India’s ROSCon 2023 Energizes the Local Robotics Community

ROSCon 2023: Unveiling the future of robotics in India and inspiring the local robotics enthusiasts

India's inaugural ROSCon 2023, a gathering of robotics and Robot Operating System (ROS) enthusiasts, marked a significant milestone in the country's journey towards fostering collaboration and innovation in the field of robotics. The event, held in Bengaluru on December 14 and 15, brought together 700 participants from across the globe, showcasing the growing interest and enthusiasm for robotics in India.

Organized by ARTPARK-IISc (AI and Robotics Technology Park at the Indian Institute of Science), in collaboration with Acceleration Robotics and RigBetel Labs, ROSCon 2023 provided a dynamic platform for ROS developers at all levels. The conference featured seven robotic startup showcases, 14 ROS talks, and four panel discussions that delved into crucial topics such as the challenges faced by robotics startups, the importance of edge computing, and securing venture capital funding.

The driving force behind ROSCon 2023 was the vision to unite and strengthen the robotics community in India. Prof Bharadwaj Amrutur, Executive Director and Chief Technologist at ARTPARK-IISc, highlighted the pivotal role of ROSCon in bringing together researchers, industry professionals, and enthusiasts to share knowledge, experiences, and insights. The event aimed to create an environment conducive to collaboration and innovation, with the goal of advancing India's position in the global robotics landscape.

The conference received substantial support from industry leaders, with Qualcomm, Nvidia, and Analogue Devices India serving as platinum sponsors. Their involvement underscored the industry's recognition of the importance of such gatherings in driving technological advancements and fostering a vibrant ecosystem for robotics in India.

ARTPARK, the driving force behind the event, is a dedicated AI and Robotics Technology Park supported by the Indian Institute of Science. The park's mission is to promote innovation in AI and robotics by facilitating collaboration among startups, industry players, researchers, and government bodies. ROSCon 2023 was a manifestation of ARTPARK's commitment to catalyzing advancements in the field, addressing challenges, and promoting a holistic approach to innovation.

Acceleration Robotics, one of the collaborators, focuses on developing customized hardware to enhance the speed and efficiency of robot operations. Their expertise aligns with the broader goal of advancing robotics capabilities and addressing real-world challenges. RigBetel Labs, another collaborator, has a comprehensive approach that integrates cutting-edge technologies such as robotics, automation, augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), cloud technology, and mobile applications across various sectors.

The event's agenda reflected the multidimensional nature of robotics, encompassing not only technical aspects but also crucial topics like securing funding and navigating the challenges faced by startups. The inclusion of seven startup showcases provided a platform for emerging companies to exhibit their innovations, fostering networking and potential collaborations.

In conclusion, India's inaugural ROSCon 2023 served as a catalyst for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and innovation in the robotics and ROS community. With the support of key industry players, the event not only showcased the latest developments in the field but also laid the groundwork for future advancements. ROSCon 2023, hosted by ARTPARK-IISc, Acceleration Robotics, and RigBetel Labs, has undoubtedly played a pivotal role in propelling India's robotics ecosystem to new heights, setting the stage for continued growth and excellence in the field.