On Saturday, Lt Gen Manjit Kumar, Chief of Staff of the Southern Command, inaugurated the Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence & Robotics (CEAR) at the Army Institute of Technology (AIT) in Pune. This state-of-the-art facility is equipped with advanced tools for 3D printing, CAD modeling, sensors, and real-time embedded hardware designing. The CEAR aims to foster an environment for students and faculty to collaborate and develop solutions for real-world problems using AI and robotics, focusing on defence, healthcare, agriculture, and more. During the inauguration, Lt Gen Manjit Kumar emphasized the importance of staying ahead in the rapidly evolving world of technology and empowering young minds to become leaders in their respective fields.

On Saturday, Lt Gen Manjit Kumar, Chief of Staff of the Southern Command, ushered in a new era of technological innovation and education at the Army Institute of Technology (AIT) in Pune. Marking a significant milestone for the Indian Army, he inaugurated the Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence & Robotics (CEAR). This cutting-edge facility is armed with state-of-the-art 3D printing, CAD modelling tools, sensors/drivers, and interfacing tools for real-time embedded hardware designing.

The CEAR, nestled within the AIT campus, is a testament to the Indian Army’s commitment to harnessing the power of emerging technologies. This hub of innovation aims to foster an environment where students and faculty can collaborate, research, and develop solutions to real-world problems. The centre’s primary focus is on leveraging artificial intelligence and robotics to create applications that can be employed in various domains, including defence, healthcare, agriculture, and more.

During the inauguration ceremony, Lt Gen Manjit Kumar expressed his confidence in the centre’s ability to nurture young minds and empower them to become leaders in their respective fields. He emphasized the importance of staying ahead of the curve in the rapidly evolving world of technology, stating, “AI and robotics are poised to transform every aspect of our lives. By investing in this centre, we are ensuring that our students are well-equipped to contribute to and shape this transformation.”

In addition to inaugurating CEAR, Lt Gen Manjit Kumar also presided over the felicitation ceremony of INNERVE 8, the largest student-driven hackathon conducted by the Open-Source Software Club at AIT. With a prize pool exceeding ₹10 lakh, the event saw enthusiastic participation from students across various disciplines. The hackathon provided a platform for students to showcase their skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities in the realm of open-source software development.

During the ceremony, the Chief of Staff commended the students’ efforts and encouraged them to continue pushing the boundaries of innovation. He stated, “The spirit of collaboration, learning, and experimentation that I witnessed at INNERVE 8 is truly inspiring. I am confident that the solutions developed here today will go on to make a significant impact in our society.”

Just a day before the events at AIT, Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, Chief of Air Staff, visited the Military Institute of Technology (MILIT) in Girinagar, Pune. He interacted with participants of the Defence Service Technical Staff Course (DSTC-06) and delivered a talk on the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) transition into a contemporary and future-ready aerospace force.

In a nod to the rich history of the Indian armed forces, Air Chief Marshal Chaudhari inaugurated a unique armament technology lab at MILIT. This lab showcases weapons and ammunition dating back to the 17th century, providing visitors with a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of military technology. The lab also serves as an educational resource for students, fostering a deeper understanding of the historical context and technical intricacies of various weapons systems.

As the Indian Army and Air Force continue to invest in cutting-edge technology and education, the Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence & Robotics and the Armament Technology Lab stand as symbols of their commitment to innovation and progress. These institutions not only empower the next generation of leaders but also contribute to the broader discourse on the role of technology in shaping our world.

In a world where the boundaries between technology and humanity are increasingly blurred, these initiatives by the Indian armed forces serve as a reminder that the pursuit of knowledge and innovation is a collective endeavour. As Lt Gen Manjit Kumar so eloquently put it, “By investing in our youth and nurturing their talent, we are not only building a stronger nation but also contributing to a more interconnected, informed, and empowered global community.”