Amrita University hosts world's first global conference on robotics and automation for humanitarian applications

RAHA 2016 saw leading robotics scientists, researchers, engineers, industry professionals and humanitarian workers call for more research into the development of robotic devices for humanitarian causes

Beyond RAHA: Deepening the conversation to define an International research agenda for the future with leading experts

by Shrutee K/DNS

December 19, 2016 / Amritapuri: Some of the brightest minds in the field of robotics and automation from India and all over the world assembled at Amrita University at a three-day conference titled RAHA 2016, the world’s first-ever event focusing on the use of robotics and automation for humanitarian applications. With more than 385 participants and 18 speakers from 12 countries, comprising a unique mix of field workers, humanitarian teams, and robotics experts, the event paved the way for a blueprint in the applications of robotics and automation to bring about true societal changes. 

Prominent dignitaries such as Suresh Chandra, Union Law Secretary, Govt. of India, and M. Sivasankar, Secretary, Department of Electronics and Information Technology, Govt. of Kerala, were present at the inaugural function of RAHA 2016, along with Swami Amritaswarupananda Puri, President of Amrita University, Dr. P Venkat Rangan, Vice Chancellor, Amrita University, and others.

Said M. Sivasankar, Secretary, Department of Electronics and Information Technology, Govt. of Kerala: “Robotics, automatic and intelligent computing are the next wave of technology that is going to hit us soon and transform our lives, much like mobile phones. This industry is going to have a serious impact on the entire society in a beneficial way. RAHA 2016 is a great initiative by Amrita University to showcase the advancements in robotics and how this technology can help in humanitarian work such as health and disaster management. Kerala is largely a knowledge-driven economy. We now need to give a serious thought about how to blend robotics and automation with it to empower the society further.”

Delivering the inaugural speech, Bhavani R Rao, Director of AMMACHI Labs, highlighted the vast areas in which robotics and automation are making progress today and the immense potential of robotics for humanitarian applications, citing examples of recently developed assistive technologies in the global scenario, and humanitarian-driven robotics initiatives at Amrita University.  In her welcome address, Prof. Rao R. Bhavani, Conference Co-Chair, stressed on the “humanitarian” aspect of RAHA 2016. “Humanitarian usually refers to efforts towards promoting human welfare. This often includes technologies that increase human efficiency, those which make life easier and safer or even just more comfortable for humans. However, we would like to expand this definition to include efforts towards the collective good of all humanity, in harmony and sustainable coexistence with other life forms and the environment. Over the next three days, we have the opportunity - the responsibility - to learn from each other, on how to successfully wield these technologies with empathy to serve a higher purpose, to determine potential areas of application that would help mankind towards a sustainable existence."

Added Ronald Arkin, Regents’ Professor and Associate Dean for Research in the College of Computing at Georgia Tech, US: “RAHA 2016 is one of the first full conferences in the world devoted to robotics and humanitarian applications. It is vitally important that we not only as a robotics community but as world citizens discuss how robotics and automation can help solve many of humanity’s problems.” 

RAHA 2016 saw 5 plenary and 13 keynote lectures by international speakers, complemented by multiple tutorials and workshops, poster sessions, and student competitions. With the future in mind, the conference took a special initiative to start a task force consisting of top researchers and experts in the field of robotics and automation. This expert body gathered to define an important research agenda towards policy and practice. The conference served as a bridge between researchers in the robotics field, social workers, and development agencies, giving way to a constructive dialogue and feasible solutions to society’s challenges through the use of robotics and automation technologies. 

Those attending RAHA 2016 included over 270 students from 22 institutions throughout India, including IIT (Delhi, Kharagpur, Hyderabad, Ropar, Varanasi, Jodhpur), National Institute of Technology Tiruchirappalli, Birla Institute of Technology Mesra, Ranchi, V.N.I.T. Nagpur, and P.S.G College of Technology. They were joined by 28 international students and researchers from different corners of the world — including Imperial College (London), University of New Mexico (USA), University of Texas, Arlington (USA), Monash University (Malaysia), Auckland University of Technology (New Zealand), IBM Research, Africa, and Kuka Robotics UK, Ltd.

About RAHA 2016: The International Conference on Robotics and Automation for Humanitarian Applications (RAHA) 2016 was intended to provide a forum for scientists, engineers, field workers and policymakers to discuss current research and exchange technical ideas that advance global humanitarian action. The conference aimed to connect technological innovators and humanitarian field workers, creating a link between fields that often are considered separate and unrelated. Together, the conference attendees tried to identify gaps in knowledge in the field.  The conference included a technical program of reviewed papers, as well as invited leaders in the field who presented papers on major topics. There were panel discussion, workshops, poster sessions, a PhD forum, industry exhibits, and a contest for undergraduate and graduate students.

About AMRITA VISHWA VIDYAPEETHAM (AMRITA UNIVERSITY): Amrita University is a multi-campus, multi-disciplinary research institution ranked as the No. 1 Private University in India by the Times Higher Education and QS World Rankings and is accredited with an ‘A’ grade by NAAC. The university is spread across five campuses in three states of India - Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, with headquarters at Coimbatore. World-renowned humanitarian and spiritual leader, Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi, is the founder and Chancellor, who has encouraged the university’s R&D departments to focus on developing technologies for uplifting the poor and the needy. In the past few years, Amrita has become known for its work in gender equality, disaster management and sanitation outreach.

https://www.amrita.edu/