Mr. Balachandar Ramalingam
Manager - IT Digital Business at HNI Corporation
Manchester, Lowa, United States
About
Bala Ramalingam is a dynamic and results-driven IT professional with extensive expertise in Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), Digital Twin, Decision Science, and Immersive Technologies. With a career spanning over two decades across industry leaders such as HNI Corporation, Atlas Copco, and John Deere, he has consistently delivered transformative digital solutions that drive innovation, efficiency, and revenue growth. As a strategic leader, Bala has spearheaded enterprise-wide PLM transformations, integrating PLM with ERP, MES, PIM, and CPQ systems to create a unified digital product thread, enhancing cross-functional collaboration and ensuring data integrity. His expertise in 3D visualization, AI-driven generative design, and digital manufacturing has enabled organizations to streamline product development, reduce operational costs, and accelerate time to market. Bala has pioneered innovative solutions such as CAD automation toolkits, technical data packages, and AI-based shape-based product searches, significantly improving decision-making speed and system efficiency. At HNI Corporation, he led initiatives that reduced data silos by 30%, improved decision-making speed by 60%, and achieved an 80% efficiency boost in product development. His strategic approach to modularization, standardization, and classification of components has resulted in cost savings, reduced inventory, and increased profitability. Bala has also successfully implemented immersive technologies, including augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), for product configurators and digital factories, enhancing customer experiences and operational efficiencies. In his previous roles at Atlas Copco, he transitioned PLM systems, drove global standardization, and developed mobile applications for service operations, resulting in million-dollar cost savings. At John Deere, he contributed to the design and development of lawn mowers and utility vehicles, showcasing his deep engineering expertise. Certified in Lean Six Sigma, PMP, and Agile Project Management, Bala combines technical acumen with business strategy to drive digital transformation. His contributions have been recognized with multiple awards, including LiveIT and MerIT at HNI and High Potential recognition at Atlas Copco. With proficiency in advanced analytics tools like Power BI, Google Looker, and Azure Data Lake, along with expertise in PLM applications such as Windchill, Teamcenter, and 3DX, Bala remains at the forefront of digital innovation. His ability to lead complex, global initiatives while fostering collaboration across disciplines makes him an invaluable asset to any organization seeking to harness digital technologies for competitive advantage.
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Peer-Reviewed Articles
Deep Fakes and Deep Learning: An Overview of Generation Techniques and Detection Approaches
The rapid evolution of deep learning has fueled the rise of deep fakes, artificially generated media that can convincingly mimic real human faces, voices, and actions. These fabricated images, videos, and audio clips are created using sophisticated neural networks, posing significant threats to privacy, security, and public trust in digital content. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the key deep learning techniques driving both the creation and detection of deep fakes. On the generation side, methods such as Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), autoencoders, and Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs) are examined for their role in producing realistic manipulated media. GANs, particularly, have revolutionized deep fake creation by enabling the development of highly convincing facial expressions and motion sequences. Autoencoders are widely employed for face swapping and video manipulation, while RNNs, including Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks, are critical in voice cloning and generating realistic speech patterns.
In response to the escalating concerns over deep fakes, substantial research has focused on detection methodologies. This paper reviews the latest advancements in detection, particularly the use of Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) for image and video analysis, as well as hybrid models that combine CNNs with RNNs for more effective detection of spatial and temporal inconsistencies. Moreover, the paper explores emerging strategies such as adversarial training, transfer learning, and blockchain-based solutions that aim to strengthen detection robustness against increasingly sophisticated deep fakes.Finally, the paper addresses the broader ethical and societal challenges posed by deep fakes, including their use in disinformation campaigns, identity theft, and other malicious activities. The need for transparent, interpretable detection models and the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration to mitigate these risks are emphasized. By providing an in-depth analysis of both creation and detection techniques, this review aims to contribute to the development of more secure and reliable digital ecosystems in the face of this growing threat.
Voice Assistant System with Object Detection Technology for Visually Impaired
Navigation, object recognition, obstacle avoidance, and reading provide substantial obstacles for visually impaired people, impeding their independence and day-to-day functioning. Current solutions, including standard voice assistants and white canes, either offer little help or cause privacy issues since they rely too much on the cloud. In order to fully address these issues, we suggest an inventive offering an object detection system and voice assistant powered by Android to assist the blind with problems they face on a daily basis The system incorporates the Arduino Uno, YoloV7 for object detection, and Android for the camera module. The complete apparatus is small and light, making it easy to mount anywhere. The assessments are carried out in controlled settings that replicate situations that a blind person could face in the real world. The suggested device allows visually impaired people to be more accessible, comfortable, and able to navigate more easily than the white cane, according to the results. People with visual impairments sometimes struggle to traverse complicated situations effectively. It is also no easy assignment to assist them in becoming perceptive navigators. In ocular individuals, cognitive maps derived. The system finds potential obstructions in the user's path, calculates the user's trajectory, and provides navigational data. Two experimental scenarios have been used to assess the solution. While the data is currently insufficient to draw firm conclusions, it does show that the technology can effectively assist visually impaired individuals in navigating an unfamiliar built environment.
Quantum-Enhanced Machine Learning for Real-Time Ad Serving
This paper presents a groundbreaking approach to addressing the growing computational challenges in real-time ad serving by leveraging quantum computing to accelerate machine learning (ML) algorithms. We propose a hybrid framework, the Quantum AdServer, which utilizes quantum algorithms alongside classical computing to reduce the time complexity of critical ML tasks in programmatic advertising. We explore both Variational Quantum Circuits (VQC) for near-term implementation on noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) devices and the Harrow-Hassidim-Lloyd (HHL) algorithm for future scenarios where more advanced quantum hardware is available. Our approach demonstrates significant improvements in both speed and scalability of personalized ad delivery, potentially revolutionizing the field of computational advertising. Through comprehensive theoretical analysis, simulations, and a detailed comparison of quantum methods, we showcase the potential of quantum-enhanced ML in ad tech while discussing practical challenges, including current hardware limitations and integration with existing ad-serving systems.
VIDEO TO VIDEO TRANSLATION USING MBART MODEL
There are many languages are spoken in India due to different diversities and different regions,so it is difficult to understand the global languages such as English ,Spanish ,French ,German. so this paper aims to translation of one of the global language English to their regional languages such as Tamil.So what our project does is it takes the Youtube url as an input in which the video should be in English and then save the video and perform the Machine Learning libraries as gTTS and Whisper model,Mbart50 model etc.Through this we do Audio Extraction,Speech-To-Text-Conversion,Text-Translation,Text-To-Speech-Synthesis.
Through this we had Integrating language translation and audio synthesis and break down the the Linguistic barriers.
INTEGRATING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE INTO CYBERCRIME INVESTIGATION: CHALLENGES AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS
Computer and social networking whereby criminals use the Internet to propagate criminal activities are some of the major challenges faced by existing policing strategies. Modern-day crimes include hacking into computer systems and stealing money from consumers, ransomware, identity theft cases, and hacking, all of which use the dark web and encryption. In this regard, artificial intelligence (AI) is the most efficient solution for improving the manner of cybercrime investigation. This paper also analyses how AI technologies such as machine learning natural language processing, and deep learning can be incorporated in cybercrime investigations and how they can assist in dealing with difficulties concerning data volume, complexity, and encryption. The advantages of utilizing AI are numerous from pattern recognition to repetitive tasks cutting down the investigation time. However, the paper recognizes that applying AI in business brings legal, technical, and ethical concerns including; privacy, bias, and legal constrictions. This research analyses existing legal frameworks of India, the EU, and the United States while looking at how it would be possible to incorporate AI into cybercrime investigations without violating the rights of a citizen. Further, it reveals infringement and possible bias, as well as unlawful use for violations, and recounts drawbacks related to the lack of resources and expertise that police departments confront. In the final section of the paper, directions for future research focusing on the use of AI in the fight against cybercrime are given in addition to that, the practice of cooperation with different countries, legal regulation of such activities, protection of ethical issues, and training of personnel are described. They are useful in making sure that the levels of artificial intelligence benefits are achieved fully without compromising security and the basic rights of an individual.
Advanced Machine Learning Techniques for Water Quality Prediction and Management: A Comprehensive Review
The incorporation of IoT, machine learning, and geospatial technologies has rapidized pace in data-driven approaches in water quality monitoring. The approach calls for data-driven methods in water quality assessment that would ensure such a process makes it not only accurate but cost-efficient and within the constraints of applied growing environmental challenges. The IoT sensors allow for real-time data generation, and the machine learning models, such as support vector machines, neural networks, and regression techniques, have changed the index of water quality prediction and analysis. Applications of GIS provide spatial visualization and management of water resources. This collection of papers constitutes the constraints in classical measuring techniques, advanced solutions through automation technologies based on sensor powers, and hybrid algorithms. However, the integration of these technologies solves the complexities associated with water quality measurement apart from having a basis for the supportive suggestions for sustainable water management to provide actionable insights for decision-makers. Hence, this review underlines the potential of such future integration of IoT, AI, and GIS technologies to revolutionize the monitoring of water quality, ensuring clean water through global environmental changes.
A Comparative Study of Fuzzy Goal Programming And Chance Constrained Fuzzy Goal Programming
This work is a comparative study of the traditional fuzzy goal programming model and
the chance constrained fuzzy goal programming model. The right-hand side coefficient
of the constraint matrix is assumed to be a right sided fuzzy number, and a random
variable following the gumbel distribution, while the coefficients of the constraint matrix are
triangular fuzzy numbers.The chance constrained problem is converted to its deterministic
equivalence and the fuzzy constraints defuzzi ed. The bounds of the kth objectives are
determined and utilized to obtain the membership function of the fuzzy goals. Lastly, the
weighted sum goal programming technique is employed to obtain the optimal solution to
the decision makers goal target using the attained membership function. Moreover, the
CCFGP model proved a more satis cing approach to optimize the decision makers goals as
it yielded an under-achievement of the decision makers goal target. Numerical illustration
proved the superiority of the technique.
Real-Time Object Detection in Low-Light Environments using YOLOv8: A Case Study with a Custom Dataset
Object detection in low-light conditions presents significant challenges due to the reduced visibility and poor illumination, particularly in real-time applications. This paper proposes a novel approach using the YOLOv8 model for real-time object detection in night-time conditions. A custom dataset comprising various objects captured in low-light environments was utilized to train and evaluate the model. The results demonstrate superior performance in terms of speed and accuracy compared to previous models, particularly YOLOv3. We also include an analysis of the model's real-time performance using a custom video feed. Our findings show that YOLOv8 outperforms earlier YOLO versions in detecting objects accurately and quickly in low-light, real-time scenarios, making it a promising solution for night-time surveillance and other security-related applications.
AI Anthropomorphism: Effects on AI-Human and Human-Human Interactions
Objective: Anthropomorphism is the act of assigning distinctive human-like traits, feelings, and behavioral characteristics to non-human entities. The phenomenon known as artificial intelligence (AI) anthropomorphism involves imputing human-like behavioral characteristics onto generative artificial intelligence systems. This phenomenon holds significant implications for the future of human-human social interactions in society. This review paper examines the concept of AI anthropomorphism and its influence on human behavior, with a particular emphasis on how interaction between AI and humans can affect societal dynamics and social relationships among humans.
Methodology: This paper examines the comprehensive understanding of AI anthropomorphism and the impact of AI-human interactions on human-human social interactions through the examination of several theoretical frameworks and empirical studies. The paper synthesizes information from the research literature on AI anthropomorphism. The paper incorporates insights from theoretical frameworks such as social presence theory, media equation theory, attachment theory, and uncanny valley theory. The paper entails an in-depth study of scholarly publications, case studies, and observational studies that highlights the implications for human relationships with anthropomorphized AI.
Findings: The findings indicate that attributing human-like characteristics to AI can greatly increase user engagement, inclusivity, and understanding of AI, potentially enhancing human-human relationships by facilitating similar positive social behaviors. Excessive dependence on AI for social interaction can potentially diminish the quality of human communications and cause the erosion of social skills, thereby emphasising the importance of incorporating AI in a balanced manner.
In conclusion, AI has the potential to enhance empathy, compassion, and teamwork in human communication. It is essential to strike a balance to avoid becoming overly reliant on generative AI and sacrificing authentic human connections. Subsequent investigations should prioritize the refinement of AI design and social chatbots to bolster and amplify human-human connections, rather than supplanting them.
Predicting Titanic Survivors Using Random Forest Machine Learning Algorithm
The ship wreck of the RMS Titanic is still remembered as a well-known tragedy that took many lives. Using passenger data to predict who would survive this disaster presents an intriguing challenge for machine learning. This research utilizes the Random Forest algorithm, an effective ensemble learning technique, to examine and forecast survival outcomes based on factors such as age, gender, ticket class, and fare. Through thorough data preprocessing, which includes addressing missing values and creating new features, The model constructed delivers precise survival predictions. Important factors like passenger class and gender emerge as the most influential elements affecting the results. The model achieves a conclusion of over 82%, surpassing conventional machine learning methods like Logistic Regression and Decision Trees. By prioritizing feature significance and ensuring the model's broad applicability, this study not only emphasizes the predictive capabilities of machine learning but also provides insights into the societal and structural dynamics at play during the tragedy. Our results illustrate the effectiveness of Random Forest for binary classification tasks and its potential for wider use in predictive analytics.
Improving Brain Cancer Detection with a CNN-RNN Hybrid Model: A Spatial-Temporal Approach
Accurate and early detection of brain cancer is critical for improving treatment outcomes and patient survival. However, traditional diagnostic methods relying on radiological interpretation often lead to variable accuracy and delayed diagnoses due to the complex nature of brain tumors. This paper presents a novel hybrid deep learning model that combines Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) for spatial feature extraction with Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs) for temporal analysis, specifically designed to improve brain cancer detection from MRI and CT scans. By leveraging the strengths of both CNNs and RNNs, the model captures intricate spatial and temporal patterns in medical images, leading to significant improvements in detection accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity. Comparative evaluations show that the proposed hybrid model outperforms conventional diagnostic techniques and existing deep learning approaches. The results highlight the potential of this method for earlier and more reliable brain cancer diagnoses, ultimately contributing to more personalized and effective treatment plans. Furthermore, the paper suggests that this hybrid approach could be adapted for the detection of other complex medical conditions.
A Comparative Study of Classification Algorithms for Enhanced Lung Cancer Prediction Using Deep Learning and SOM-Based Microscopic Image Analysis
Lung cancer is one of the top causes of cancer-related fatalities worldwide, necessitating the development of efficient early detection techniques. This study explores a hybrid approach combining deep learning and a Self-Organizing Map (SOM) for the classification of three lung cancer subtypes: adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and neuroendocrine tumors, using microscopic images. A pre-trained MobileNet model is employed for feature extraction, while the SOM is used for dimensionality reduction and visualization of high-dimensional data. The extracted features are then classified using various machine learning algorithms, including Random Forest, LightGBM and Decision Tree. A comparative analysis of these classifiers is conducted to assess their performance in predicting cancer types. Additionally, thresholding is applied to highlight cancerous regions in the images, enhancing the visual detection of malignant cells. Results indicate that the hybrid model provides competitive classification accuracy, with the Random Forest and Decision Tree classifiers showing particular promise. This research demonstrates the potential of combining deep learning with traditional machine learning techniques for lung cancer detection, offering a pathway toward more accurate and efficient diagnostic tools.
Advances in Tomato Disease Detection: A Comprehensive Survey of Machine Learning and Deep Learning Approaches for Leaves and Fruits
Tomatoes contributed about 232 billion Indian rupees to the Indian economy in the financial year 2020; it is next to potatoes in vegetable production in South Asian countries. Tomatoes are the most familiar vegetable crop, extensively cultivated on cultivated land in India. The tropical weather of India is relevant for development, but specific weather conditions and several other features affect the standard progress of tomato plants. Besides these weather conditions and natural disasters, plant disease is a big crisis in crop production and plays a vital role in financial loss. The typical disease detection approaches for tomato crops cannot produce a predictable solution, and the recognition period for diseases is slower. A primary recognition of disease provides optimum solutions compared to the existing detection methods. Recently, distinct technologies such as AI, IoT, pattern recognition, computer vision (CV), and image processing have quickly developed and been executed for agriculture, specifically in the automation of disease and pest detection procedures. CV-based technology deep learning (DL) approaches have been performed for previous disease detection. This study proposes a wide-ranging investigation of the disease detection and classification approaches inferred for Tomato Leaf Detection. This work also reviews the advantages and disadvantages of the methods presented. Additionally, the advancements, challenges, and opportunities are discussed in this field, providing insights into the recent methods. This survey is an appreciated resource for practitioners, researchers, and stakeholders involved in tomato cultivation and agricultural technology.
Detection of Kidney Disease using Machine Learning & Data Science
Kidney disease identification with machine learning and data science is transforming patient consideration and early diagnosis by using predictive models to identify important risk factors and biomarkers. There are several organs in the human body that performed vital functions. The kidney is a vital organ that removes toxic substances from the body, filtering blood. The reason for this is that the kidney is considered to be one of the important body parts. To maintain the health of the body, the kidneys should be safeguarded. Which kidney is affected by a different illness depends on a number of factors. The reason behind renal illness appears to be different in different individuals. The renal disease dataset (obtained via Kaggle) has been subjected to machine learning in this investigation to identify indicators of kidney illness. The primary goal of the data study has been to identify the core sources of the data, which has allowed for the distinction of any negative consequences. To choose the fundamental attributes of the data in this case, the connection component has been used. The data has been concluded using those foundational credits, and the implications of machine learning classifiers have begun kidney disease diagnosis.
Review of AI driven Intrusion Detection System on Network based attacks
This review paper explores the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS), highlighting how AI enhances the effectiveness and efficiency of these systems. It covers the evolution of IDS, from traditional methods to advanced AI-based techniques, including machine learning and deep learning. The paper compares these methods, assessing their strengths and weaknesses in various cybersecurity contexts. The focus is on the transformative impact of AI on IDS, offering insights into future research directions and the potential of AI to revolutionize cybersecurity defenses.
Leveraging Artificial Intelligence Algorithms for Enhanced Malware Analysis: A Comprehensive Study
The escalation of sophisticated malware threats necessitates innovative solutions for their detection and neutralization. This paper discusses the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms in the field of malware analysis, examining various AI methodologies, and scrutinizing their efficiencies and drawbacks. We further discuss the key AI algorithms utilized, their applicability, and future potential. This study provides a valuable resource for researchers and practitioners seeking to utilize AI for improved malware detection and mitigation.
Automated Evaluation of Speaker Performance Using Machine Learning: A Multi-Modal Approach to Analyzing Audio and Video Features
In this paper, we propose a novel framework for evaluating the speaking quality of educators using machine learning techniques. Our approach integrates both audio and video data, leveraging key features such as facial expressions, gestures, speech pitch, volume, and pace to assess the overall effectiveness of a speaker. We collect and process data from a set of recorded teaching sessions, where we extract a variety of features using advanced tools such as Amazon Rekognition for video analysis and AWS S3 for speech-to-text conversion. The framework then utilizes a variety of machine learning models, including Logistic Regression, K-Nearest Neighbors, Naive Bayes, Decision Trees, and Support Vector Machines, to classify speakers as either "Good" or "Bad" based on predefined quality indicators. The classification is further refined through feature extraction, where key metrics such as eye contact, emotional states, speech patterns, and question engagement are quantified. After a thorough analysis of the dataset, we apply hyperparameter optimization and evaluate the models using ROC-AUC scores to determine the most accurate predictor of speaker quality. The results demonstrate that Random Forest and Support Vector Machines offer the highest classification accuracy, achieving an ROC-AUC score of 0.89. This research provides a comprehensive methodology for automated speaker evaluation, which could be utilized in various educational and training environments to improve speaker performance.
A Model-Driven Application for Streamlining Organizational Processes Using Microsoft Power Apps: Workflow Automation and Data Flow Integration
This research looks into the design and realization of a model-driven application in Microsoft Power Apps for streamlining organizational processes. It brings together leave management, approval workflows, productivity tracking, task management and time logging into a single system. The software includes automated workflows that improve operational efficiency, transparency, and employee performance. The study goes over workflow and data flow structures needed to make a system efficient, detailed DFD for Data Flow Diagram tasks transform traditional manual processes — integration of business rules & Workflow Automation.
The app can also integrate with your calendar, for easy access to all the responsibilities of an employee in one spot. Notifications and alerts make sure that important activity is not lost, while the reporting functionality gives managers a detailed understanding of what is going on.
Automation of these processes, along with the rule based business logic which the app embeds greatly reduces manual labor and enables a standard process consistent for all employees throughout the organization. Ultimately, this project specifically addresses the root problem people have when trying to improve their operational efficiency, time management practices inside or outside of work and deliver tools tailored to provide better time data collection and alerting while supporting decisioning within the organization.
The app is assessed by a research paper before the conclusion, evaluating it from the perspective of business and organizational goals.
Certificates
Issued : Oct 2026
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By : Project Managem...
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Event : Credly
Project Management Professional (PMP)
https://www.credly.com/badges/7a698994-547e-4bc6-b1ac-f1b37b301153/linked_in_profile
Earners of the globally-recognized Project Management Professional (PMP)® have demonstrated their extensive knowledge and mastery of project management concepts, tasks, and techniques that are applicable across virtually any industry and methodology. Earners are able to speak and understand the global language of project management. Individuals that earn this certification have demonstrated the knowledge and skills needed to initiate, plan, execute, monitor and control, and close a project.
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Honours & Awards
LiveIT & MerIT awards
Awarded by:
HNI Corporation
Year: 2021Scholar9 Profile ID
S9-102024-0406203
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