments PXIs and Ethernet DAQs, as well as industry-grade sensors. The experience I gained in instrumentation, data acquisition, and testing was instrumental in preparing me for the industry. CSD also gave me exposure to consulting for startups and government companies like MRPL, which expanded my knowledge and allowed me to grow professionally. Working at CSD wasn't just about technical skills; it taught me adaptability and professionalism—key traits in a corporate setting. The collaborative and encouraging atmosphere made the learning process both enriching and memorable."

Tejas Pethker

Tejas Pethker

System Engineer Mercedes-Benz R&D Bengaluru, India

"CSD: The Foundation for Innovation...

CSD: The Foundation for Innovation "The Centre for System Design (CSD) at NITK Surathkal is a state-of-the-art technology lab where I had the freedom to explore projects of my own choosing. With Prof. KV Gangadharan's unwavering support, I delved into areas I was passionate about, gaining hands-on experience with industrial technologies. My work at CSD spanned a diverse array of fields, from Control Systems to Remote Sensing. The instrumentation experience I gained continues to benefit me in my current role. The hands-on work with National Instruments devices at CSD has given me the confidence to tackle complex projects, such as instrumenting endurance vehicles for research on Indian roads. The strong foundation I built at CSD, particularly in sensors and actuator technologies, has made understanding Mercedes engine systems a much smoother process."

Aishwarya Pillai

Aishwarya Pillai

Engineer Mercedes-Benz Research R&D Bengaluru, India

"From Academia to Industry: A Journey Fueled by CSD...

From Academia to Industry: A Journey Fueled by CSD "My two years at CSD, first as part of my MTech curriculum and then as a project researcher, were invaluable. The hands-on experience I gained in motor control algorithms and sensor technologies, particularly while working on a switched reluctance motor project, provided me with the skills needed to excel in modeling and simulation. I also had the opportunity to visit and interact with industry partners like M/s Aditya Auto, Bangalore, which further enriched my learning experience. The guidance I received during my MTech project laid the foundation for my current role at Mercedes-Benz, where I continue to apply the knowledge and skills I developed at CSD."

Dr. Praveen Shenoy

Dr. Praveen Shenoy

PhD in Control Systems AssocIate Professor Department of Aeronautical Engineering Srinivas Institute of Technology, Mangalore

"My Adventures in Gadget Land at CSD...

My Adventures in Gadget Land at CSD "Stepping into CSD in 2014 felt like entering a tech wonderland, filled with cutting-edge gadgets and endless possibilities. I got to play with sophisticated equipment, like the National Instruments Data Acquisition system, which we used to experiment with innovative materials like Magneto-Rheological Elastomers. My time at CSD wasn’t just about research—it was about creativity, experimentation, and a lot of learning through trial and error (with a few coffee spills along the way!). Today, as an Associate Professor, I share those hands-on experiences with my students, equipping them with the same curiosity and problem-solving skills I honed at CSD. Looking back, the lessons I learned at CSD weren’t just technical—they were about thinking outside the box and turning setbacks into opportunities."

Dr. Sai Aditya Raman Kuchibhatla

Dr. Sai Aditya Raman Kuchibhatla

BTech Mechanical Engineering Graduate Teaching Assistant George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, USA

"From Virtual Labs to Global Research: My CSD Journey...

From Virtual Labs to Global Research: My CSD Journey "My journey with CSD started back in 2011 when I worked on my Bachelor's thesis, which involved developing some of the early virtual labs at NITK. The hands-on experience I gained with cutting-edge hardware and instrumentation at CSD laid a strong foundation for my future career. Working in the fields of vibration instrumentation and measurement not only sharpened my technical skills but also gave me the confidence to tackle challenging research in automotive NVH and acoustics. These skills proved invaluable as I pursued graduate studies and eventually completed my PhD at Georgia Tech. CSD also provided opportunities to expand my professional network and collaborate with other researchers, broadening my perspective beyond my primary research area."

Abhinava Karaba

Abhinava Karaba

Automation Engineer Mercedes-Benz R&D Bengaluru, India

"Preparing for the Industry, One Experiment at a Time...

Preparing for the Industry, One Experiment at a Time "The facilities at CSD provided a rich environment for hands-on learning. I had the opportunity to work with high-end equipment, such as National Instruments PXIs and Ethernet DAQs, as well as industry-grade sensors. The experience I gained in instrumentation, data acquisition, and testing was instrumental in preparing me for the industry. CSD also gave me exposure to consulting for startups and government companies like MRPL, which expanded my knowledge and allowed me to grow professionally. Working at CSD wasn't just about technical skills; it taught me adaptability and professionalism—key traits in a corporate setting. The collaborative and encouraging atmosphere made the learning process both enriching and memorable."

Tejas Pethker

Tejas Pethker

System Engineer Mercedes-Benz R&D Bengaluru, India

"CSD: The Foundation for Innovation...

CSD: The Foundation for Innovation "The Centre for System Design (CSD) at NITK Surathkal is a state-of-the-art technology lab where I had the freedom to explore projects of my own choosing. With Prof. KV Gangadharan's unwavering support, I delved into areas I was passionate about, gaining hands-on experience with industrial technologies. My work at CSD spanned a diverse array of fields, from Control Systems to Remote Sensing. The instrumentation experience I gained continues to benefit me in my current role. The hands-on work with National Instruments devices at CSD has given me the confidence to tackle complex projects, such as instrumenting endurance vehicles for research on Indian roads. The strong foundation I built at CSD, particularly in sensors and actuator technologies, has made understanding Mercedes engine systems a much smoother process."

Aishwarya Pillai

Aishwarya Pillai

Engineer Mercedes-Benz Research R&D Bengaluru, India

"From Academia to Industry: A Journey Fueled by CSD...

From Academia to Industry: A Journey Fueled by CSD "My two years at CSD, first as part of my MTech curriculum and then as a project researcher, were invaluable. The hands-on experience I gained in motor control algorithms and sensor technologies, particularly while working on a switched reluctance motor project, provided me with the skills needed to excel in modeling and simulation. I also had the opportunity to visit and interact with industry partners like M/s Aditya Auto, Bangalore, which further enriched my learning experience. The guidance I received during my MTech project laid the foundation for my current role at Mercedes-Benz, where I continue to apply the knowledge and skills I developed at CSD."

Dr. Praveen Shenoy

Dr. Praveen Shenoy

PhD in Control Systems AssocIate Professor Department of Aeronautical Engineering Srinivas Institute of Technology, Mangalore

"My Adventures in Gadget Land at CSD...

My Adventures in Gadget Land at CSD "Stepping into CSD in 2014 felt like entering a tech wonderland, filled with cutting-edge gadgets and endless possibilities. I got to play with sophisticated equipment, like the National Instruments Data Acquisition system, which we used to experiment with innovative materials like Magneto-Rheological Elastomers. My time at CSD wasn’t just about research—it was about creativity, experimentation, and a lot of learning through trial and error (with a few coffee spills along the way!). Today, as an Associate Professor, I share those hands-on experiences with my students, equipping them with the same curiosity and problem-solving skills I honed at CSD. Looking back, the lessons I learned at CSD weren’t just technical—they were about thinking outside the box and turning setbacks into opportunities."

Dr. Sai Aditya Raman Kuchibhatla

Dr. Sai Aditya Raman Kuchibhatla

BTech Mechanical Engineering Graduate Teaching Assistant George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, USA

"From Virtual Labs to Global Research: My CSD Journey...

From Virtual Labs to Global Research: My CSD Journey "My journey with CSD started back in 2011 when I worked on my Bachelor's thesis, which involved developing some of the early virtual labs at NITK. The hands-on experience I gained with cutting-edge hardware and instrumentation at CSD laid a strong foundation for my future career. Working in the fields of vibration instrumentation and measurement not only sharpened my technical skills but also gave me the confidence to tackle challenging research in automotive NVH and acoustics. These skills proved invaluable as I pursued graduate studies and eventually completed my PhD at Georgia Tech. CSD also provided opportunities to expand my professional network and collaborate with other researchers, broadening my perspective beyond my primary research area."

Abhinava Karaba

Abhinava Karaba

Automation Engineer Mercedes-Benz R&D Bengaluru, India

"Preparing for the Industry, One Experiment at a Time...

Preparing for the Industry, One Experiment at a Time "The facilities at CSD provided a rich environment for hands-on learning. I had the opportunity to work with high-end equipment, such as National Instruments PXIs and Ethernet DAQs, as well as industry-grade sensors. The experience I gained in instrumentation, data acquisition, and testing was instrumental in preparing me for the industry. CSD also gave me exposure to consulting for startups and government companies like MRPL, which expanded my knowledge and allowed me to grow professionally. Working at CSD wasn't just about technical skills; it taught me adaptability and professionalism—key traits in a corporate setting. The collaborative and encouraging atmosphere made the learning process both enriching and memorable."

Tejas Pethker

Tejas Pethker

System Engineer Mercedes-Benz R&D Bengaluru, India

"CSD: The Foundation for Innovation...

CSD: The Foundation for Innovation "The Centre for System Design (CSD) at NITK Surathkal is a state-of-the-art technology lab where I had the freedom to explore projects of my own choosing. With Prof. KV Gangadharan's unwavering support, I delved into areas I was passionate about, gaining hands-on experience with industrial technologies. My work at CSD spanned a diverse array of fields, from Control Systems to Remote Sensing. The instrumentation experience I gained continues to benefit me in my current role. The hands-on work with National Instruments devices at CSD has given me the confidence to tackle complex projects, such as instrumenting endurance vehicles for research on Indian roads. The strong foundation I built at CSD, particularly in sensors and actuator technologies, has made understanding Mercedes engine systems a much smoother process."

Aishwarya Pillai

Aishwarya Pillai

Engineer Mercedes-Benz Research R&D Bengaluru, India

"From Academia to Industry: A Journey Fueled by CSD...

From Academia to Industry: A Journey Fueled by CSD "My two years at CSD, first as part of my MTech curriculum and then as a project researcher, were invaluable. The hands-on experience I gained in motor control algorithms and sensor technologies, particularly while working on a switched reluctance motor project, provided me with the skills needed to excel in modeling and simulation. I also had the opportunity to visit and interact with industry partners like M/s Aditya Auto, Bangalore, which further enriched my learning experience. The guidance I received during my MTech project laid the foundation for my current role at Mercedes-Benz, where I continue to apply the knowledge and skills I developed at CSD."

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