Have you ever imagined a robot built from parts found in a junkyard?
It might sound like something out of a science fiction movie, but it’s happening right now in India. I want to introduce you to Anushka, a humanoid robot created by a group of passionate students and professors at the Krishna Institute of Engineering and Technology (KIET) in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh.
This isn’t just any robot—Anushka represents frugal innovation, built on a shoestring budget with recycled materials. So, do you want to know more about this fascinating creation? Let’s dive in and explore how Anushka came to life.
The Birth of Anushka
Anushka stands for “Artificially Networked Unit for Smart Human Knowledge Assistance.” This robot interacts with people in a unique way. You might immediately think of robots from movies or TV shows, but Anushka stands out because she was built in a modest lab on a college campus. The team behind her not only envisioned a robot that could greet visitors and provide information, but they also see her potential in areas like healthcare and consultancy.
Isn’t it amazing how a robot built from discarded parts could have such promising applications?
Anushka’s First Public Appearance
Anushka made headlines when she was unveiled in March 2024 as one of the first humanoid robots in North India with autonomous movement. This achievement was significant because creating a robot that can move on its own is challenging, especially on a tight budget. What’s even more interesting is that Anushka was designed with Vedic principles in mind, which added a layer of cultural significance to her creation.
A Budget-Friendly Masterpiece
What do you think it costs to build a humanoid robot?
Typically, such a project costs between Rs 7-8 crore, but Anushka was developed for just Rs 2 lakh. How did the team manage to keep the costs so low?
The answer lies in their resourcefulness. For example, many of the components used to build Anushka came from a local dump yard. Imagine turning discarded items into something as sophisticated as a humanoid robot! Consequently, Anushka stands as a testament to the power of ingenuity and creativity.
The Technology Behind Anushka
Now, let’s talk about how Anushka works. A powerful i7 processor controls her movements, such as hand gestures and facial expressions, acting as her brain. This processor sends signals to a network of smaller devices that move her parts, like her hands, neck, and eyes. But have you ever wondered how robots understand and respond to human speech?
Anushka uses Natural Language Processing (NLP). When someone talks to her, a microphone captures the voice, and a computer program processes the words to understand and respond accordingly. Moreover, this entire process happens in real-time, making her interactions feel smooth and natural.
Intelligent, But Not Self-Aware
Can Anushka think for herself?
Not quite. While she performs tasks and responds to questions, she doesn’t have self-awareness like humans. However, her intelligence comes from four key processes: listening, watching, understanding, and moving. Each of these processes works together to make Anushka appear smart, even though she doesn’t truly understand what she’s doing.
Thus, while Anushka seems intelligent, she remains far from achieving true self-awareness.
The Uncanny Valley: When Robots Feel Too Real
Have you ever felt uneasy when looking at a robot that almost looks human?
This is the ‘Uncanny Valley’ effect. It’s the strange feeling you get when something looks almost human but isn’t quite there. Anushka, with her lifelike appearance, might make some people feel this way. Therefore, this raises an important question: Should engineers create robots that look so human they make us uncomfortable? It’s something to consider as we develop more advanced humanoid robots.
A Glimpse into the Future
Meeting Anushka gave me an unforgettable experience. She may not be self-aware, but she shines as an example of what we can achieve with creativity and resourcefulness. So, the next time you hear about robots, remember Anushka—a robot built from recycled parts, yet full of potential.
Would you like to see more robots like Anushka in the future?
Share this article with your friends and let’s discuss where technology might take us next!