The Department of Computer Science and Engineering (CSE), NIT Rourkela, organised a G20 Jan Bhagidari workshop on Artificial Intelligence and Robotics for school students of Kendriya Vidyalaya Rourkela and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Bargarh. The workshop was held on 18-04-2023 in CSE conference hall at NIT Rourkela.
Prof. K. Umamaheshwar Rao (Director, NIT Rourkela) graced the workshop and motivated the students. Broadening the thoughts of students on the ‘Future of Work’, Prof. Rao said, “From now to 2030, there will be a drastic change in the workforce, workplace, and nature of work. Presently India has a 60%-70% of young population. With time, this percentage will fluctuate. Therefore, the youth of the country should understand what role they need to play in this timeline. Futuristic machines and Robots are replacing jobs, as they know the language and behaviour of humans. It is time; you all need to know and learn about emerging technologies and equip yourselves with Machine Learning languages and AI to be competent enough for future challenges.”
Around 50 students attended the workshop. Prof. Snehashish Chakraverty (Nodal Officer, G20 Jan Bhagidari-NIT Rourkela), Mr. Bamdev Acharya (Registrar-In Charge, NIT Rourkela) also joined the inaugural ceremony and encouraged the students to grasp the maximum out of this learning session.
Listing the significance of AI and Robotics, Prof. Durga Prasad Mohapatra (Head, Computer Science and Engineering Department, NIT Rourkela) said, “AI and robotics are two fields that are rapidly advancing and have the potential to revolutionise many aspects of our lives. Together, AI and robotics have the potential to revolutionise many industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, transportation, and education. AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants are already helping businesses to improve customer service and reduce costs. AI algorithms are also being used to analyse medical data and develop new treatments for diseases, potentially saving countless lives. To ensure that AI and robotics are used in a responsible and ethical manner, our ability to balance innovation with social responsibility is a must.”
Prof. Anup Nandy (CSE Department) extended the session ahead and introduced students to a Humanoid Robot (having an appearance like a human). He said, “Today we have gathered here to explore opportunities of AI and Robotics in modern technology under G20 Jan Bhagidari Programme. The objective of the workshop is to get acquainted with the role of AI technology in Robotics Applications. The name of this humanoid robot is NAO Humanoid Robot. It can perform many tasks, such as face recognition, speech recognition, gesture identification, dancing, singing etc. Just by writing AI programs in an embedded microcontroller, we can instruct NAO to perform a task.
Research Scholars and Faculties from CSE Department also joined the session and guided the students during the hands-on experience with AI-facilitated technology and Robots. Prof. Ratnakar Dash concluded the session with a vote of thanks. He also gave a short talk on G20 Jan Bhagidari activities organised by NIT Rourkela.