The Department of Mechanical Engineering at SRM University-AP organised the International Conference on Artificial Intelligence, Robotics and Intelligent Manufacturing (AIRIM 2026) from 5 to 7 November 2026 at the university campus. The three-day global gathering brought together academic scholars, international researchers, industry executives, and engineering students to examine recent developments in automated systems and advanced production methods. Convened by Dr Arun Krishnan K. S. and led by Head of Department Dr Lakshmi Srisha Maganti, the conference opened with addresses from Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ch. Satish Kumar and Dean of the School of Engineering and Sciences Prof. C. V. Tomy. The university leadership emphasized the role of higher education in establishing research networks that prepare engineers to address technical demands across global markets, while Prof. Prakash Jadhav delivered the vote of thanks for the inaugural assembly.
The inaugural session featured a keynote address by Dr Joe K. Kizhakudan, Principal Scientist and Head at ICAR-CMFRI in Visakhapatnam, who presented research on integrating artificial intelligence and robotics into coastal habitat restoration, artificial reefs, and marine monitoring. Plenary sessions continued throughout the conference with contributions from international institutions. Dr Shahrol Mohamaddan from Shibaura Institute of Technology in Tokyo examined human-centred robotics, while Dr Giacomo Sasso from Queen Mary University of London and Dr Anup Teejo Mathew from Khalifa University in Abu Dhabi presented work on soft actuators, optomechanics, and hybrid soft-rigid mechanics. Additional keynote contributions were delivered by Dr Santhakumar Mohan from IIT Palakkad on mobile manipulators, Dr Jyotindra Narayan from IIT Patna on rehabilitation robotics, Dr Jagadeesh Kadiyam from IIT Kharagpur on marine field robotics, and Mr Karan Dharmendra Patil, CEO of Sakar Robotics, who outlined industrial requirements for academic research.
Invited industry talks and international research presentations connected theoretical studies with real-world applications. Speakers including Mr Aditya Pratap Singh Rajawat from xTerra Robotics, Dr Rahul M. from Voestalpine Bohler Welding Technology, Dr K. M. Kiran Babu from Mahindra University, and Mr Jerwin Prabhu from Addverb addressed adaptive locomotion in legged robots, artificial intelligence applications in industrial welding, buoyant aerial robotics for atmospheric exploration, and multi-agent pathfinding in automated warehouses. Technical contributions from overseas researchers included presentations by Dr Parvathi SunilKumar from Imperial College London, Dr Devender Kumar from Queen Mary University of London, and Mr Jerin Peter from OpenMind AGI in San Francisco. Parallel technical sessions evaluated 60 accepted papers selected from over 150 submissions, organised across three specialised tracks covering autonomous control systems, perception and human-robot interaction, and Industry 4.0 digital manufacturing. Supported by Edutech as the Gold Sponsor, the event provided a direct channel for technical exchange between academic laboratories and commercial enterprise.
This international conference supports SRM AP‘s mission to position itself as a global research institution that links academic inquiry with industrial needs. By establishing global research connections, hosting international experts, and training students in advanced automation technologies, the university continues to strengthen its global academic footprint. These structural initiatives ensure that graduates and researchers develop the technical clarity required to lead global engineering innovations and contribute to sustainable industrial growth.
