Nikhal Kelkar

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About

Nikhal Kelkar is a pioneering researcher in autonomous mobile robotics, with a focused expertise in sensor-based navigation and intelligent control systems. His major contributions lie in the development of obstacle avoidance and steering mechanisms for Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), particularly through the innovative application of fuzzy logic. In his seminal 1997 work, "Obstacle avoidance system with sonar sensing and fuzzy logic" (5 citations), Kelkar demonstrated how sonar sensors could be integrated with fuzzy logic to create a modular, autonomous controller capable of navigating complex environments—a foundational concept for applications in manufacturing, medicine, space, and defense. His complementary study, "Fuzzy logic control of an AGV" (2 citations), further refined this approach by designing a steering controller that mimics human decision-making. Though early in citation impact, these works are notable for their forward-looking vision, establishing principles that would later underpin modern autonomous vehicle navigation. Kelkar’s research represents a critical step in bridging sensor technology with adaptive control, offering a blueprint for safe, efficient AGV operation that continues to influence robotics and automation today.