IIT Delhi, ITU to host UN Robotics Contest in India
The collaboration between the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) marks a significant milestone in India's robotics landscape. Together, they are spearheading the inaugural UN-based educational robotics championship set to unfold in October this year. Named the Robotics for Good Youth Challenge 2024-2025, this global endeavor is a pivotal component of ITU's AI for Good initiative, operating under the UN platform for artificial intelligence.
IIT Delhi's technology innovation hub, IHFC, will serve as the organizing entity for this groundbreaking event. By bringing Indian students into the fold, the championship aims to showcase their robotics prowess on an international stage while addressing the imperative issue of disaster management. With a keen focus on harnessing robotics solutions to tackle natural calamities such as earthquakes, the competition aligns closely with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Structured to accommodate two age groups, Junior (Class 6-8) and Senior (Class 9-12), the challenge beckons participants to conceive, construct, and program robots geared towards advancing the SDGs. Central to their mission is the notion of Robotics for Good, which emphasizes leveraging technological innovation to enhance disaster preparedness and response mechanisms. From seismic risk prediction to soil and subsurface studies, the competition underscores the pivotal role of robotics in facilitating prompt interventions aimed at mitigating the impact of disasters.
The journey towards the grand finale in Geneva during the AI for Good Global Summit 2025 kicks off with an India qualifying tournament slated for October 17 at the International Exhibition Convention Centre in Delhi. IHFC's commitment extends beyond event organization; it encompasses nurturing participants, fostering innovation in robotics solutions, and instilling a sense of sustainability in disaster management strategies.
Through this collaborative effort, IIT Delhi, ITU, and IHFC are not only nurturing the next generation of robotics innovators but also amplifying India's role in the global discourse on leveraging technology for social good and disaster resilience.
