A one-week short-term course on AI/ML in Smart Manufacturing and Industry 4.0 was successfully conducted by the The Centre of Excellence in Advanced Manufacturing Technology (CoEAMT), Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur in association with Techno India University, West Bengal, from 9th to 17th March 2026 through the Outreach Office of IIT Kharagpur. Designed in alignment with the vision of NEP 2020, the programme brought together academia and industry to explore the transformative potential of intelligent technologies in modern manufacturing.
The course witnessed an enthusiastic response, with around 100+ participants, including faculty members, research scholars, engineering students, and industry professionals. This diverse participation reflected the growing relevance of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in shaping the future of Industry 4.0.
The course featured a well-structured evening schedule, thoughtfully designed to accommodate working professionals, with expert-led sessions conducted over seven days. The programme commenced on March 9 with Introduction to Advanced Materials and Manufacturing by Prof. Nilanjan Das Chakladar and Prof. Soumitra Paul, followed by sessions on IoT in Manufacturing Processes by Prof. Surjya K. Pal and AI/ML in Robotics and Manufacturing by Prof. D.K. Pratihar.
Subsequent sessions included IoT integrated with AI-ML and Cloud Computing by Prof. Sudip Misra, Smart Industrial Control and Automation by Dr. Abhro Mukherjee, and Additive Manufacturing and Materials Characterization using AIby Dr. Amitava Ghatak. The programme concluded on March 17 with AI-Driven Predictive Maintenance by Dr. Subrata Saha, followed by a lab demonstration and vote of thanks.
Structured to provide a comprehensive and application-oriented learning experience, the course covered key domains essential to smart manufacturing and Industry 4.0. From foundational concepts in advanced manufacturing and IoT to advanced applications of AI/ML in robotics, automation, and predictive maintenance, the sessions offered participants a well-rounded understanding of modern industrial technologies.
A key highlight of the programme was the strong academic engagement between IIT Kharagpur and Techno India University. Esteemed faculty members from both institutions contributed as speakers, offering a balanced blend of theoretical depth and practical insights. Notably, Prof. (Dr.) Gautam Majumdar, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Techno India University, along withDr. Abhro Mukherjee, Professor – Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering;Dr. Amitava Ghatak, Associate Professor – Department of Mechanical Engineering and Dr. Subrata Saha, Associate Professor – Department of Mechanical Engineering, represented the university’s academic excellence and actively participated in knowledge dissemination.
The sessions, conducted online during evening hours, ensured accessibility and flexibility, allowing participants from varied professional backgrounds to engage effectively. The programme also encouraged interactive discussions, fostering idea exchange and a deeper understanding of real-world industrial applications.
A special note of appreciation is extended from Techno India University to Dr. Nilanjan Das Chakladar, Chairperson of CoEAMT, IIT Kharagpur, for his instrumental leadership and efforts in facilitating this meaningful academic collaboration.
From the perspective of Techno India University, this initiative reflects its commitment to strengthening industry–academia engagement and equipping learners with future-ready skills. By contributing to such high-impact programmes, the university continues to enhance its role in promoting interdisciplinary education and innovation.
More than just a short-term course, the programme served as a dynamic platform for learning, engagement, and exploration – preparing participants to navigate and lead in the evolving landscape of smart manufacturing and Industry 4.0.