HYDERABAD: An autonomous self-driving wheelchair designed to help persons with disabilities navigate independently drew attention at the 25th Research and Development (R&D) Showcase at the International Institute of Information Technology, Hyderabad on Saturday.
The two-day exhibition features more than 400 research posters, prototypes and demonstrations from 29 research centres. Additionally, the event offers a glimpse into emerging technologies being developed in artificial intelligence, robotics, cybersecurity and digital public infrastructure.
Autonomous wheelchair demonstrates indoor navigation technology
One of the key demonstrations featured an autonomous wheelchair equipped with 3D LiDAR sensors that enable environmental perception. Moreover, the system runs on Jetson Orin and operates using the Robot Operating System 2 (ROS2).
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Researchers said the wheelchair can detect obstacles and navigate indoor spaces with minimal user input. As a result, the system uses advanced path-planning and obstacle-avoidance techniques to move safely through complex environments.
Experimental robots and seismic-resistant housing models displayed
Meanwhile, research teams showcased experimental flapping-wing robots and spin drones, which also drew interest from visitors.
In addition, researchers displayed architectural models that demonstrate traditional earthquake-resistant housing methods from across India. These included Kath Kuni houses from Himachal Pradesh, adobe houses from Rajasthan and Ikra houses from Assam.
The structures use materials such as wood, mud brick and bamboo, which help absorb seismic shocks during earthquakes.
Discussions focus on cybersecurity and digital trust
The showcase carried the theme "Trust in Technology: Security, Privacy and Transparency." During the event, researchers, students, policymakers and industry representatives discussed how developers can design technological systems with greater reliability and security.
Shivkumar Kalyanaraman, chief executive officer of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation, highlighted national research funding initiatives aimed at strengthening collaboration between universities, industry and government laboratories.
Meanwhile, IIIT Hyderabad director Sandeep K. Shukla said discussions on cybersecurity and digital trust formed a key part of the event.
"Technology should not control us. Instead, we should control technology," he said.
Furthermore, experts speaking at a panel discussion pointed to the growing scale of cybercrime and the shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals.