Humanoid robots take centre stage at IIT-Bombay’s annual Techfest

The Indian Institute of Technology Bombay IITB commenced the 28th edition of Techfest 2024 the institutes annual science and technology extravaganza on Tuesday The threeday celebration of innovation exploration and technological marvels drew an overwhelming crowd on its very first day through the cutting edge of science and technologyThe fest opened with a futuristic touch as humanoid robots greeted visitors with friendly handshakes and lifelike interactions The undisputed star of the day however was Unitree G1mdashan advanced humanoid robot from China making its debut appearance in IndiaA robot by Indro Robotech interacts with humans at TechfestA powerful blend of artificial intelligence and sustainable innovation Unitree G1 mesmerised onlookers with its ability to interact seamlessly offering a glimpse into a future where humanrobot collaboration takes centre stage The tech innovations showcased included the Unitree G1 humanoid bot from China and Robo DJ from Japan among other international highlights Other popular attractions were the robowars the drone show and Esports tournaments which continued this year as wellA Hub of innovationWhile international exhibits like Unitree G1 headlined the event Techfest 2024 also spotlighted homegrown technological advancements The Defence Research and Development Organisation DRDO showcased its cuttingedge projects at the institutersquos KV Ground while the IIT Bombay Office of Research and Development transformed the Physics Parking Lot into a hub of creativity and experimentation From drone technologies to rocket models built for international competitions the exhibits embodied the spirit of innovationInaugurating the fest DRDO Chairman Dr Samir V Kamat addressed a packed audience on ldquoDefence RampDmdashChallenges and Opportunitiesrdquo Highlighting Indiarsquos vulnerability to cyberattacks Dr Kamat underscored the urgent need for cyber defence initiatives in both military and civilian domainsldquoIndia is among the most targeted nations in cyberspacerdquo Dr Kamat stated ldquoIn the military domain cyber capabilities will provide a decisive edge much like our strategic nuclear deterrence We must build strong deterrence systems to safeguard against such attacksrdquoJeet Adani Director of Adani Airport Holdings Ltd gives a lectureDr Kamat further announced that the DRDO has set up dedicated research units focusing on advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence quantum technology and cognitive sensors all headed by young scientists under the age of 35 However he also pointed to a critical challengemdashthe dearth of researchers in India compared to global leaders like Singapore and Sweden ldquoFor India to lead in technology and innovation we need more people to take up research and contribute to sciencedriven developmentrdquo Dr Kamat urgedTechnology as the way forwardThe technological narrative continued with a thoughtprovoking lecture by Jeet Adani Director of Adani Airport Holdings Ltd Addressing the gathering Adani emphasised that technology is the cornerstone of progress urging industries and individuals alike to embrace innovation while staying mindful of its potential risksldquoTechnology is the only way forwardrdquo he said ldquoBut as we embrace its immense benefits we must also ensure it is used responsibly for the greater goodrdquo He shared inspiring examples of how technology is transforming industries particularly in renewable energy ports and aviation He elaborated on the use of simulationbased training to improve safety and efficiency in ports and logistics as well as the role of advanced planning systems in managing the seven international airports under the Adani Grouprsquos purview ldquoAt Navi Mumbai where we are developing a new international airport technology is helping us streamline every facet of planning and operationsrdquo he notedHighlighting renewable energy as a success story in the fight against climate change Adani concluded ldquoTechnology has the power to drive positive change across sectors and we must harness it to create a sustainable inclusive futurerdquoWhat visitors saidPratham Jaypuriya Adhiraj Chikane and Ishaan Jha class nine students from Rustomjee Cambridge International School in Virar traveled all the way to attend the Techfest Visiting for the first time the trio attended lectures explored exhibits and were thrilled by the entire experienceSpeaking to midday they described their time as ldquohaving a blastrdquo Jaypuriya shared ldquoWe had a wonderful experience at the campus The highlight for me was Mr Jeet Adanirsquos lecture where he spoke about business and technologyrdquo Another group of 58 students from MES Bal Shikshan Mandir English Medium School Pune also attended the Techfest accompanied by their teachersDipti Kelaskar a teacher from the school said ldquoA total of 72 students from our school qualified for the second level of the IIT B Techfest Olympiad and 58 of them came here to participate It was a wonderful experiencehellipThey explored the Techfest exhibits interacted with robots and learned many new thingsrdquoSharing his experience Avnish Kulkarni 13 a student of MES School said ldquoWe were here for the Olympiad exams and while the exam went well the exhibitions were truly fantastic We had an incredible experience at Techfest met so many people and learned a lotrdquoAnother visitor Bhavin Talathi an engineering student from Dahanu said ldquoThis is my first time attending Techfest and I plan to return tomorrow as wellhellip I am more excited to attend the performance by Robo DJ a robot that plays music