A smart bulk file name editor?

From: Amy Schuler <schulera_at_nyob> Date: Fri, 15 Jan 2016 10:56:37 -0500 To: CODE4LIB_at_LISTSERV.ND.EDU

Hi,
I'm looking for a smart bulk file editor, if it exists.  Specifically I'd
like it to be able to move through a list of PDF files that are published
research papers, and rename them in this approximate format, based on the
contents of the file:
firstauthor_firstfewwordsoftitle_year.pdf

I know this is probably a crazy dream.  The bulk file editors that I know
about are more simple.  They can bulk rename files according to a pre-set
pattern or they just remove/add/re-position bits from the existing file
string.

Thanks!

Amy Schuler
Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies
schulera_at_caryinstitute.org