IIT Ropar Launches Innovative Cyber-Physical Systems Lab"
Innovation and technical education took center stage. The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Ropar’s iHub-AWaDH collaborated with Khalsa College of Engineering & Technology (KCET), Amritsar. Together, they inaugurated the AWaDH Cyber-Physical Systems Lab. This was under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM ICPS), Department of Science and Technology, Government of India. This initiative signifies a significant step ahead in advancing technical education and fostering innovation in Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS).
The event began with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony
The event began with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony, symbolizing the initiation of a journey towards innovation and excellence. Dr. Manju Bala, Director of KCET, Amritsar, provided introductory remarks and welcomed the Chief Guest of the occasion S. Rajinder Mohan Singh Chhina (Honorary Secretary of the Khalsa College Charitable Society) and Guest of Honour Dr. Jatinder Kaur (Former Executive Director of the Punjab State Council for Science & Technology (PSCST)), Dr.Radhika Trikha (Chief Executive Officer, IIT Ropar – TIF), Mr.Aatif Jamal (Senior Manager, IIT Ropar – I’m TIF), Mr. Desh Raj Dhiman (Project Manager, IIT Ropar- TIF), Mr. Ashutosh Kumar (Firmware Engineer, IIT Ropar – TIF), Mr.Vikas Kumar (Hardware Engineer, IIT Ropar – TIF), Ms. Parry Sood (Programme Manager, IIT Ropar – TIF) and Ms. Sonia Sharma (Young Professional, IIT Ropar – TIF).

Cyber-Physical Systems Lab : Dr Chinna emphasised the importance of fostering technical skills
The Chief Guest for the occasion, Dr. Rajinder Mohan Singh Chinna, delivered the keynote address. China is the Honorary Secretary of Khalsa College under the Khalsa College Charitable Society, Amritsar. Dr. Rajinder is also the Pro Chancellor of Khalsa University, Amritsar. He emphasized the importance of fostering technical skills. He also highlighted the need for research in emerging technologies like CPS. These technologies are integral to modern education and innovation.
She highlighted the lab’s potential to transform the educational landscape in the region.
Dr. Jatinder Kaur Arora, Former Executive Director of Punjab State Council for Science and Technology (PSCST), delivered a special speech. She highlighted the lab’s potential to transform the educational landscape in the region. She also spoke about the growing importance of IoT technologies and Cyber-Physical Systems in today’s technological ecosystem.
Dr. Radhika Trikha, CEO of iHub-AWaDH, presented and launched a video detailing the AWaDH CPS Lab initiative. She outlined the lab’s vision to act as a platform for education, research, prototyping, testing, and collaboration. The AWaDH CPS Lab at KCET has advanced IoT kits. These were developed by IIT Ropar. They offer a 24/7 plug-and-play module for hands-on experimentation. The facility also features cutting-edge resources, including:
- Voltera V-One circuit prototyping machines.
- Gateway, BLE Development Kit, and BLE Node.
- Low Power Camera Module.
- Air Sense and Weather Pro environmental monitoring tools.
- AI & ML workstations provided by Terafac Technologies Pvt Ltd.
- Various sensors for environmental activities.
Project Manager, Desh Raj, led a guided tour of the lab
After the inauguration, the Project Manager, Desh Raj, led a guided tour of the lab. He was joined by the technical team. They showcased the lab’s cutting-edge facilities. The lab will play a pivotal role in joint training initiatives. It will include ‘train the trainers’ and ‘train the students’ modules. These modules offer both theoretical and practical insights into CPS technologies.

This state-of-the-art lab is set to integrate CPS into the curriculum at KCET. It promotes a culture of innovation and technical excellence in the Amritsar region. It will serve as a hub for skill development, offering training programs tailored to empower graduates, researchers, faculty, and startups.
This initiative aims to empower students and professionals.
The inaugural ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks. This marked the beginning of a collaborative effort between KCET, IIT Ropar’s iHub-AWaDH, and other stakeholders. This initiative aims to empower students and professionals. They will gain skills needed to thrive in the evolving landscape of CPS and IoT.
