R ARIVANANTHAM,
CHENNAI, APR 28
In a major boost to industry-linked education and high-value career pathways, SRM Easwari Engineering College has launched India’s first Global Excellence Center for Robotics in collaboration with ABB Robotics—marking a significant milestone for students aiming to enter the fast-growing automation economy.
The centre, only the third of its kind globally, brings advanced AI-enabled robotic systems and intelligent automation labs directly to campus, allowing students to gain real-world, hands-on experience in next-generation manufacturing technologies.
- Global-first edge: India’s first, world’s third ABB Global Excellence Center on a college campus
- Hands-on learning: AI robotics labs, VR simulation, automation cells for real industry training
- Career boost: Students gain skills in high-demand domains like AI, IoT, digital twins & robotics
- Startup push: Centre to foster innovation, research and entrepreneurship among students
From Classroom to Factory Floor
The facility features cutting-edge industrial setups including 3D pin picking, palletising, spot and arc welding cells, along with VR-based digital simulation labs. It integrates emerging technologies such as autonomous mobile robots, generative AI, IoT, PLC automation and digital twin systems, mirroring real factory environments.
The ABB–SRM Easwari collaboration signals a shift towards industry-embedded education, where students gain job-ready skills, research exposure and startup opportunities—critical for India’s ambitions in advanced manufacturing and digital economy.
This shift is expected to bridge the gap between theory and industry practice, making graduates job-ready for roles in robotics, smart manufacturing and automation engineering.
Students at the Core of Innovation
Designed as a multidisciplinary innovation hub, the centre will enable students from mechanical, electronics, computer science and AI streams to collaborate, build prototypes and solve real industry problems.
Dr. R. Shivakumar, Chairman, SRM Group, said:
“The centre brings advanced infrastructure and technological capabilities to the country that were previously accessible largely in Western countries… It will promote multidisciplinary research at the undergraduate level… nurturing analytical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills.”
Industry Demand Meets Campus Supply
With automation rapidly transforming manufacturing, ABB Robotics sees the initiative as a talent pipeline for high-growth sectors.
Subrata Karmakar, President, ABB Robotics, said:
“Robotics and automation are revolutionising the manufacturing sector… we believe it is our responsibility to equip engineering students with skills in this emerging domain, enabling them to secure high-value careers.”
Startup & Research Ecosystem Boost
Beyond placements, the centre is expected to incubate student startups, drive consultancy projects and deepen industry-academia collaboration. Focus areas include predictive maintenance, supply chain automation, embedded systems and smart manufacturing solutions.
With over 1,000 students and 400+ faculty, the college is positioning itself as a hub for AI-driven innovation, offering strong pathways across engineering disciplines and emerging tech domains.
