The Department of Robotics and Artificial Intelligence at Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology (NMIT), Bengaluru, stands at the forefront of innovation, education and research in intelligent systems and robotics. Established with a vision to shape the future of automation and AI-driven technologies, the department offers a holistic academic experience backed by over 15 years of dedicated robotics research at NMIT.
The department offers UG & PG program on Robotics and AI with an intake of 60 and 18 respectively from the AY 2026-27. The department delivers an industry-relevant curriculum designed to meet the dynamic needs of the robotics and AI sectors. What truly distinguishes our department is a 100% hands-on learning approach, supported by cutting-edge infrastructure and an environment that encourages real-world problem-solving and innovation.
Programs Offered
BTech Robotics and AI - 60 Seats
MTech Robotics and AI - 18 Seats
Video Gallery
| Title | Video Link |
|---|---|
| Highlights of Centre for Robotics Research | Click Here |
| 2nd Generation Humanoid Robotic Head | Click Here |
| Ayudha Pooja Celebration 2024 | Click Here |
| Ayudha Pooja Celebration 2023 | Click Here |
| “Shourya” The Lunar Rover | Click Here |
| Robotics Engineering-STEM Course | Click Here |
| All Terrain Robot | Click Here |
| Train the Trainer Program | Click Here |
| Pick and Place the Robot | Click Here |
| Anthropomorphic Hand | Click Here |
| Hexapod Robot | Click Here |
| Theo Jansen-1 DoF Legged Robot | Click Here |
| Wheeled Hybrid Mobile Robot 1 | Click Here |
| Wheeled Hybrid Mobile Robot 2 | Click Here |
| AgriBot | Click Here |
| HMR-KSCST Project Demo | Click Here |
| Human Following Robot-Outdoor | Click Here |
Vision
To be recognized as a department of excellence in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence education and research, fostering innovation, multidisciplinary collaboration and entrepreneurship to address real-world challenges and shape the future of intelligent automation.
Mission
- To deliver a transformative learning experience in Robotics and AI that equips students with strong technical skills, creative thinking and ethical values, empowering them to make meaningful contributions to society and industry.
- To foster a collaborative and inclusive academic environment by partnering with global institutes and research centers, offering students opportunities to participate in advanced research and innovation.
- To bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world applications through industry-driven projects, internships and experiential learning, ensuring students graduate with the confidence and competence to thrive in evolving tech landscapes.
- To cultivate a culture of innovation, critical thinking and entrepreneurship, providing students with access to state-of-the-art infrastructure, mentorship and platforms to turn ideas into impactful solutions.
The Department of Robotics and Artificial Intelligence at NMIT, Bengaluru, is equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories designed to provide students with immersive, hands-on experience across various domains of robotics, automation and intelligent systems. These specialized labs support both academic learning and advanced research, aligning with industry standards and emerging technological trends.
This lab focuses on the design, development and programming of autonomous robotic systems. Students work with mobile robots equipped with sensors and navigation systems, learning real-world applications like path planning, obstacle avoidance and SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping).
In this lab, students explore next-generation robotics through collaborative robotic arms that can safely work alongside humans. With training platforms from leading Cobot manufacturers, students gain experience in human-robot interaction, industrial automation and smart manufacturing processes.
A dedicated creative space that blends Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) using VEX IQ and Tetrix Robotics Kits. This lab fosters early-stage innovation and design thinking, allowing students to build and program robots while understanding the fundamentals of engineering and AI in a playful, project-based environment.
Equipped with Quanser QBot systems, this lab provides a robust platform to study control systems, dynamic modeling and feedback mechanisms. Students perform real-time experiments on mobile robotics platforms integrated with MATLAB/Simulink, enabling simulation-to-hardware validation.
Self-Driving Cars LabThis advanced lab focuses on autonomous vehicle technologies, including computer vision, sensor fusion and AI-based decision making. Students work with scaled self-driving car platforms and simulators, learning how perception and planning algorithms function in real-world driving scenarios.
ROS-Enabled Mobile Robotics LabBuilt around the Robot Operating System (ROS), this lab equips students with essential tools for programming and integrating modular robotic systems. It supports work in robot perception, autonomous navigation and multi-robot coordination, using ROS-compatible hardware and simulation environments like Gazebo.
Mechatronics LabThis interdisciplinary lab brings together mechanical, electrical and computer engineering elements. It includes setups for:
- Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)
- Electro-pneumatic and pneumatic systems
- Industrial sensors and actuators
The lab enables students to understand and implement automation systems commonly used in modern manufacturing and smart factories.
These labs collectively provide a cutting-edge ecosystem that supports the department’s mission of delivering a 100% hands-on learning experience, preparing students for the dynamic and fast-evolving world of Robotics and AI.
Board of Studies (BOS)
Board of examiners (BOE):
Department Undergraduate Committee (DUGC)
Department Advisory Committee (DAC)
Programme Advisory Committee (PAC)
Research
RESEARCH AND CO-INNOVATION FACILITIES
CENTRE FOR ROBOTICS RESEARCH
The Centre for Robotics Research (CRR) stands as one of the premier Centres of Excellence (CoE), established to foster collaborative research, innovation and development in the rapidly advancing fields of Robotics and its allied disciplines. With a dynamic team of dedicated faculty and passionate students, CRR is a hub for cutting-edge projects and interdisciplinary exploration.
Guided by the motto “Explore, Experience and Excel,” the Centre is committed to pushing the boundaries of Robotics and Artificial Intelligence (AI) through hands-on research, real-world applications and state-of-the-art technologies.
Thrust Areas of Research
CRR actively engages in a diverse range of research areas, including:
- Design & Development of Novel Robotic Systems
- Unmanned Aerial & Ground Vehicles
- Industrial Automation / Process Automation / Robotic Process Automation (RPA)
- Control Systems, Localization, Path Planning & Autonomous Navigation
- 3D Printing & Process Parameter Optimization
- Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning & Deep Learning
- Computer Vision & Machine Vision Systems
- Big Data Analytics
- Social Robotics & Human-Robot Interaction (HRI)
- Real-time Robotic Control using Embedded Systems
- Integration of STEM/STEAM Education in Robotics
Robots Developed at the Centre for Robotics Research
Centre Highlights:
- Developed over 20 indigenous robotic systems, including fixed serial manipulators, mobile robots and humanoid robot heads
- Successfully completed projects worth over ₹1.5 Crores, funded by leading agencies such as DST, DRDO, VGST and IEEE
- Trained more than 1000+ students in Robotics through hands-on learning with advanced STEAM kits
- Published 70+ research papers in reputed peer-reviewed journals and international conferences
- Achieved multiple patents and copyrights for in-house developed technologies
- Students have earned national and international accolades through participation in prestigious robotics competitions
CRR continues to pave the way for innovation and excellence, nurturing future leaders in Robotics and AI with a strong foundation in research, creativity and real-world problem-solving.
CO-INNOVATION CENTRE (CIC)
In collaboration with IHFC, the Technology Innovation Hub of IIT Delhi, Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology (NMIT), Bengaluru, proudly hosts one of India’s premier Co-Innovation Centres (CiC). Launched under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS), this centre is dedicated to fostering a culture of innovation, entrepreneurship and deep-tech development among India’s youth.
About CiC
The Co-Innovation Centre (CiC) at NMIT is a dynamic initiative supported by IHFC, IIT Delhi, aimed at bridging the gap between research and real-world applications. As part of a nationwide network of ten CiCs, the NMIT centre focuses on translation-led research and entrepreneurship in the domains of Deep Tech, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics.
Officially inaugurated on February 21, 2025, the CiC aspires to be a launchpad for student innovators, researchers and aspiring entrepreneurs who want to bring bold ideas to life and contribute meaningfully to a Viksit Bharat and Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
Vision
To nurture an ecosystem that inspires students and researchers to innovate, create and lead transformative technologies that address real-world challenges and fuel India’s global tech leadership.
Mission
- To bridge the gap between academic research and product development
- To foster an entrepreneurial mindset among students and researchers
- To promote indigenous technology solutions in Medical, Agriculture, Industry and Defence sectors
- To provide mentorship, funding and incubation support to deep-tech startups
- To create a sustainable innovation pipeline aligned with national priorities
Focus Areas
Our Co-Innovation Centre focuses on four key verticals, aligned with IHFC’s national mandate:
- Medical Technologies
- Agricultural Innovation
- Industrial Automation
- Defence Applications
- Complementing these are core technologies like:
- Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
- Robotics & Automation
- Cyber-Physical Systems
- Internet of Things (IoT)
- Embedded Systems
- Data Analytics
What We Offer
- Innovation Labs equipped with cutting-edge technology
- Mentorship Programs led by industry experts and academic leaders
- Funding Support for promising prototypes and startups
- Workshops & Training in Deep Tech, Robotics and Entrepreneurship
- Opportunities for Global Collaborations (e.g., NSF USA, Japan)
- Startup Incubation & Acceleration
- Productization Support to transform ideas into market-ready products
Leadership Speaks
- “India ranks high in research but lacks in productization. CiCs will change that narrative by transforming innovation into tangible products for the market.” — Ashutosh Dutt Sharma, CEO, IHFC
- “The role of a teacher is not only to disseminate knowledge but to ignite entrepreneurial dreams in the hearts of our students.” — Dr. M.S. Moodithaya, Vice Chancellor, Nitte (Deemed to be University)
- “CiC at NMIT will serve as a platform where imagination meets innovation, empowering the next generation of thinkers and doers.” — Dr. Prashanth N, CiC Mentor, NMIT
Our Partners
- I-Hub Foundation for Cobotics (IHFC) – Technology Innovation Hub of IIT Delhi
- DST, Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India
Enrichment
| Title | Type of Training | Date with Duraction | Funding Agency | External Experts & Affiliations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fusion 360 for next-gen Engineering skill development | 3-Day Faculty Development Program | 29th to 31st Jan 2026. | NMIT | Experts from AUTODESK. |
| Robotic Systems Engineering: From Manipulators to Automated Cells | 2-Day Faculty Development Program | 23rd & 24th January 2026 | NMIT | Experts from VEX CTE |
| Python Programming | 3-Day Faculty Development Program | 15th to 17th January 2026 | NMIT | Mr. Samarth, Programming Head. Newrro startup |
Faculty Achievements
Dr Prashanth N was Invited as Guest of Honor to deliver a Talk on Robotics and AI at Cambridge Institute of Technology- North Campus on 30th October 2025. He along with the other dignitaries inaugurated the Robotics Lab on this occasion.
Dr Prashanth N was Invited as Guest of Honor to participate in the Panel Discussion on Emerging Trends in Robotics Organized by JSS Academy of Technology Education on the Occasion of IEEE Day on 29th October 2025
Student Achievements
DEEP TECH START-UP SUMMIT 2025
Another major highlight of the year was the successful organization of the Deep Tech Start-Up Summit 2025, held on 12–13 September 2025 at NMIT, Bengaluru. Organized under the theme “Engineering the Future: Deep Tech for Viksit Bharat,” the summit served as a national platform for dialogue, collaboration, and innovation in emerging technologies.
The two-day summit brought together over 100 participants, including startup founders, innovators, investors, academicians, and industry leaders from across the country. The event was organized in collaboration with IHFC (IIT Delhi), SRM University, and the IEEE Robotics and Automation Society, Bangalore Chapter.
Key highlights of the summit included keynote addresses and expert talks on robotics, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, sustainability, and embedded systems; panel discussions on startup journeys, academia–industry collaboration, and commercialization of research and intellectual property; a product launch by an NMIT-incubated startup; and a startup pitch competition that provided emerging entrepreneurs with opportunities for recognition, mentorship, and incubation support.
The summit reinforced the department’s leadership role in fostering a vibrant deep-tech startup ecosystem and demonstrated how academia, industry, and innovation platforms can work together to drive national development.
Industry Interaction
Innovate, Create,
Engineer
Newrro Tech LLP incubated at the Centre for Robotics Research exhibited their products at the Bengaluru Tech Summit (BTS) from 18th to 20th November 2025 at BIEC Bengaluru.
Students of M. Tech in Robotics and AI visited the Electronica 2025 at BIEC on 19th September 2025
Placements
Dr. Prashanth N
- Designation Associate Professor & In-charge HOD
- Email prashanth.n@nmit.ac.in
- Contact No. -
- Joining date 2013-07-01
DMT, BE (Mech), M.Tech, PhD
10+ Years
Robotics, Automation, AI
Gold Medallist (First Rank Holder-MTech), Best Paper Awards etc
VicernChair, IEEE RAS, Bangalore Section
Industrial Robotics, Control Engineering, Mechatronics, Design for Manufacture, Industry 4.0, Data Analytics
Principal Investigator-Rs 60 Lakhs Grant from VGST, Govt of Karnataka
Dr. Vijay Kumar S
- Designation Associate Professor
- Email vijaykumar.s@nmit.ac.in
- Contact No. -
- Joining date 2020-09-07
BE, MTech, PhD
15+ Years
Temperature measurement techniques, Statistical Analysis, PCM, Mine waste management, Artificial Nural Networks, Sensors
Research Recognition award 2022 at NMIT
Data Analytics, Heat transfer, Applied Thermodynamics, ANN and Fuzzy logics, CAED, Artificial Intelligence
An IoT-based pollution management system to monitor the pollutants released into the air or water bodies from industries
ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4724-1146
Mr. Sunil Kumar H S
- Designation Assistant Professor
- Email -
- Contact No. -
- Joining date 0000-00-00
Mr. Rudra Naik M
- Designation Assistant Professor
- Email -
- Contact No. -
- Joining date 0000-00-00
