Dr. Mrutyunjay Padhiary is an accomplished agricultural engineer and researcher with specialization in precision agriculture, agricultural robotics, and AI/ML-driven farm automation. He is currently serving as Assistant Professor in the Department of Agricultural Engineering at Triguna Sen School of Technology, Assam University, Silchar, India, where he is engaged in teaching, research supervision and mentorship of B.Tech and M.Tech students.

Previously, he served as faculty at the Faculty of Technology, Uttar Banka Krishi Viswavidyalaya (UBKV), West Bengal, India, and collaborated on teaching and research initiatives at Tribhuvan University, Nepal. He has also undertaken significant research experience at IIT Kharagpur in agricultural and food engineering, and completed a Research Scholarship at the National University of Singapore (NUS), Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, supported by an International NUS Research Fellowship.

Research & Publications

Dr. Padhiary has developed a multidisciplinary and prolific research profile spanning precision agriculture, agricultural robotics, AI/ML applications, IoT-based smart farming, 3D printing for agricultural machinery, and renewable energy integration in agriculture. His research output includes over 70 peer-reviewed publications, book chapters, and reviews published in prestigious venues including Elsevier, Springer, and IGI Global. His selected publications demonstrate sustained contributions to high-impact journals, including works in Food and Humanity (IF 3.5), Journal of Biosystems Engineering (IF 2.9), Journal of Agriculture and Food Research (IF 7.2), Smart Agricultural Technology (IF 7.1), and Waste Management Bulletin (IF 7.4). His publications address contemporary challenges in agricultural automation, including AI and machine learning for automated drying, drone-based precision spraying, IoT-based semi-autonomous vehicle sprayers, and integration of remote sensing and artificial intelligence in smart greenhouse systems.

Doctoral Research Highlights

Dr. Padhiary's doctoral research at Assam University resulted in the design and development of PAVAT (Precision Agriculture Vehicle for All-Terrain), a comprehensive autonomous platform integrating multiple advanced technologies. The vehicle features a six-wheeled electric all-terrain platform with cable-pulley steering, BLDC hub motors, and independent suspension. Navigation capabilities include RTK-based autonomous navigation with ANSYS FEA structural validation of the chassis. He developed a CFD-optimized air-assisted turret sprayer achieving a techno-economic benefit-cost ratio of approximately 1.94. The platform incorporates modular attachments including a depth-controlled weeder, vision/sonar-assisted selective sprayer, and a 4-DOF harvesting arm, demonstrating his capability in integrated systems design and optimization.

Editorial & Peer-Review Contributions

Dr. Padhiary holds significant editorial responsibilities as an Associate Editor for Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, Frontiers in Artificial Intelligence, and Frontiers in Insect Science. He also serves as an Editorial Board Member for LatIA. He is an active peer reviewer for leading journals in agricultural engineering, AI/ML, and precision agriculture, having reviewed manuscripts spanning diverse topics including sliding mode control for agricultural path tracking, fuzzy logic crop-chamber systems, IoT-based rubber tapping machines, AI in precision agriculture and horticulture, agrivoltaics, smart irrigation, hydrokinetic turbines, food-drying AI/ML applications, blockchain and machine learning in agriculture, nanotechnology in agriculture, and bibliometric and systematic reviews.

Technical Skills & Expertise

Dr. Padhiary possesses strong technical competencies in CAD and simulation (SolidWorks, ANSYS FEA, CFD analysis), programming in Python for Raspberry Pi image processing, data analysis using R for meta-analysis and PRISMA systematic reviews, and domain-specific tools including RTK-GNSS navigation systems, IoT sensing platforms, and 3D printing for machine design. These technical capabilities underpin his ability to conduct cutting-edge research in agricultural automation and robotics.

Student Supervision & Mentorship

Dr. Padhiary supervises B.Tech and M.Tech students in the Department of Agricultural Engineering at Assam University, guiding project work on emerging areas such as multilingual smart-farming assistant systems. He provides ongoing mentorship, academic recommendations, and testimonial support for his students and former mentees, demonstrating commitment to developing the next generation of agricultural engineers.

Awards & Professional Recognition

Dr. Padhiary's academic excellence has been recognized through the International NUS Research Fellowship from the National University of Singapore and the GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) All-India Rank 1 (AIR-1), both of which reflect exceptional achievement in his academic trajectory.

Dr. Mrutyunjay Padhiary has been named among the top 2% of scientists in the 2026 list.

Eligibility for Best Researcher of the Year

Dr. Mrutyunjay Padhiary demonstrates exceptional qualifications for the Best Researcher of the Year award through his prolific publication record of over 70 peer-reviewed articles in high-impact journals, significant editorial leadership across three Frontiers journals, comprehensive doctoral research resulting in an innovative autonomous precision agriculture platform, and sustained peer-review contributions across multiple domains. His research spans cutting-edge areas including AI/ML applications in agriculture, autonomous robotics, IoT-based smart farming, and renewable energy integration, addressing critical challenges in modern agricultural technology. His work is characterized by both theoretical rigor and practical innovation, as evidenced by the development of PAVAT and the publication of high-quality systematic reviews and original research in prestigious international venues.

Based on the achievements and credentials documented, Dr. Mrutyunjay Padhiary is eligible for consideration for the Best Researcher of the Year award in Scientific Laurels, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to research innovation, publication excellence, editorial leadership, and advancement of precision agriculture and agricultural robotics.