– 12 July 2023
The aim of this workshop was to (i) congregate artificial intelligence (AI) researchers and space scientists from ISRO, (ii) discuss applications of AI/ML (machine learning) and robotics for future space missions, (iii) explore XR technology for cockpit design of crewed missions, and (iv) plan a similar workshop at a reputed venue like ICRA 2024.
The workshop started with a welcome address from Chiranjib Bhattacharyya, Convenor of KIAC. The Director of ISRO Human Space Flight Program graced the occasion with a detailed presentation on the upcoming Gaganyaan mission. An opening plenary was delivered by S K Ghosh (Professor, IIT Kharagpur) on spatial data science and its relevance for planetary exploration. It was followed by two interesting talks on space robotics and the Chandrayaan mission. Students from IISc demonstrated XR-based robot control and simulation of Martian habitat, during the lunch break.
The afternoon session started with a panel discussion on the role of AI and robotics in space exploration. Participants from the Aeronautical Development Agency, Council of Scientific & Industrial Research-National Aerospace Laboratories, and Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research presented developments in XR-based cockpit development and digital twins. Delegates from the University of Akron, USA and Brunel University, UK presented work on using XR technology for space exploration and training crew for an international space station.
Overall, the workshop was a grand success with more than 200 registrations and physical attendance by colleagues from the British Deputy High Commission, Ingersoll Rand, Shell, British Telecom, Tata Consultancy Services, and many other industries and academic institutes.