Sophia, the humanoid robot, celebrates her birthday with engineering students at IIT (BHU)
Varanasi: Draped in yellow sari, Sophia -the humanoid robot celebrated her birthday with the budding engineers and technocrats at the IIT (BHU) in the millennia old city Varanasi on the inaugural day of the annual fest Technex on Friday.
In a over two-hour long session of interaction with the students she aptly satisfied them by answering their queries like a human being. Developed by a Hong Kong based company Hanson Robotics, Sophia is the first to become a citizen of a country. The students were extremely happy and excited to see Sophia among them.
Earlier, Technex’20 was inaugurated with much gusto, in the presence of the chief guest Mr Ajai Chowdhary, IIT (BHU) director Dr Pramod Kumar Jain, the Dean of Student Affairs Dr BN Rai and an audience comprising of students, participants and dignitaries. The ceremony began with the garlanding of Mahamana Madan Mohan Malviya, a Kulgeet by BHU and the customary lamp lighting. It featured a welcome address by the Director, a vote of thanks by Prof. Rai, an introduction of the chief guest by Prof. V Ramanathan, and an introduction to Technex by the General Secretary of the SNTC.
Also, there was a Think Talk by the chief guest, Mr. Ajai Chowdhary, who talked about his experiences co-founding HCL and his career. He motivated students to pursue their dreams, whether it be in entrepreneurship or otherwise.
Technex’20 events let the participants embark on a ride ‘Back to the Future’ as per its theme by flagging off multiple competitions, workshops, and the special futuristic workshops. Participants kept flocking around the Swatantrata Bhawan premises, the Institute’s Gymkhana and Rajputana Grounds to test their mettle against competitors. Robotics events – Maze Explorer, Pixelate and Robowars, and those of aeromodelling – Drone-tech, La Trajectoire saw extensive participation and entertained the audience with stiff competition. Innovative ideas to make a difference in the society trickled in the Pahal category’s 18-hour challenge Explica-2-day, SHE and PaperGaper. Riqueza events challenged the business acumen, and Astro-quiz tested participants’ knowledge of the cosmos! The second rounds of these events will take place on Day 2 to handpick the best.
Exhibitions and workshops on autonomous driving and other latest technologies inspired the attendees from over the country to innovate and achieve bigger feats in science.
Another event that took place on Day 1 was the hackathon, which had started on Day 0 of the fest at 8 pm. Going by the name of “Hackout”, the hackathon has been hosting many participating developer-hopefuls vying for glory with their innovative ideas and projects. The hackathon is scheduled to continue until 8 pm on Day 2.
