Kahandawa, Gayan (A/Prof)

Gayan Kahandawa Appuhamillage

Position: Associate Professor
Discipline: Engineering
Phone: 03 5122 8612
Email:

g.appuhamillage@federation.edu.au

Research interests

  • Mechatronic systems
  • Sensors and signal processing
  • Artificial intelligence
  • Mobile robot navigation
  • Instrumentation
  • Structural health monitoring

Short biography

Dr. Gayan Kahandawa, is an expert in mechatronics, sensors, and artificial intelligence (AI). His PhD research yielded an AI-based aerospace structural health monitoring innovation for Boeing Aircraft, leading to the acquisition of a coveted US patent. Currently, Dr. Kahandawa is leading research initiatives encompassing AI-driven machine vision for automation and robotics, AI-centric data processing, cutting-edge sensor technology, and AI-enhanced condition monitoring. He published an edited book “Structural Health Monitoring and Next-Generation Smart Composite Structures” on aerospace structures.

His prolific research output includes the publication of over 70 research papers, with a notable citation count exceeding 600. In addition, he holds four patents and has successfully secured research grants exceeding A$2.6 million to further advance his contributions to the field.

Projects

  • AI-based conversion of unrecyclable waste into engineered building products. CRC-P ($215,000)
  • Protecting vulnerable road users from turning semi-trailers using the virtual rail concept. Road Safety Innovation Grant ($194000)
  • Improving safety for bus passengers using wheelchairs and mobility scooters: Effectiveness of restraint systems, Department of Transport, Victorian Government ($667,000).
  • Connected Brake pads and shoes – Innovations Connections Grant ($200,000)
  • Monitoring of West gate Bridge using Fiber Optic Sensors, Co-investigator, Funded by VicRoads, Victorian Government ($32744).
  • Structure Health Monitoring of Advanced Aerospace Structures using embedded FBG sensors. Principal investigator, Funded by the Boeing Company, USA, United States Patent No: 20130268471
  • Ground Unmanned System (GUS) robot, Outlook Industries
  • Bio Diesel from Calophyllum species, Co-researcher, Collaborative project funded by Central Queensland University and Uva Wellassa University
  • Real-Time Koala Detection Using AI for Sustainable Timber Harvesting, PF Olsen ($175,000)
  • Robotics for Baby Broccoli Harvesting and Farm Automation, Bulmer Farms
  • Evaluation of UV-C light as a viable source to control selected submersed aquatic weeds in the Macalister irrigation district, Southern Rural Water

Qualifications

  • Doctor of Philosophy – University of Southern Queensland 2013
  • Master of Science – University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka 2009
  • Bachelor of Science in Engineering - University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka 2005

Teaching areas

  • Mechanics
  • Mechanisms and Machine Theory
  • Fluids and Pneumatic Control (PLC)
  • Mechatronics Components Design
  • Intelligent Mechanisms Design
  • Industrial Robotics Systems

Extended research profile