Education

  • Ph.D. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1989
  • S.M. (EECS), Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1988
  • S.M. (ME), Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1987
  • S.B., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1986

Background

Professor Kurfess began his academic career at Carnegie Mellon University where he rose to the rank of Associate Professor. In 1994, he moved to the Georgia Institute of Technology where he rose to the rank of Professor in the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering. In 2005, he was named Professor and BMW Chair of Manufacturing in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Clemson University’s International Center for Automotive Research. In 2012, he returned to Georgia Tech as a Professor of Mechanical Engineering and the HUSCO/Ramirez Distinguished Chair in Fluid Power and Motion Control.

During 2012-2013, Dr. Kurfess was on leave serving as the Assistant Director for Advanced Manufacturing at the Office of Science and Technology Policy in the Executive Office of the President of the United States of America. In this position he had responsibility for engaging the Federal sector and the greater scientific community to identify possible areas for policy actions related to manufacturing. He was responsible for coordinating Federal advanced manufacturing R&D, addressing issues related to technology commercialization, identifying gaps in current Federal R&D in advanced manufacturing, and developing strategies to address these gaps. During  2019-2021 he was on leave serving as the Chief Manufacturing Officer and the Founding Director for the Manufacturing Science Division at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, where he was responsible for strategic planning in advanced manufacturing.

Professor Kurfess has served as a special consultant of the United Nations to the Government of Malaysia in the area of applied mechatronics and manufacturing, and as a participating guest at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in their Precision Engineering Program. He has testified in a number of patent cases, including testifying at the International Trade Commission (ITC). He is currently the President of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and also serves on the Board of Governors of ASME. He is the CTO of the National Center for Manufacturing Sciences (NCMS) and serves on its Board of Directors. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining (NCDMM), and on the Board of Trustees of the MT Connect Institute. He served on the Board of Directors for the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) and was the President of SME in 2018. He is an appointed member of the Department of Energy, National Nuclear Security Administration, Advisory Committee for Nuclear Security, and an appointed member of the Department of the Navy Science and Technology Board.

His research focuses on the design and development of advanced systems targeting the automotive sector (OEM and supplier) including vehicle and production systems. He has significant experience in high precision manufacturing and metrology systems. He has received numerous awards including a National Science Foundation (NSF) Young Investigator Award, an NSF Presidential Faculty Fellowship Award, the ASME Pi Tau Sigma Award, SME Young Manufacturing Engineer of the Year Award, the ASME Blackall Machine Tool and Gage Award, the ASME Gustus L. Larson Award, an ASME Swanson Federal Award, and the SME Education Award. He is an elected member of the National Academy of Engineering, and a Fellow of the AAAS, the SME and the ASME.

Research

  • Manufacturing and Automation and Mechatronics, advanced automation, precision manufacturing, metrology, technology policy.

Dr. Kurfess' research focuses on the design and development of advanced manufacturing systems targeting complex product production and optimization. He has significant efforts underway in advanced and high precision manufacturing and metrology systems, as well as national and international manufacturing policy issues.

  • President of American Society of Mechanical Engineers, 2023-2024

  • Member, Department of Energy, National Nuclear Security Administration, Advisory Committee for Nuclear Security, 2023 – present.

  • Member, Department of the Navy, Science and Technology Board, 2023 – present.

  • Member, National Academy of Science, Engineering and Medicine, Laboratory Assessment Board (LAB), 2023 – present.

  • Member of the National Academy of Science, Engineering and Medicine, National of Materials and Manufacturing Board 2022-present.

  • Member, Board of Governors, Manufacturing Leadership Council, National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), 2022 – present.

  • The Society of Manufacturing Engineers, Albert M. Sargent Progress Award, 2021

  • International Association of Advanced Materials (IAAM) Scientist Medal, 2021

  • Elected to the National Academy of Engineering, 2020

  • Board of Governors, American Society of Mechanical Engineers 2019-2025

  • President, Society of Manufacturing Engineers, 2018

  • Computer Aided Engineering and Applications, Honorary Editor, 2017 - present

  • Member at Large – ASME Council on Standards & Certification, 2016 – 2019

  • Research in Engineering Design, Associate Editor, 2003 – 2017

  • Computer Aided Engineering and Applications, Associate Editor, 2003 – 2017

  • Vice-President, Society of Manufacturing Engineers, 2016

  • The Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Manufacturing Industries Division Board, Thatcher Brothers Prize, 2016.

  • The Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology – Zeigler Outstanding Educator Award, 2015.

  • Treasurer, Society of Manufacturing Engineers, 2015

  • Board of Directors – National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining (NCDMM), 2013 – present

  • Board of Trustees, MTConnect Institute, 2013 – present

  • The American Society of Mechanical Engineering, Swanson Federal Fellow, 2012.

  • Board of Directors, Society of Manufacturing Engineers, 2010 – 2019

  • SME Education Award, 2010

  • Board of Directors – National Center for Manufacturing Sciences (NCMS), 2009 – 2012, 2013 – present

  • SME Journal of Manufacturing Systems, Associate Editor, 1993-2008

  • SME Journal of Manufacturing Processes, Associate Editor, 1999-2008

  • President North American Manufacturing Research Institute of SME, 2007 – 2008

  • Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science 2008

  • Clemson University – Frank A. Burtner Award for Excellence in Advising, 2007

  • Fellow of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, 2006

  • Association for Manufacturing Technology Charles F. Carter, Jr. Advancing Manufacturing Award, 2005
  • American Society of Mechanical Engineers
    - Fellow, 2004
    - Japan-U.S.A. Symposium on Flexible Automation Program Committee Chair, 2004
    - Gustus L. Larson Memorial Award, 2002
    - Blackall Machine Tool and Gage Award, 2001
    - Journal of Manufacturing Science and Engineering Associate Editor, 1999-2005
    - Journal of Dynamic Systems, Measurement, and Control and the Journal of Manufacturing Systems Associate Editor, 1996-2000
    - ASME/Pi Tau Sigma Gold Medal Award, 1995
  • Georgia Institute of Technology
    - Outstanding Faculty Leadership for the Development of Graduate Research Assistants Award, 2002
    - Class of 1940 W. Howard Ector’s Outstanding Teacher Award, 2000
  • NSF Committee of Visitors for the Engineering Education and Centers Division, 2000

  • Co-Chair, NSF Workshop on the Future of Eng. Education, Eng. Education and Centers Division, 2000

  • National Science Foundation
    - Presidential Faculty Fellowship, 1993-1998
    - National Science Foundation Young Investigator Award, 1992-1997
  • Society of Manufacturing Engineers
    - North American Research Institute Board of Directors, 2002-2010
    - Journal of Manufacturing Processes Associate Editor, 1999-2005
    - Philip R. Marsilius Outstanding Young Manufacturing Engineer Award, 1996
  • International Journal of Engineering Education, Editorial Advisory Board, 2002-present
  • George Tallman Ladd Award for Excellence in Research, (College of Engineering), Carnegie Mellon University, 1992
  • North American Manufacturing Research Conference Co-Chair (with Steven Liang), 1996-1998
  • International Symposium for Automotive Technology and Automation Conference Best Paper Award,Stuttgart, Germany, 1995
  • Registered Professional Engineer in Pennsylvania

 

Selected Publications

  • Heinrich, L., Feldhausen, T., Saleeby, K.S., Kurfess, T.R., Saldaña, C., “Build Plate Conduction Cooling for Thermal Management of Wire Arc Additive Manufactured Components,” International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, Vol. 124, pp. 1557–1567, doi.org/10.1007/s00170-022-10558-9, 2023.
  • Elsayed, O., Adapa, V. S. K, Kersten, S., Vaughan, D., Masuo, C., Kim, M.J., Feldhausen, T., Saldaña, C., Kurfess, T.R., “Effects of Lead and Lean in Multi‑Axis Directed Energy Deposition,” The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, doi.org/10.1007/s00170-023-11085-x, 16 pages, February 2023.
  • Parto Dezfouli, M., Urbina-Coronado, P. D., Saldaña, C.J., Kurfess, T.R., “Cyber-Physical System Implementation for Manufacturing with Analytics in the Cloud Layer,” ASME Journal of Computing and Information Science in Engineering, Vol. 22 doi.org/10.1115/1.4051663, 2022.
  • Gamero, D., Dugenske, A., A., Saldaña, C., Kurfess, T.R., Fu, K., “Scalability Testing Approach for Internet of Things for Manufacturing (IoTfM) SQL and NOSQL Database Latency and Throughput,” Journal of Computing and Information Science in Engineering, Vol. 22, No. 6, doi.org/10.1115/1.4055733, 2022.
  • Lu, L. Kurfess, T.R., Saldaña, C.J., “Effects of Extrinsic Noise Factors on Machine Learning Based Chatter Detection in Machining,” International Journal of Smart and Sustainable Manufacturing, Vol 5, pp. 167-180, /doi.org/10.1520/ssms20210007 2021.
  • Miers, J.C, Tucker, T.M., Kurfess, T.R., Saldaña, C.J., “Voxel-Based Modeling of Transient Material Removal in Machining,” International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, Vol. 116, pp. 1575-1589, doi.org/10.1007/s00170-021-07545-x, 2021.
  • Parto Dezfouli, M., Urbina Coronado, Saldana, C.J., Kurfess, T.R., “Cyber-Physical System Implementation for Manufacturing with Analytics in the Cloud Layer,” ASME Journal of Computing and Information Science in Engineering, 2021.
  • Feldhausen, T., Saleeby, K., Love, L., Kurfess, T.R., “Spinning the Digital Thread with Hybrid Manufacturing,” ASME Smart and Manufacturing Letters, Vol. 29, pp. 15-18, doi.org/10.1016/j.mfglet.2021.05.003, 2021.
  • Castro‐Martin, A.P., Ahuett‐Garza, H., Guamán‐Lozada, D., Márquez‐Alderete, M.F., Urbina Coronado, P.D. 1, Orta Castañon, P.A., Kurfess, T.R., González de Castilla, E., “Connectivity as a Design Feature for Industry 4.0 Production Equipment: Application for the Development of an In‐Line Metrology System,” Applied Science, Vol. 11, doi.org/10.3390/app11031312, 2021
  • Kurfess., T.R., Grimes, H.D., “The Role of the Digital Thread for Security, Resilience, and Adaptability in Manufacturing,” The Bridge, National Academy of Engineering, Vol. 51, No. 1, 2020.
  • Feldhausen, T., Saleeby, K., Love, L., Kurfess, T.R., “Rapid Retooling for Emergency Response with Hybrid Manufacturing,” Smart and Sustainable Manufacturing Systems, Vol. 290, No. 3, doi:10.1520/SSMS20200050, 2020.
  • Feldhausen, T., Raghavan, N., Saleeby, K., Love, L., Kurfess, T.R., “Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of 316L Stainless Steel Produced by Hybrid Manufacturing,” Journal of Materials Processing Technology, Vol. 290, doi.org/10.1016/j.jmatprotec.2020.116970, 2020.
  • Ren, I., Zahiri. F., Sutton, G., Kurfess, T.R., Saldana, C.J., “A Deep Ensemble Classifier for Surface Defect Detection in Aircraft Visual Inspection,” Smart and Sustainable Manufacturing Systems, Vol. 4, No. 1, pp. 81-94, doi.org/10.1520/SSMS20200031, 2020.
  • Parto Dezfouli, M., Saldana, C.J., Kurfess, T.R., “Real-Time Outlier Detection and Bayesian Classification using Incremental Computations for Efficient and Scalable Stream Analytics for IoT for Manufacturing,” Procedia Manufacturing, Vol. 48, pp. 968-979, doi.org/10.1016/j.promfg.2020.05.136, 2020.
  • Parto Dezfouli, M., Saldana, C.J., Kurfess, T.R., “A Novel Three-Layer IoT Architecture for Shared, Private, Scalable, and Real-time Machine Learning from Ubiquitous Cyber-Physical Systems,” Procedia Manufacturing, Vol. 48, pp. 959-967, doi.org/10.1016/j.promfg.2020.05.135, 2020.
  • Kurfess, T.R., Saldana, C.J., Saleeby, K.S., Parto-Dezfouli, M., “A Review of Modern Communication Technologies for Digital Manufacturing Processes in Industry 4.0,” Journal of Manufacturing Science and Engineering, doi.org/10.1115/1.4048206, 2020.
  • Landers, R.G., Barton, K., Devasia, S., Kurfess, T.R., Prabhakar R. Pagilla, P.R., Tomizuka, M. “A Review of Manufacturing Process Control,” Journal of Manufacturing Science and Engineering, doi.org/10.1115/1.4048111, 2020.
  • Lynn, R. Helu, M., Sati, M., Tucker, T.M., Kurfess, T.R., “The State of Integrated CAM/CNC Control Systems: Prior Developments and the Path Towards a Smarter CNC,” Smart and Sustainable Manufacturing Systems, doi.org/10.1520/SSMS20190046., 2020.
  • Collins, J, Tucker, T.M., Kurfess, T.R., “Intensity-Based Registration with Voxel-Based Computer-Aided Manufacturing for Adaptive Machining,” Journal of Manufacturing Science and Engineering, Vol. 141, No. 1, pp. 111005-1-10, doi.org/10.1115/1.4044709, 2019.
  • Nie, Z., Lynn, R., Tucker, T., Kurfess, T.R, “Voxel-Based Analysis and Modeling of MRR Computational Accuracy in the Milling Process,” CIRP Journal of Manufacturing Science and Technology, Vol. 27, pp. 78-92, doi.org/10.1016/j.cirpj.2019.07.003, 2019.
  • Chen, A., Kurfess, T.R., “Signal Processing Techniques for Rolling Element Bearing Spall Size Estimation,” Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing, Vol. 117, pp. 16-32, doi.org/10.1016/j.ymssp.2018.03.006, 2019.
  •  Praniewicz, M., Kurfess, T.R., Saldana, C., “Error Qualification for Multi-Axis BC-Type Machine Tools,” Journal of Manufacturing Systems, doi.org/10.1016/j.jmsy.2019.03.004, 2019.
  • Ahuett, H., Kurfess, T.R., “A Brief Discussion on the Trends of Habilitating Technologies for Industry 4.0 and Smart Manufacturing,” Manufacturing Letters, Vol. 15, Part B, pp. 60-63, doi.org/10.1016/j.mfglet.2018.02.011, 2018.
    2
  • Praniewicz, M., Saldana, C., Kurfess, T.R., “An Adaptive Geometry Transformation and Repair Method for Hybrid Manufacturing,” Journal of Manufacturing Science and Engineering, Vol. 141, No. 1, pp. 228-236, doi.org/10.1016/j.promfg.2018.07.031, 2018.
  • Hu, Z., Hu, Y., Liu, J., Wu, B., Liu, J., Han, D., Kurfess, T.R., “3D Separable Convolutional Neural Network for Dynamic Hand Gesture Recognition,” Neurocomputing, Vol. 318, pp. 151-161, doi.org/10.1016/j.neucom.2018.08.042, 2018.
  •  Lynn, R., Wescoat, E., Han, D., and Kurfess, T.R., “Embedded Fog Computing for High-frequency MTConnect Data Analytics,” Manufacturing Letters Vol. 15, pp. 135-138, doi.org/10.1016/j.mfglet.2017.11.002, 2018.
  •  Aminzadeh, M., Kurfess, T.R., “Online Quality Inspection Using Bayesian Inference in Powder-Bed Additive Manufacturing from High-Resolution Visual Camera Images,” Journal of Intelligent Manufacturing, doi.org/10.1007/s10845-018-1412-0, 2018.
  •  Hossain, M.M., Nath, C., Tucker, T. M., Vuduc, R. W., Kurfess, T. R., “A Graphics Processor Unit-Accelerated Freeform Surface Offsetting Method for High-Resolution Subtractive Three-Dimensional Printing (Machining),” Journal of Manufacturing Science and Engineering, Vol. 140, 2018.
  • Carrasco, U., Urbina, Parto, M., Kurfess. T.R., “Indoor Location Service in Support of a Smart Manufacturing Facility,” Computers in Industry, Vol 103, pp 132-140, doi.org/10.1016/j.compind.2018.09.009, 2018.
  • Urbina, P., Lynn, R., Louhichi, W., Parto, M., Wescoat, E., Kurfess. T.R., “Part Data Integration in the Shop Floor Digital Twin: Mobile and Cloud Technologies to Enable a Manufacturing Execution System,” Journal of Manufacturing Systems, doi.org/10.1016/j.jmsy.2018.02.002, 2018.
  •  Lynn, R., Dinar, M., Huang, N., Yu, J., Collins, J., Greer, C., Tucker, T., and Kurfess, T.R., “Direct Digital Subtractive Manufacturing of a Functional Assembly Using Voxel-Based Models,” Journal of Manufacturing Science and Engineering, Vol. 140, No. 2, doi.org/10.1115/1.4037631, 2018.
  • Yu, J., Lynn, R., Tucker, T., Saldana, C., and Kurfess, T.R., “Model-Free Subtractive Manufacturing from Computed Tomography Data,” Manufacturing Letters, Vol. 13, pp 44-47, doi.org/10.1016/j.mfglet.2017.06.004, 2017.
  • Chen, A., Dinar, M., Gruenewald, T., Wang, M., Rosca, J., Kurfess, T. R., “Manufacturing Apps and the Dynamic House of Quality: Towards an Industrial Revolution,” Manufacturing Letters, Vol. 13, pp 25-29, doi.org/10.1016/j.mfglet.2017.05.005, 2017.
  • Dinar, M., Lynn, R., Barnett, E., García, A., Kurfess, G., Tucker, T., Kurfess, T.R., “Easy Sculpting: A Pilot Study in Teaching CNC Machining to Students from Disparate Backgrounds without Learning G-Code,” International Journal of Engineering Education, Vol. 33, No. 6(A), pp. 1868–1877, 2017.
  • Chen, A., Kurfess, T.R., “A New Model for Rolling Element Bearing Defect Size Estimation,” Measurement, Vol. 114C, pp. 144-149 DOI: 10.1016/j.measurement.2017.09.018, 2017.
  • Konobrytskyi, D., Hossain, M. M., Tucker, T., Tarbutton, J., and T. Kurfess, T.R., “5-Axis Tool Path Planning Based On Highly Parallel Discrete Volumetric Geometry Representation: Part I Contact Point Generation,” Computer Aided Design and Applications, Vol. 15, No. 1, DOI 10.1080/16864360.2017.1353730, 2017.
  • Corne, R., Nath, C., El Mansori, M., Kurfess, T. R., “Study of Spindle Power Data with Neural Network for Predicting Real-Time Tool Wear/Breakage during Inconel Drilling,” Journal of Manufacturing Systems, Vol. 43, pp. 287-295, 2017.
  • Huang, N., Lynn, R., and Kurfess, T.R., “Aggressive Spiral Toolpaths for Pocket Machining Based on Medial Axis Transformation,” ASME Journal of Manufacturing Science and Engineering, DOI: 10.1115/1.4035720, 2017.
  • Lynn, R., Contis, D., Hossain, M., Huang, N., Tucker, T.M., and Kurfess, T.R., “Voxel Model Surface Offsetting for Computer-Aided Manufacturing using Virtualized High-Performance Computing,” Journal of Manufacturing Systems, Vol 43, pp. 296–304 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmsy.2016.12.005, 2016.
  • Wu, D., Liu, S., Zhang, L., Terpenny, J., Gao, R., Kurfess, T.R., Guzzo, J.A., “A Fog Computing-Based Framework for Process Monitoring and Prognosis in Cyber-Manufacturing,” Journal of Manufacturing Systems, Vol. 43, pp. 25-34, 2017.
  • Drouillet, C., Karandikar, J., Nath, C., Journeaux, A., El Mansori, M., Kurfess, T.R., “Tool Life Predictions in Milling Using Spindle Power with the Neural Network Technique,” Journal of Manufacturing Processes, Vol. 22, pp. 161-168, 2016.
  • Brooks, Z., Nath, C., Kurfess, T.R., “Investigating Surface Metrology of Curved Wall Surface During Milling of SS304 with Different Tool Path Strategies,” The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing, Vol. 86, DOI 10.1007/s00170-015-8323-4, pp. 1963-1972, 2016.
  • Aminzadeh, M., Kurfess, T. R., “Automatic Thresholding for Defect Detection by Background Histogram Mode Extents,” Journal of Manufacturing Systems, Vol. 37, pp 83-92, 2015.
     

Patents

  • Gruenewald, T., Wang, L., Rosca, J., Kurfess, T.R., Locks, S., Chen, A., Han, H., Huang, N, Lynn, R., “House of Quality for Federated Manufacturing Apps,” U.S. Patent 20,190,243,618 A1, 2021.
  • Tucker, T.M., Kurfess, T.R., Konobrytskyi, D., “Hybrid Dynamic Tree Data Structure and Accessibility Mapping for Computer Numerical Controlled Machining Path Planning,” U.S. Patent 9,971,335 B2, 2018.
  • Shen, Q., Bunget, G., Gramling, F., Judd, D., Kurfess, T.R., “Method and Apparatus for Non-destructive Detection of Tire Anomalies,” U.S. Patent 9,909,953 B2, 2018.
  • Degertekin, F.L., Kurfess, T.R., Kim, B. and Razavi, A., “System and Method for Surface Profiling a Target Object,” U.S. Patent 7,068,377, 2006.
  • Degertekin, F.L., Kurfess, T.R., Kim, B. and Razavi, A., “Microinterferometer for Measuring Distance with Improved Sensitivity,” U.S. Patent 6,753,969, 2004.
  • Degertekin, F.L., Kurfess, T.R., Kim, B. and Razavi, A., “Microinterferometer for Distance Measurements,” U.S. Patent 6,643,025 B2, 2003.