IIT Ropar and CCCT Sikkim Launch Northeast India’s First Cyber-Physical Systems Lab

Chisopani, Sikkim: Marking a significant milestone in education and technological innovation, IIT Ropar’s iHub-AWaDH, under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM ICPS) by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, has partnered with the Centre for Computers and Communication Technology (CCCT) in Chisopani, Sikkim, to establish Northeast India’s first AWaDH Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) Lab.

This cutting-edge lab, inaugurated during CCCT’s silver jubilee celebrations, aims to revolutionize technical education, foster innovation, and elevate skill development in the region.

The inauguration event, held against the scenic backdrop of Sikkim’s lush hills, brought together distinguished dignitaries, including Chief Guest Sarsij Saurabh, General Manager of BSNL Sikkim; Dr. Suman Kumar, Associate Professor, IIT Ropar; Dr. Radhika Trikha, Chief Executive Manager, AWaDH; and senior officials from education and skill development sectors.

Dr. Radhika Trikha presented an insightful overview of the lab’s groundbreaking initiatives, emphasizing its role in empowering students, researchers, faculty, and startups to explore and integrate Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) into their work and research.

The AWaDH CPS Lab boasts state-of-the-art resources, including IoT kits developed by IIT Ropar, AI and ML workstations, and advanced sensors for environmental monitoring. Notable equipment includes:

• Voltera V One for circuit prototyping.
• IoT devices like BLE Development Kits, Low Power Camera Modules, and Weather Pro.
• Sensors to measure environmental activities, providing real-time data for research and innovation.

The lab is designed as a 24/7 plug-and-play facility, encouraging hands-on experimentation and exploration. It will serve as a regional hub for research, education, and startup support, laying the foundation for an AWaDH Replica in Northeast India.

The CPS Lab will play a pivotal role in integrating Cyber-Physical Systems into CCCT’s curriculum, offering students opportunities to engage in advanced R&D and prototyping. It will also host joint training programs, including ‘train the trainers’ and ‘train the students’ modules, combining theoretical and practical CPS education.

As the oldest polytechnic college in Sikkim and the state’s first Wi-Fi-enabled campus, CCCT’s partnership with IIT Ropar is expected to drive significant advancements in technical education and innovation. This initiative aligns with India’s broader goals of fostering self-reliance, skill development, and technological excellence.

The AWaDH CPS Lab symbolizes the beginning of a transformative journey for the Northeast, bridging gaps in education and technology while fostering a new generation of innovators and problem-sol