Professor of Robotics, FRSE, and Robot Wars Judge, Professor Sethu Vijayakumar, on Power of Context-driven Robotics

Complex challenges rarely fit within a single discipline. They require different forms of knowledge to come together to address real-world needs. Robotics and artificial intelligence illustrate the value of this interdisciplinary approach. They bring together fields such as computer science, engineering, machine learning, materials science, neuroscience, and human-centred design to develop solutions to complex societal challenges.

In his conversation with Ahmedabad University, Professor Sethu Vijayakumar, Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, Professor of Robotics at the University of Edinburgh, and Founding Director of the Edinburgh Centre for Robotics, explored the interdisciplinary nature of robotics and AI. He discussed how these fields can address challenges across healthcare, climate resilience, agriculture, hazardous work, and urban systems.

His own work offers examples of how this approach can translate into real-world solutions. His work on soft robotic exoskeletons explores how robotics and advanced materials can support people recovering from neurological conditions. His work on telepresence robotics has explored how people with severe disabilities can remotely operate robots in a café, creating opportunities for them to participate in the workforce and engage with others.

These projects also reflect Professor Vijayakumar’s emphasis on developing technologies for specific contexts and needs. In India, he sees opportunities for robotics and AI to address challenges such as extreme heat, agriculture, healthcare, and hazardous work. He believes these technologies should respond to local needs, costs, and conditions. Solutions developed in the West cannot always be directly replicated in other contexts. This way of thinking closely reflects Ahmedabad University’s commitment to interdisciplinary education and problem-solving.

Professor Vijayakumar was in conversation with Nikhil Singla, Director, Office of International Affairs, and Director, Advising, at Ahmedabad University. He visited the University as part of the Rasila and Chandrakant Kadia Endowed Visiting Professorship, instituted to bring leading global scholars to the University and advance knowledge through academic exchange. Through such initiatives, students and faculty have opportunities to engage with researchers at the frontiers of knowledge, exchange ideas, and explore new possibilities for interdisciplinary research and collaboration.

View the complete interview with Professor Sethu Vijayakumar to hear his perspectives on robotics, AI, interdisciplinary research, innovation, and the future of intelligent technologies.