The Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) have announced a groundbreaking partnership to host the first-ever UN-based educational robotics championship in India later this year. The Robotics for Good Youth Challenge 2024-2025, a global initiative of the ITU, aims to showcase the expertise of Indian students in the field of robotics and disaster management.
Organized by IIT Delhi’s technology innovation hub IHFC, the championship will provide Indian students with an opportunity to put their robotics skills on the global stage. The event will focus on promoting the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in the area of disaster management, which is a critical concern worldwide.
The competition has been divided into two age groups - Junior (Class 6-8) and Senior (Class 9-12). Participants will be required to design, build, and program a robot that can complete a mission related to addressing the SDGs. Specifically, the emphasis will be on Robotics for Good, including tasks such as earthquake prediction, seismic risk assessment, and soil and subsurface studies. The ultimate objective is to enable swift intervention during disasters and effectively minimize their impact.
The Indian qualifying tournament is scheduled to take place on October 17th at the International Exhibition Convention Centre in Delhi. The top-performing teams will then advance to a qualifying tournament, leading to the grand finale in Geneva during the AI for Good Global Summit 2025.
IHFC has taken on the role of guiding and supporting the participants throughout the competition. The organization aims to foster innovation in their robotics solutions and train them to create sustainable technologies for disaster management.
In an interview, Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal, the Hon’ble Minister of Education, highlighted the significance of the championship and India’s commitment to technological advancements. He said, “This UN-based educational robotics championship provides an incredible platform for Indian students to showcase their talent, skills, and creativity in the field of robotics. It aligns effectively with our government’s vision of promoting STEM education and fostering innovation among our youth.”
The partnership between IIT Delhi and ITU signifies the increasing recognition of India as a hub for technological innovation. It presents an excellent opportunity for Indian students to demonstrate their capabilities and contribute to the global conversation on AI and robotics.
With the world grappling with the challenges posed by natural disasters and the urgent need for sustainable solutions, the Robotics for Good Youth Challenge comes at a crucial time. By leveraging the power of robotics and AI, participants have the chance to make a meaningful impact on disaster management.
The championship not only showcases the talent and expertise of Indian students but also emphasizes the importance of collaboration and global cooperation. By addressing the UN’s SDGs through innovative robotics solutions, these young minds are paving the way for a safer and more sustainable future.
As the preparations for the championship begin, participants are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to showcase their ideas and skills. It is through initiatives like these that the potential of robotics in addressing global challenges becomes evident, reminding us of the transformative power of technology in shaping a better world.
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