- Hands-on workshop empowers engineers to harness AI for smarter industrial workflows.
Over 80 participants explored practical AI applications in metals, polymers, and ceramics.- Expert-led sessions demonstrate how AI and Machine Learning are transforming materials processing.
The Advanced Materials Processing Research Group (AMPRG) at Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IITGN) successfully organized a one-day workshop on “AI in Materials Processing” on February 16, 2026. The event introduced participants to the fundamentals, current applications, and future opportunities of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in materials research and industrial workflows.
The workshop featured expert talks, case studies, and hands-on sessions demonstrating how AI and ML are transforming processes across metals, polymers, and ceramics. Over 80 participants, including graduate students, researchers, industry professionals, and early-career faculty from across India, gained practical insights into core AI/ML concepts relevant to materials processing and learned how experimental and simulation data can be leveraged to improve outcomes.
“As artificial intelligence reshapes Industry 4.0, the real challenge is not adopting AI tools, but using them with deep domain understanding,” said Prof Asim Tewari. “Future engineers who combine strong fundamentals in materials and manufacturing with data-driven approaches will be the ones who truly unlock the transformative potential of AI for industry,” he added.
“As AI continues to revolutionize diverse sectors, understanding its application in materials processing starting from defining scalable problems to achieving the final results is more important than ever. This workshop provides a critical platform that brings together experts from industry and academia to discuss the challenges and corresponding solutions for implementing the AI in manufacturing industries,” said Dr. Jitesh Vasavada, Manager, R&D, Danieli India Ltd.
Prof Amit Arora, Associate Professor, Materials Engineering, leading the Advanced Materials vertical for the Centre for AI-driven Innovation at IITGN, emphasized the transformative potential of AI in industrial workflows and materials science. Addressing concerns among professionals, he noted, “It’s a tool. If we learn to use the tool, then we will be able to take a lot of benefit from it.”
Drawing parallels with the adoption of computers, Prof Arora explained, “Once people learn how to use AI, you will have companies providing services on how to use AI in different industrial applications.” He highlighted that AI adoption is inevitable and addressed common concerns about AI potentially replacing jobs: “AI is coming, whether we like it or not. The key is to understand it and make the most out of it.” He emphasized that rather than fearing AI, professionals can leverage it as a tool to enhance workflows and create new opportunities in materials processing.
The workshop was led by Professor Asim Tewari, Department of Mechanical Engineering, IIT Bombay, and Dr. Jitesh Vasavada, Manager, R&D, Danieli India Ltd. Prof. Asim Tewari’s session focused on practical applications of AI in materials processing, guiding participants in applying algorithms to real-world industrial problems. Dr. Vasavada delivered an in-depth session titled “Beyond Prediction: Engineering Actionable AI into Materials Processing,” showcasing how AI can be combined with advanced diagnostics, Physics-Informed Neural Networks (PINNs), and Neural Operators to create intelligent, closed-loop systems that optimize industrial processes, enhance throughput, and improve quality control. He also presented real-world case studies from the steel industry, highlighting the tangible impact of AI-driven solutions on operational efficiency.
Prof. Tewari conducted hands-on exercises, allowing participants to run AI algorithms on their own laptops under expert guidance. Case studies from the iron and steel industry demonstrated real-world applications, including digital twins and AI-driven solutions developed by startups.
The workshop received enthusiastic feedback, with many participants requesting longer sessions. Responding to this, Prof. Arora announced plans for an advanced 2–4 day workshop in the summer, featuring additional speakers, extended sessions, and more hands-on training.
The event successfully reinforced the relevance of AI and ML in materials processing and inspired participants to explore AI-driven research directions and industrial applications.
For more details regarding the workshop or related projects, please contact the Advanced Materials Processing Research Group (AMPRG) at [email protected] or follow the updates on amit.people.iitgn.ac.in.