– Bhawna Gupta, Principal, Sir Padampat Singhania Education Centre

In an era where automation and artificial intelligence are transforming industries, the need to equip students with future-ready skills has never been more critical. Rising to this challenge, the Robotics Lab at Sir Padampat Singhania Education Centre (SPSEC), established in collaboration with the Science & Technology Council, Students’ Gymkhana, IIT Kanpur, and Additive Minds 3D Lab, in collaboration with JK Digital & Neumesh, represents a powerful step towards integrating cutting-edge technology into education.

Housed in SPSEC’s Shri Govind Hari Singhania Centre for Advanced Learning and inaugurated by Prof. Abhay Karandikar, secretary, Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, the lab is a forward-thinking initiative rooted in experiential learning. It is envisioned not just as a classroom extension but as a dynamic environment where creativity, curiosity, and technical skill converge.

The Robotics Lab is a cornerstone of the skill school’s commitment to holistic education. Under the expert guidance of mentors from IIT Kanpur, the curriculum bridges theoretical understanding with practical application. Designed to align with global standards and industry needs, the lab empowers students to explore the domains of robotics, AI, aerodynamics, and automation through immersive, hands-on projects.

The facility is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment: microcontrollers, advanced processors, sensors, motors, controllers, and modular robotic components that replicate real-world industry tools. Students gain foundational knowledge and progressively apply it through collaborative projects that nurture teamwork, innovation, and critical thinking.

A testament to a vision of smart, responsive robotics is our project of RoboDog, a four-legged robot that emulates animal gait. Through its development, students explore servo motor control, balance algorithms, and sensor integration while learning about biomimicry. Another standout is the Mecanum Wheel Robot, which utilises specialised wheels to achieve omnidirectional motion—a concept used in warehouse automation and robotics competitions.

The lab also ventures into the realm of aerodynamics. Students construct and fly their remote-controlled planes and drones, delving into the physics of flight, thrust, lift, and radio controls. These complex yet age-appropriate projects offer a rare glimpse into aerospace engineering at the school level.
Adding excitement and strategy to the learning process is the creation and battle of SumoBots — robots programmed to locate and push opponents out of a defined arena. These competitions encourage students to think tactically and respond in real time, mirroring the pressure and thrill of professional robotics challenges.

The Robotics Lab has already begun producing real-world impact. One of its shining stars, Rudraksh, secured a prestigious internship at Kalam Lab, a pioneering space-tech organisation for young innovators. Known for developing indigenous microcontrollers now being adopted by top institutes like IIT Kanpur, MIT, and BITS Pilani, Kalam Lab recognized Rudraksh’s potential, nurtured through early exposure at the skill school.

At the skill school, robotics is not just a subject, it’s a platform for exploration, innovation, and transformation. The Robotics Lab embodies the school’s belief that when education is rooted in real-world applications, students don’t just learn, they discover, innovate, and lead.
In the 3D Design & Printing Lab, students are empowered to transform their ideas into tangible prototypes using industry-standard software and advanced 3D printers, effectively bridging the gap between digital innovation and real-world application. The lab fosters a deep understanding of responsible production practices by emphasising the use of eco-friendly materials and sustainable design principles.

With a forward-thinking curriculum, it nurtures the next generation of change-makers – young innovators who are not only technologically proficient but also socially and environmentally conscious. Students are guided to design with empathy, assessing the broader impact of their creations on society and the planet. By integrating real-world problem-solving into the learning process, the lab equips learners with the ability to develop practical, meaningful, and sustainable solutions through imaginative design and purposeful prototyping.

Through this pioneering initiative, Shri Govind Hari Singhania Centre for Advanced Learning is preparing students not only for future careers but for shaping the future itself.