Using Virtual Reality To Solve Real-World Challenges
Mayank Chadha, MS’25, cyber-physical systems, is applying virtual reality to real-world problems for consumers and businesses and is gaining recognition for his results such as a semi-finalist at an MIT hackathon, publication in the Springer Book Series, and a presentation at an international conference.
For Mayank Chadha, MS’25, cyber-physical systems, his recent success with a virtual reality (VR) application was inspired by—of all things—his lack of cooking skills.
One of the highlights to Chadha’s journey as a graduate student is an innovative project that secured a spot in the semifinals of a MIT hackathon, and ultimately led to publication of his work in the Springer Book Series, a presentation at the International Conference on Emerging Trends and Technologies on Intelligent Systems, and a poster presentation at Northeastern’s RISE 2024.
His project was inspired by a common dilemma—the struggle to cook a decent meal—and resulted in an innovative solution that included a smart scale and a virtual reality application.
The idea sprang from Chadha’s frequent calls to his mother for cooking advice after he had moved to the U.S. He was often left frustrated by the instructions delivered by phone. Using a smart scale and a VR application, the system he designed enables users to select recipes, adjust serving sizes, and accurately measure ingredients, all while being guided through each step of the cooking process in an immersive VR environment. The project not only made cooking more accessible but also demonstrated the potential of IoT and VR to enhance everyday tasks.
The hackathon helped Chadha sharpen his critical thinking skills as well as improve his ability to manage time, collaborate with diverse teams, and adapt to new challenges. In addition, he was able to build connections with peers and faculty that will continue to enrich his academic and professional journey.
Chadha’s contributions have extended to the manufacturing industry. He played a pivotal role in a sponsored research project with a leading tractor company, where he led the development and deployment on the factory floor of a digital twin. This project integrated IoT devices, web dashboards, and manufacturing systems for real-time monitoring. The experience reinforced his belief in the power of cyber-physical systems and IoT to revolutionize industries, and it also paved the way for him to serve as a teaching assistant for a course in building digital twins.
Looking ahead, he is eager to delve deeper into the cyber-physical systems and IoT domains and is particularly interested in digital twins. He envisions contributing to projects that bridge the gap between the physical and digital worlds, ultimately leading to smarter, more efficient, and more securely connected devices. His long-term goal is to take on leadership roles in the technology industry, where he can guide teams in developing innovative technologies that drive progress and improve lives.
Chadha says several faculty members, including Rolando Herrero, program director of the master’s programs in cyber-physical systems and telecommunication networks, Marrian Mitry, assistant co-op coordinator and assistant director for the multidisciplinary master’s co-op program, and Andrew King, adjunct faculty and lecturer of cyber-physical systems, have been instrumental in shaping his academic path, guiding course selections, co-op searches, and career aspirations.