Makers Lab, the research and development arm of Tech Mahindra, and the College of Military Engineering (CME), Pune have entered a partnership together to address the challenges in the defence sector through a technological intervention based on artificial intelligence and robotics. 

As per the agreement, the Makers Lab will set up shop at the CME campus to provide training and R&D support to the college. Using Makers Lab's real-world technological exposure, Tech Mahindra will train the Army officers of CME in the next-generation technology such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), robotics, internet of things (IoT), augmented reality and virtual reality (AR/VR) to make them future-ready for modern-day warfare.

Nikhil Malhotra, global head of Makers Lab, Tech Mahindra, said: “The mission of Tech Mahindra’s research and development arm, Makers Lab, is to promote technology innovation by providing a common platform where academia, industry and government can come together to recognize transformative ideas and create disruptive solutions. The collaboration will enable our defence forces to address future challenges by leveraging digital technologies and innovation.” One of the primary goals of the collaboration is to hone the army's readiness towards to address critical needs of the future. 

Lt Gen PP Malhotra, VSM, Commandant, College of Military Engineering, Pune, said: “CME has taken various steps towards developing successful ideas and innovations in the niche field of AI and Robotics. The college has the domain expertise and now with the assistance of Makers Lab, Tech Mahindra Ltd, I am sure we would be able to solve many challenges for the Indian Army. I am hopeful that this initiative would take us a long way in undertaking research and development in this extremely challenging sphere.”