Mumbai: On the second day of Indian Institute of Technology Bombay’s (IIT-B) Techfest, Unitree's G1 Humanoid robot, which is designed to perform a wide range of movements and tasks because of its learning driven by imitation and reinforcement, was showcased.

The robot, which stands out not only for walking and running, but also for its strength, flexibility and speed, captivated audiences with its demonstration of the vast possibilities in robotics.

The session emphasised how robots are designed to perform challenging, hazardous, or repetitive tasks while complementing human jobs rather than replacing them. Discussions centred on the need to foster creativity, adaptability, and problem-solving skills among students, shifting the focus from rote learning to innovation.

The event sought to inspire young minds to become inventors and innovators, envisioning a future where India emerges as a global leader in technological advancement.

“The focus is on transforming India into a global innovator and creator by encouraging student innovation, with a highlight on the importance of inspiring children to become inventors and fostering creativity and innovation over rote learning,” IIT-B said in a statement.

Another highlight of the day was the address by Dr Velumani Arokiaswamy, founder and chairman of Thyrocare Technologies. Sharing his journey from poverty to building a leading diagnostics enterprise, Dr Arokiaswamy captivated the audience with his insights on resilience, bold decision-making, and the power of innovation. He spoke passionately about the importance of nurturing supportive work environments that foster growth and creativity.

Dr Arokiaswamy also emphasised the transformative potential of women’s success in society, stating that their achievements have a ripple effect on families, organisations, and communities. His speech, which urged the audience to create meaningful change by embracing risks and challenges, left the audience deeply inspired, encouraging students to think big and take charge of their futures.

With two days of remarkable events setting the stage, anticipation is high for the final day of Techfest, which promises to deliver more groundbreaking exhibitions, thought-provoking lectures, and engaging workshops to conclude the festival on a high note.

Prominent figures scheduled to speak on Thursday include former Chief Justice of India NV Ramana, Director of Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), ISRO, A. Rajarajan, and Radhakrishnan Pillai, the author of "Corporate Chanakya”, among others.