1^st Training week. Genoa, Italy / June 10-14, 2024

 

An immersion trip into robotics for all participants of the IRAS-HUB project was held at the University of Genoa from 10 to 14 June. An exciting four-day adventure into the world of robotics and artificial intelligence.

Trainers: Fulvio Mastrogiovanni and Enrico Simetti (see profiles on the side)

Key Features:

• 1. Expert-led lectures on cutting-edge robotics topics
• 2. Hands-on laboratory experiences
• 3. Networking opportunities with peers and professionals
• 4. A perfect blend of technical learning and cultural exploration

The Programme:

Day 1: Monday - Laying the Foundation

• 1. The journey began at 9:00 AM with a warm welcome and introduction by Fulvio Mastrogiovanni and Enrico Simetti in the VB room.
• 2. After a refreshing coffee break, Enrico Simetti guided us through an exclusive tour of the cutting-edge Robotics laboratories.
• 3. The afternoon was dedicated to hands-on experience with Labs & Challenge sessions.

Day 2: Tuesday - Diving Deep into Robot Control

• 1. The day started with an enlightening Lecture 1 on Task Planning in Robotics, delivered by Fulvio Mastrogiovanni.
• 2. Following the mid-morning break, Enrico Simetti delved into Robot Control aspects in Lecture 2.
• 3. The afternoon again provided valuable hands-on experience through Labs & Challenge activities.

Day 3: Wednesday - Advanced Concepts

• 1. Armando Tacchella kicked off the day with Lecture 3, exploring the fascinating world of Task-Motion Planning.
• 2. After the coffee break, Antonio Camurri presented Lecture 4 on Gesture-Based Robot Control.
• 3. The day concluded with another engaging Labs & Challenge session.

Day 4: Thursday - Wrapping Up and Exploring Genoa

• 1. The morning was dedicated to pitch sessions and wrap-up discussions.
• 2. After lunch, we traded the laboratory for the historic streets of Genoa as Renato Zaccaria led us on a tour of the downtown area.

This comprehensive course combined theoretical knowledge with practical application, all while enjoying the beautiful setting of Genoa. The course will be held in the future for robotics enthusiasts, AI researchers, and students looking to expand their horizons. The course may offer something for everyone.

Some pictures of the week:

2^nd Training week. Warsaw, Poland / June 17-21, 2024

 

The Indian IRAS-HUB researchers and participants took advantage of their trip to Europe and the project held a second training week in WUT, the Warsaw University of Technology. Hence, the mentioned inmersion trip into robotics for all participants and the adventure into the world of robotics and artificial intelligence continued one more week.

Main Trainers: Teresa Zielińska and Cezary Zieliński (see profiles on the side)

Key Features:

• 1. Expert-led lectures on cutting-edge robotics topics
• 2. Hands-on laboratory experiences
• 3. Networking opportunities with peers and professionals
• 4. A perfect blend of technical learning and cultural exploration

The Programme:

Day 1: Monday, June 17 - Foundation and Robot Programming

• 1. 10:00-11:00: Welcome and Introduction.
• 2. 11:00-12:00: Current developmental trends in robotics (TZ).
• 3. 12:00-13:00: Discussion of project progress, considering WP3 and WP4 outcomes and training program.
• 4. 13:00-14:00: Lunch break.
• 5. 14:00-17:00: Preliminaries and introduction to industrial robot programming methods (CZ).

Location: Faculty of Electronics and Information Technology (room 528, 5th floor)
Day 2: Tuesday, June 18 - Industrial Robotics

• 1. Morning: Robotics laboratory introductions and demonstrations (TB).
• 2. 13:00-14:00: Lunch break.
• 3. 14:00-17:00: Industrial robot programming methods (3h) (CZ).

Location: Faculty of Electronics and Information Technology (room 528, 5th floor)
Day 3: Wednesday, June 19 - Agent-Based Systems

• 1. Morning: Agent-based robotic systems (3h) (CZ).
• 2. 13:00-14:00: Lunch break.
• 3. 14:00-17:00: Examples of agent-based robotic systems (3h) (CZ).

Location: Faculty of Electronics and Information Technology (room 528, 5th floor)
Day 4: Thursday, June 20 - Practical Applications

• 1. Morning: Robotic system architectures (2h) (CZ).
• 2. Followed by: Robotics laboratory implementation examples (TB).
• 3. 13:00-14:00: Lunch break.
• 4. 14:00-17:00: Robotics laboratory exercises.

Location: Faculty of Power and Aeronautical Engineering robotics laboratories
Day 5: Friday, June 21 - Wrap-Up

• 1. Morning activities at Faculty of Power and Aeronautical Engineering robotics laboratories.
• 2. Afternoon: Summary (TZ).

Some pictures of the week:

Mid-term talk with Jainendra Shukla, IRAS-HUB Project coordinator

 

Q: We are now halfway through the IRAS-HUB project. What do you think about the development of the project so far?

A: We're pleased with the progress of the IRAS-HUB project. The establishment of three state-of-the-art hubs at IIIT-Hyderabad, IIIT-Delhi, and IIIT-Allahabad, coupled with the successful training of Indian faculties in Robotics and Autonomous Systems (RAS) at European universities, are significant milestones. The progress of the project has also been recognized by both internal and external evaluators, reinforcing our commitment to fostering innovation and talent in the field of RAS.

Q: Before we address some of the specific objectives (SO) of the project, we would like to hear your thoughts on the main one, which is as follows: To contribute to sustainable economic growth and employment in the Robotics and Autonomous Systems (RAS) Industry 4.0 by building capacity in Indian higher education institutions with the transfer of knowledge in RAS from EU higher education institutions.

A: Our primary objective has been to foster sustainable economic growth and employment in India's RAS. To achieve this, we've focused on building capacity within Indian higher education institutions by transferring knowledge and best practices from our European partners. Throughout the project, we've meticulously observed and analyzed European training methodologies and infrastructure, adapting them to suit the unique needs of the Indian context.
One of the key strategies we've employed has been to learn from the best practices of our European partners. For instance, during the establishment of the IRAS-HUBs, we carefully studied the types of equipment and software they utilized. Similarly, while training Indian faculty at WUT and UNIGE, we closely examined their training methodologies and curriculum. This hands-on approach has allowed us to identify areas where we can enhance our own practices and develop a curriculum that is more aligned with international standards.
We believe that by adopting these best practices and tailoring them to the Indian context, we can equip Indian institutions with the tools and resources necessary to produce highly skilled graduates. This, in turn, will drive innovation and contribute to the growth of India's RAS industry, leading to increased economic prosperity and employment opportunities.

Q: We believe that by adopting these best practices and tailoring them to the Indian context, we can equip Indian institutions with the tools and resources necessary to produce highly skilled graduates. This, in turn, will drive innovation and contribute to the growth of India's RAS industry, leading to increased economic prosperity and employment opportunities?

A: We are satisfied with the progress we've made towards developing highly skilled and knowledgeable human resources through our robotics courses and continuing education program development efforts at the IRAS-HUBs. The enthusiasm and engagement of Indian higher education institutions are clear indicators of our success. These institutions have already begun integrating IRAS-HUB resources into their teaching and research activities, and they eagerly anticipate receiving the final curriculum developed by our partners at URV, Spain and TUC, Greece.
By providing access to state-of-the-art equipment, specialized training, and a collaborative learning environment, we are confident that we are on track to achieve our goal of nurturing a new generation of robotics experts. These highly skilled individuals will play a pivotal role in driving innovation and contributing to the sustainable growth of India's RAS industry.

Q: On the SO: To the development of robotics technology for problem-solving in diverse sectors such as agriculture, health, transportation, etc. Any news or on track development that can led us to think that any innovation is going to be implemented in any of the mentioned sector?

A: While the IRASHUB project is primarily focused on building capacity within Indian higher education institutions, we're actively working towards fostering a culture of innovation that can drive the development of practical robotics solutions.
In the third year of the project, we'll be collaborating with industry partners to identify and implement three mini-projects that focus on specific challenges within these sectors. These projects will provide our students and faculty with valuable hands-on experience in applying robotics technology to real-world problems.
By nurturing a pipeline of talented researchers and engineers, we hope to inspire the creation of innovative robotics solutions that can improve lives and contribute to sustainable development.

Q: A last question on SOs: To the internationalization of Indian HEIs by connecting Indian HEI’s with global efforts in robotics education. What is your opinion on this type of international collaboration projects, are they as useful as thought before the beginning, i.e., when designing the project?

A: We believe that international collaboration projects like IRASHUB are absolutely essential for the internationalization of Indian higher education institutions in the field of RAS. Learning from successful European models in the domain like EMARO and JEMARO programs, has provided us with valuable insights into global best practices and standards.
By connecting Indian HEIs with international partners, we've been able to foster a more interconnected and competitive research environment. This collaboration will not only enhance the quality of our programs but it will also open up new opportunities for our students and faculty to engage with the global robotics community.

Q: To finish the conversation, can you give some advice to other colleagues from Indian, or more broadly, Asian entities that are willing to start such an endeavour? What would you tell them?

A: For those considering similar international collaboration projects, I would emphasize the importance of careful planning and a long-term commitment. Building strong partnerships with international institutions requires trust, open communication, and a shared vision. It's also crucial to invest in capacity-building within your own organization to ensure that you can effectively participate in and benefit from these collaborations.
Additionally, I would advise focusing on areas where there is a clear alignment of interests and expertise. This will help to maximize the impact of the collaboration and ensure that it's sustainable in the long run. Finally, don't be afraid to learn from the experiences of others. By studying successful models like IRASHUB, you can avoid common pitfalls and accelerate your progress.
Finally, I would like to express our sincere gratitude to the European Union for their generous funding through the Capacity Building in Higher Education (CBHE) action. Their support has been instrumental in enabling this project and has facilitated the valuable exchange of knowledge and expertise between our Indian and European partners.

Next activity, more to come

 

• One of the main actions to carry on during the next semester is the training week to be held in Tarragona, Spain, the so-called Capacity Building Programme by EU HEIs in EU within the IRAS-HUB terminology. The event will count on several researchers and trainers from the University Rovira i Virgili (URV), as trainers, and 3 Indian HEIs, IIIT-Delhi, IIIT-Hyderabad, and IIIT-Allahabad will be trained using the newly developed and modernized course in Robotics at URV.

 

• Preparation and delivery of the Continued Education Program (CEP) Training toolkit developed by Warsaw University of Technology (WUT), Poland. This planned milestone will indicate the collection and assessment of all training materials by partners.

 

• Delivery of the description of all the teaching material, including also the software developed for the robot-based training use cases (D4.1). A detailed report about the two training phases in EU and Indian HEIs will be given by the University of Genoa (UNIGE). The Deliverable will also include an account about the activities carried out, staff and trainee feedback, notes, and material, as well as training results and key performance indicators.

Project Partners

Coordinator:

IIIT-Delhi (India)

Indian Partners:

IIIT-Hyderabad

IIIT-Allahabad

Indraprastha University

Addverb

European Partners:

UNIGE (Italy)

WUT (Poland)

URV (Spain)

CRETHIDEV (Greece)

TUC (Greece)

Contact

admin-irashub@iiitd.ac.in

011 26907411

Follow us