The School of Mechanical Engineering at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU), in association with the Institution’s Innovation Council (IIC), hosted a two-day workshop titled “Innovations in Tribology and Robotics” on April 21st and 22nd, 2025. The event highlighted the significance of tribology and robotics in advancing smart manufacturing and intelligent systems, impacting diverse sectors such as automotive, aerospace, biomedical engineering, and industrial automation.
The workshop featured distinguished speakers from the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur's Department of Mechanical Engineering. Professor Shakti K Gupta delivered a session focusing on Robotics and its Industrial Applications, while Dr. Manjesh Kumar presented on material and tribological aspects relevant to robotics. Their presentations were followed by interactive question-and-answer sessions that encouraged vibrant exchanges among attendees, including faculty members, research scholars, and students.
A notable component of the workshop was a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Ankush Raina, Assistant Professor at SMVDU’s School of Mechanical Engineering. The panel featured Dr. Yatheshth Anand, Head of the School of Mechanical Engineering; Dr. Shashi B. Kotwal and Mr. Swastik Gupta from the School of Electronics and Communication Engineering; Dr. Prabhu Omar from the School of Electrical Engineering; and Dr. Vipal Sharma from the School of Computer Science Engineering. Discussions centred around emerging trends in artificial intelligence, the integration of intelligent systems in robotics, and the vital role of interdisciplinary collaboration in driving innovation within these fields.
The workshop was coordinated by Dr. Mir Irfan Ul Haq and Dr. Ankush Raina, both faculty members at SMVDU’s School of Mechanical Engineering. Participants included undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral students across various departments. Dr. Pradeep Singh, Assistant Professor at the School of Mechanical Engineering, also actively engaged in multiple discussions during the event.
The organisers expressed their gratitude to the SMVDU administration and Vice Chancellor, Professor Pragati Kumar, for their support in facilitating the successful execution of the workshop.
In a significant announcement coinciding with the event, SMVDU revealed that it will introduce a new Bachelor of Technology (B. Tech) programme in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence starting from the forthcoming academic year. This initiative aims to provide students with advanced knowledge and skills in robotics and AI, preparing them for promising careers in high-tech and emerging technology sectors.
Source: Noah Wire Services