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Intelligent Manufacturing Systems

Our group specializes in intelligent manufacturing systems using inherent principles of nature to contribute to the global cause of achieving Net Zero. Equipped with state-of-the-art manufacturing, sensing and characterisation tools, our group is located at the heart of London. We thrive on collaborations and offers a wide range of engineering solutions to emerging problems across disciplines ranging from healthcare, aerospace, manufacturing, The pedigree of our group stems from the unique integration of AI, digital manufacturing, sensors and advanced deposition techniques.

Thermal Spray

Our research group stands at the forefront of nature-inspired Net Zero manufacturing theme. We produce advanced surface using a myriad of additive and subtractive techniques to mimic the functionality observed in nature. We also use surfaces to perform in-situ detection of flaws during the manufacturing processes. With a vast range of online and offline tools we access to, we control the growth processes to achieve near optimal energy and emissions during the process. What sets us apart is not only our state-of-the-art equipment—such as nanoindentation, atomic force microscopy, wear testing, tribology, and precision microscopes—but also our collaborative and inclusive approach.

Thermal Spray

Our strength in our collaborations enables us to integrate cutting-edge technologies like AI, machine learning, and sensor systems into our work, enabling us to optimise spray processes, enhance material performance, and pioneer next-generation functional coatings.

Why engage with us?

Our lab is uniquely positioned to address challenges in advanced material coatings, where precision and performance are critical. From biomedical to aerospace industries, our work in the area of simulations and experiments enable us to bring the best solutions. Digitalised systems inspired by nature is a unique proposition pioneers by our research group.

Engaging with our lab means working with a team that blends expertise in materials science, engineering, and AI to deliver solutions that are not only scientifically sound but also innovative. We focus on long-term collaborations that push the boundaries of what’s possible in material coatings, making us an ideal partner for organisations seeking cutting-edge advancements in their products and developments.

Staff members:

  • Prof Saurav Goel (Group Leader)Prof Saurav GoelPeople
  • Prof Hari Upadhyaya (Emeritus)
  • Dr Mubarak Elnour
  • Dr Naveed Hussain
  • Dr Maria Centeno

PhD students:

  • Ms Beth Irungu
  • Mr Imran Khan
  • Ms Awantika Pathak
  • Mr Pouyan Behnia

Our research group is currently engaged on a massive £2.6 million UK government funded project, supported by the EPSRC.

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The project is aimed at developing intelligent and smart next-generation of high-temperature coatings with self-monitoring capabilities during during their growth as well as in-service use.

This cutting-edge research integrates advanced modelling tools including data science and Multiphysics fusion, sensor technologies, and innovative deposition techniques to create coatings with embedded sensor functionalities.

By addressing the digitalisation gap in the UK coatings industry, this project aims to revolutionise high-value manufacturing sectors such as aerospace, energy, automotive, and healthcare. The outcomes will drive improvements in efficiency, product longevity, and sustainability, positioning the UK as a leader in advanced coating technologies.

See more detailed insights into our current and past projects.

LSBU develops new science around sustainable antimicrobial surfaces

https://www.lsbu.ac.uk/about-us/news/researchers-study-how-nature-kills-bacteria-to-deliver-infection-resistant-medical-implants

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/nov/23/velcro-bullet-trains-and-robotic-arms-nature-mother-of-invention-aoe

LSBU in partnership with IIT Guwahati use Machine learning to develop new-generation alloy without Critical Raw Materials.

https://skilloutlook.com/education/iit-guwahati-and-uk-universities-develop-a-machine-learning-based-framework-to-design-sustainable-metal-alloys-without-critical-raw-materials

Our partners include:

  • University of Manchester
  • University of Sheffield
  • Buehler
  • Archer2
  • NSG Group
  • Mondragon University
  • Indian Institute of Technology
  1. Jaya Verma, Nader Ameli, Neha Khatri, Nirmal Kumar Katiyar, Rajab Alsayegh and Goel S, Recent Advances in Ultra-Precision Manufacturing of Electronic, Photonic and Quantum Devices, npj Advanced manufacturing, 2026
  2. Goel S, Katiyar NK, Khatri N, Alsayegh R, Agrawal A. Diamond machining of additively manufactured Ti6Al4V: Novel chip formation and friction-induced welding mechanism. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part B: Journal of Engineering Manufacture. 2025;0(0). doi:10.1177/09544054251405628
  3. Jaya Verma, Sepideh Aliasghari, Nadel Ameli, Beth Irungu, Eiman Aleem, Gajendra Gaur, Andrei Shishkin, Allan Matthews and Goel S, “Towards net-zero architecture: Functional coatings from fly ash waste for energy-efficient and hygienic building surfaces”, Journal of Building EngineeringVolume 116, 15 December 2025, 114461
  4. Goel S, Gihad Karrar, Danka Labus Zlatanovic, Jean Pierre Bergmann, Rajab Asleygh, Sebastian Balos Molecular dynamics simulation of dissimilar friction stir spot welding: Al-Al and Al-Mg joints, Journal of Manufacturing ProcessesVolume 155, 12 December 2025, Pages 996-1010.
  5. Sara Hawi, Goel S, Jaume Caro, Raül Bonet, Jordi Orrit-Prat, Jose L Endrino, Oliver Pearce and Wayne Nishio Ayre, “Antibacterial and Osseointegration evaluation of Silver Ion Implanted Orthopedic Implants, Journal of Micromanufacturing. 2025;0(0). doi:10.1177/25165984251382378
  6. Caaisha Warsame, Jonathan Joseph Bean, Hamed Rajabi, Jaya Verma, Martyna Michalska and Goel S “Insights from Molecular Dynamics into bactericidal mechanisms of copper and carbon substrates using REAXFF potential”, Acta BioMaterialia, 2025
  7. Nadel Ameli, Jaya Verma, Beth Muthoni Irungu, Sepideh Aliasghari, Andrei Shishkin, Allan Matthews and Goel S, “Design and development of a novel polymer coating system with exceptional creep resistance”, npj Materials Sustainability, 2025, 3, Article number: 21 (2025)
  8. Jonathan Joseph Bean, Nirmal Kumar Katiyar, Robert Mark Forrest, Xiaowang Zhou and Goel S, “Resolving Lonsdaleite’s Decade-Long Controversy: Atomistic Insights into a Metastable Diamond Polymorph”, Diamond and related materials, 2025, Volume 157, August 2025, 112405
  9. Maryna Zhylina, Andrei Shishkin, Denis Miroshnichenko, Vita Sterna, Jurijs Ozolins, Linda Ansone-Bertina, Maris Klavins, Gaurav Goel and Goel S, “Granulation and Pyrolysis of Agricultural Residues for an Enhanced Circular Economy”, Results in Engineering, Volume 26, June 2025, 104919
  10. Neha Khatri, Sonam Berwal, Bharpoor Singh, Suman Tewary, K Manjunath and Goel S, “Single-Step Precision Manufacturing of ZnSe Lenses for FLIR Thermal Imaging: From Atomic Insights to Lab-Scale Fabrication and Integration”, Journal of Manufacturing Processes, Volume 142, 30 May 2025, Pages 468-481
  11. Sara Hawi, Goel S, Vinod Kumar, Claudiu Giusca, Oliver Pearce and Wayne Nishio Ayre, Precision Laser Manufacturing and Metrology of Nature-Inspired Bioactive Surfaces for Antibacterial Medical Implants, Surfaces and InterfacesVolume 62, 1 April 2025, 106267