23 schools to have AI & robotics labs
Representational image of robots
The Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) plans to transform Gujarat education by equipping 23 SUMAN Schools with cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics facilities. The program will give 10,300 students cutting-edge instruction in these new technologies, marking a watershed moment in the city’s education environment.
The SMC earmarked Rs5 crore to set up the technology in the schools. This ambitious effort intends to expose students to the technical and theoretical aspects of AI and robotics, preparing them for a future in which such knowledge will be essential.
To assure the project’s effective completion, the SMC began the process of engaging a private firm. This entity will initially be in charge of setting up labs in 18 of the 23 SUMAN schools. The chosen agency will provide trainers, set up labs, and provide all of the equipment required for complete AI and robotics training.
Meena Gajjar, Deputy Commissioner of SMC, expounded on the plan, saying, “A provision of Rs5 crore has been allotted in the SMC budget for 2024-25 for the establishment of robotic laboratories in 23 SUMAN schools under the supervision of SMC commissioner Shalini Agarwal. The primary goal is to expose SUMAN students to AI and robotics learning and help them achieve in their disciplines.”
Gajjar went on to underline the future potential of AI, stating, “AI will be the next future after a decade. The kids will receive training in coding, artificial intelligence, robotics, and drone technology.”
The program is not restricted to AI and robotics. According to sources, students will also be taught drone technology, which has become an important tool and it is used in different fields such as pesticide spraying and land irrigation to more complex applications, and agriculture.
The SMC intends to create separate ‘drone labs’ within the SUMAN schools. These specialised labs will give students hands-on exposure with drone technology, increasing technical abilities.