Aju Sukumaran Menon

Aju is currently a PhD student in Product Development at the School of Engineering (JTH), Jönköping University. He has been pursuing his doctoral studies since 2023 within the Leaner Tools research project, conducted in close collaboration with industrial partners in Sheet metal forming. Prior to this, he worked as a researcher at the MOREnergy Lab at Politecnico di Torino, Italy, where he was involved in the conceptual development and analysis of offshore wave energy converters.

He holds a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering with a specialization in Machine Design from KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, completed in 2021. He obtained his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Amrita University, India, in 2019.

His research expertise lies in early-phase engineering design, with a particular focus on data-driven knowledge reuse in the manufacturing industry. His doctoral work investigates how designers work in practice and how artificial intelligence and machine learning methods—such as Case-Based Reasoning and CAD-history-based analysis—can be integrated to support engineering decision-making and design optimization.

Alongside his research, Aju is actively involved in teaching at the master’s level, particularly in CAD modeling using SolidWorks, API-based automation of repetitive design tasks, plastic and sheet metal product and tooling design, forming process analysis, and feasibility and manufacturability studies. His technical skill set includes advanced CAD and simulation tools, programming for engineering applications, and the application of AI/ML techniques for engineering design support.

His current activities revolve around developing intelligent, data-driven support systems that enhance efficiency, enable knowledge reuse, and improve decision-making in industrial product development, with a strong emphasis on practical relevance and close collaboration with industry.