According to The Times of India, the higher education department, MoE, is all set to execute a centre of excellence on Artificial Intelligence and Robotics in a state public university with an aim to develop cutting-edge AI solutions in the country. The plans regarding the centre were discussed with Rama Devi Women’s University on Friday. At the same time, IIT Bhubaneswar has submitted its proposal to the MoE for implementing the centre at an estimated cost of 8.7 crores with the intention of enhancing students all over the state to learn about the latest technologies like AI and Robotics.

“Many organisations face skill gap in sectors such as Artificial Intelligence and Robotics with some facing extreme shortage in niche skill set like data scientists”, says Subhransu Ranjan Samantaray, OPTCL chair professor and head of school of Electric Sciences, IIT Bhubaneswar. “Organisations are simultaneously investing in the acquisition of fresh talents and skilling their existing workforce in AI, he adds. He suggests the government keep the needs of the industry in mind while setting up these centres to augment the field of AI and Robotics. Samantaray shares about the possibility of a surge in students' employability from hundreds to thousands in 2-3 years with the help of this centre of excellence.

As per the report, the centre will be a mixture of different AI accelerators and robotic setups. The proposal stated that this initiative would allure many talented and efficient students who desire to learn new technologies. Also, the university will become a hub of a skilled workforce with the latest technologies. Furthermore, the university faculties will be strengthened with profound knowledge about the industry as they become exposed to industry partners who can train them about the industry’s best practices that can be included in the learning sessions.

The students will also be exposed to application-based learning and be taught about various tools and technologies widely used in the industry. Both universities are in the nascent stage of their projects and expect great success in this development. IIT Bhubaneswar has decided to undertake the financial and other management responsibilities for the initiative. “We are in the process of taking a final decision in this matter”, mentioned the vice-chancellor of Rama Devi Women’s University.