Author: External Communications

A Smarter Way to Move in Tight Spaces using ‘Flexible’ Robots

A Smarter Way to Move in Tight Spaces using ‘Flexible’ Robots

Mar 30, 2026 | , ,

STORY CREDITS Writer: Apeksha Srivastava Photo: Arijit Reeves and the IITGN Robotics Lab team IIT Gandhinagar researchers proposed a novel framework that simplifies control in Tendon-driven Continuum Robots (TDCRs) with millimetre-level precision, unlocking their potential in areas like surgical robotics and industrial inspection and surveillance.  We often imagine robots as machines with rigid arms, rotating joints and targeted mechanical movements. The famous Optimus Prime and Bumblebee from the Transformers movies appear to fit these criteria! However, such robots would be unable to function in several environments that are too confined and cramped. Imagine trying to perform a surgery inside the human body....

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Rethinking Learning through Curiosity

Rethinking Learning through Curiosity

Mar 22, 2026 | , ,

STORY CREDITS Writer: Apeksha Srivastava Photo: Arijit Reeves, Vansh Lata, and Mansie Singh As a child, I remember asking several question from my mother: Why is the sky blue during daytime? Why does the moon change its shape everyday? How do fish breathe underwater? This instinct to understand the things around us, this strong desire characterised by wonder and exploration, is curiosity. It plays an important role in learning, pushing individuals to seek out new experiences. It guides higher-order processes like memory formation and making decisions.  Inviting reflections on how curiosity shapes flexible thinking, creativity, and problem-solving, the Indian Institute of...

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Towards Climate Change Mitigation: Using Cow Dung for Sustainable Carbon Dioxide Capture

Towards Climate Change Mitigation: Using Cow Dung for Sustainable Carbon Dioxide Capture

Mar 17, 2026 | , ,

STORY CREDITS Writer: Apeksha Srivastava Photo: An overview of the nitrogen-doped porous carbon production process (DryProTech Lab and Computational Molecular Engineering Group) Climate change is one of the most pressing global challenges in the present times. Increasing carbon dioxide (CO₂) concentrations in the atmosphere are a major factor contributing to this phenomenon. Activities such as the burning of fossil fuels for daily use, like electricity and transportation, and industrial applications, release significant amounts of CO₂, trapping the heat at excessive levels and contributing to global warming.  Carbon capture, use, and storage (CCUS) is one of the programs aimed at tackling fossil...

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Women Force 2026: In Conversation with Dr Gayathri Purushothaman

Women Force 2026: In Conversation with Dr Gayathri Purushothaman

Mar 10, 2026 | , , ,

STORY CREDITS Interviewer and Writer: Apeksha Srivastava Photo: Arijit Reeves and Megh Modi My interaction with Dr Gayathri during Women Force 2026, organised at IIT Gandhinagar, provides a glimpse into her journey from being a researcher to becoming a mentor. Today, she guides hundreds of children from rural Tamil Nadu, serving as a catalyst for first-generation underprivileged students. By providing the opportunities and guidance necessary to enter premier institutions, she is transforming the future of countless families. Please tell us something about yourself. My name is Dr Gayathri Purushothaman. Currently, I run a coaching institute that prepares students for competitive examinations such...

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Women Force 2026: In Conversation with Dr Asha Liza James

Women Force 2026: In Conversation with Dr Asha Liza James

Mar 9, 2026 | , , ,

STORY CREDITS Interviewer and Writer: Apeksha Srivastava Photo: Arijit Reeves and Megh Modi Next up, I interviewed Dr Asha during Women Force 2026, organised at IIT Gandhinagar recently. The following paragraphs provide a glimpse into her journey, from a curious school student to a researcher and later an Associate Publisher at a scholarly publishing platform. Her experiences mirror the true essence of the first edition of this conclave.    Please tell us something about yourself.  I am Asha Liza James, a proud alumna of IIT Gandhinagar. I grew up in Kerala, where I completed my schooling and earned my BTech in Biotechnology...

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