Shailesh Padalkar.

Mechanical Design · AI · VR

I build AI-driven VR training for Manufacturing Industries.

I’m a Mechanical Engineer and AI–VR researcher who designs intelligent virtual environments that teach, guide, and evaluate human performance in real time.

View Projects Download Resume
2+ years
VR / AI research
60+
Students trained in VR
👨‍💻
Shailesh Padalkar
Mechanical Design · AI–VR Research
  • Pursuing Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering – University of Cincinnati
  • M.Tech in Mechanical Engineering - University of Mumbai
  • B.E. in Mechanical Engineering - University of Mumbai
  • VR training for Semiconductor & Manufacturing workflows
  • Collaborating with engineering, design & medical teams
Focus: LLM-assisted VR Training · Human–Machine Interaction

About

Who I am and what I focus on.

I’m a Mechanical Engineer specializing in LLM-assisted VR/AR training systems for Manufacturing and Semiconductor Industries. I work at the intersection of CAD, AI, and Immersive Environments to make complex technical training more intuitive and accessible.

At the University of Cincinnati’s Digital Futures Smart Manufacturing Lab, I develop VR modules that integrate LLaMA-based assistants, eye tracking, and dynamic avatars to guide users step-by-step through Semiconductor and Mechanical processes.

My work bridges machine design and human–machine interaction with the long-term goal of building intelligent training systems that scale to real factories and real workers.

Education
Pursuing Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering
University of Cincinnati
Focus
AI · VR · AR
LLM + Immersive Training
Location
United States

Experience

Roles where I applied engineering, VR, and AI in teaching and deploying real projects.

Graduate Research Assistant – VR & AI for Manufacturing

University of Cincinnati · 2021 – Present

VR Training · LLM Integration
  • Developed LLM-assisted VR modules for Semiconductor and Mechanical processes using Unreal Engine and Meta Quest devices.
  • Integrated Whisper, fine-tuned LLaMA 3.1, and custom prompt pipelines to generate step-by-step instructions and monitor user actions.
  • Collaborated with cross-disciplinary teams (engineering, design) on AI-driven training and therapeutic tools.
  • Deployed Semiconductor Chip Manufacturing VR training modules to various community colleges and Universities through Ohio Southwest Alliance on Semiconductors and Integrated Scalable Manufacturing (OASiS) program.

Assistant Professor

Vishwakarma Institute of Technology, India · June 2015 – May 2020

3D EXPERIENCE · Mechatronics · Finite Element Methods
  • -Conducted courses on Mechatronics and Finite Element Methods.
  • -Developed Innovation Laboratory in collaboration with Dassault Systèmes.
  • -Guided multiple student projects and secured Grant of INR 180,000.

Projects

Selected work that combines CAD, AI models, and Immersive VR.

VR · LLM

LLM-Assisted VR Training Framework

A VR framework that uses LLaMA-based models to generate task instructions, answer user questions, and monitor progress inside a virtual cleanroom and manufacturing environment.

  • -Integrates LLaMA 3.1, Whisper, and eye tracking in Unreal Engine.
  • -Structured JSON outputs for actions, steps, and component-level monitoring.
  • -Hosted on Hugging Face with real-time latency analysis for VR deployment.
Unreal Engine LLaMA 3.1 Whisper
Avatar · Ergonomics

Dynamic Avatar for Ergonomic Guidance (On-going project)

Real-time avatar system that demonstrates tasks in VR while embedding ergonomic principles to reduce risk and improve posture during training.

  • -Inverse kinematics and body calibration using motion capture data.
  • -Avatar actions aligned with ergonomic standards such as ISO 11226.
  • -Designed for future integration with user-specific ergonomic scoring.
IK MoCap Ergonomics
Semiconductor · Education

Semiconductor Chip Manufacturing VR Module

An immersive VR module for handling Cleanroom equipment, and to teach Cleanroom workflows for Semiconductor Chip Manufacturing to students without needing expensive equipment.

  • Step-by-step guided training with embedded videos and feedback system.
  • Deployed in Intel-supported programs at the University of Cincinnati and other partners in OASiS program.
  • Used by 60+ high-school students in Summer 2024 workshops.
VR Training Semiconductor
View project details → Watch demo video
Augmented Reality · Bayesian Network · IIoT · Unity

IIoT for Machine Data Visualization and Control through an Augmented Reality App.

An AR App integrated with Bayesian Network and IIoT for real-time process control.

  • -IIoT framework to extract data from legacy machines and modern machine.
  • -Data Communication with Cloud System (Mindsphere).
  • -Data visualization, interpretation and process control using AR App.
Unity Unreal Whisper

Research Publications

Research work, publications and poster around AI and VR.

Framework for Run-Time Guidance Creation in Virtual Reality using LLM for Manufacturing Training Scenarios (submitted to NAMRC 54 2026)

On-Going

VR framework that combines LLMs, eye-tracking, and dynamic avatars to deliver procedure-aware training for manufacturing tasks.

IIoT-Enabled Digital Twin for Legacy and Smart Factory Machines with LLM Integration

Publication

Co-developed a framework of Supervisor-Agent Digital Twin model for legacy and smart factory machines.

Read paper (Journal of Manufacturing Systems, 2025)

IIoT based framework for data communication and prediction using augmented reality for legacy machine artifacts

Publication

Co-developed a framework to visualize, interpret, and process control for real-time modern machines and legacy machine data.

Read paper (Manufacturing Letters, 2023)

Skills

Tools and technologies I use regularly.

Mechanical / CAD

  • Siemens NX
  • Creo
  • Blender
  • ANSYS

VR / Engines

  • Unreal Engine
  • Unity
  • Meta Quest Pro / Quest 3
  • OpenXR, Eye Tracking

AI / Programming

  • Python, C++
  • Unreal Engine Blueprint
  • Whisper
  • OpenAI API, Gemini API

Soft Skills

  • Technical writing & papers
  • Cross-disciplinary collaboration
  • Workshop facilitation

Impact

How my work has been used and recognized.

60+
Students trained

VR cleanroom module used to train high-school students in semiconductor manufacturing during Summer 2024 workshops.

Intel-backed
Education initiative

Work featured in news about Intel’s semiconductor education and workforce development collaboration with UC.

Human-centered
Training focus

Emphasis on ergonomic, accessible, and scalable training experiences that prepare workers for advanced manufacturing roles.

Contact

I’m open to opportunities in mechanical design, VR/AR applications, and AI-driven training systems.

Email: padalksr@mail.uc.edu

Location: United States

LinkedIn Google Scholar Download Resume