Odisha to introduce ‘Robotics’ course in schools

Bhubaneswar: In a bid to attract students towards science, Odisha government decided to introduce ‘Robotics’ course in state-run schools from next academic session.

Initially, the new course will be introduced in 10 model schools. After its success, the course will be introduced in all the government schools.

The government has completed discussion with a Bengaluru-based organisation ‘Sirena Technologies Private Limited’ for introduction of ‘Robotics’ course in schools in Odisha, informed School & Mass Education Secertary Pradipta Kumar Mohapatra.

A special robotic laboratory equipped with drone, robot and other materials will be set up in all the schools encouraging the students to gain knowledge on science and technology. The students will be asked to attend practical classes in the lab after theory classes at classrooms.

Official sources said that the Robotics course will be introduced from 2019-20. The Bengaluru based firm has already started the project in a private school in Berhampur. Other schools are also planning to introduce it for their students. In view of craze among the students and demand for the course, the government is planning to introduce it in state-run schools in collaboration with the Sirena Technologies.

With introduction of ‘Robotics’ course, it will be beneficial for the school students improving their knowledge in science and mathematics, said Mohapatra.

The students can easily crack the toughest examinations for admission into technical and engineering courses if their basic and foundation in science and mathematics will be strong in school. During school days, they can choose their career, he added.

The robot for education known as ‘Nino’ is the first Humanoid Robot developed in India. The robot can dance, sing and quickly answer to the questions asked about the GK related to country and overseas. With introduction of the course, a big reform could be brought in the existing education system in Odisha, said Debashish Patnaik, Regional Manager of Sirena Technologies.

Currently, the course has been introduced in a school in Berhampur and other schools have proposed to introduce it. A workshop has been conducted in KIIT campus too, he said.