Association & Activities
The Electronics and Communication Robotics and Automation Student Association (ELECTRAA)
ELECTRAA association aims at enhancing the technical knowledge of students by conducting various programs like organizing expert lectures, workshops, seminars, industrial visits, Intra & inter-department technical competitions, and in bringing out the passion, intelligence, and creativity in them for bridging the gap between Academics & Industry. It also helps to create the ability to understand and effectively communicate engineering and related concepts, and nurture entrepreneurship and leadership qualities to enhance their roles in providing service to society.
Association & Activities 2024 – 25
Fuselage Innovations and TIST Department of Robotics and Automation Collaborate to Advance Drone Technology Training
TIST, Department of Robotics and Automation has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Fuselage Innovations. The agreement was represented on behalf of TIST by Managing Director Mr. Kurian Thomas, Vice Principal and Head of the Department of Electronics Dr. Deepa Elizabeth George, Dean UG and Associate Professor of Robotics and Automation Dr. Georgina Binoy Joseph.
The collaboration aims to provide students with practical, hands-on experience in the growing drone industry through specialized workshops, skill-enhancing training programs, and immersive internship opportunities. This initiative highlights Fuselage Innovations’ and TIST’s commitment to fostering innovation and bridging the gap between academia and industry
TIST Robotics Department Partners with NexoSpark to Revolutionize Drone Technology Education
TIST, Robotics and Automation Department has signed MoU with NexoSpark Pvt. Ltd., founded by TIST alumnus Mr. Aswin P. Nair (Robotics and Automation, 2020–2024).. Representing TIST were Mr. Kurian Thomas (Managing Director), Dr. Preethi Thekkath (Principal), Dr. Deepa Elizabeth George (Vice Principal and HOD, Department of Electronics), and Dr. Georgina Binoy Joseph (Dean UG and Associate Professor, Robotics and Automation).The collaboration aims to provide students with hands-on experience in drone technology through workshops, training programs, and internships, reinforcing NexoSpark’s commitment to innovation and bridging academia with industry.
Industrial Visit to JANATICS India Pvt. Ltd. – A Step Towards Bridging Academia and Industry
On November 9, 2024, the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE) and Robotics and Automation organized an insightful industrial visit to JANATICS India Pvt. Ltd. in Coimbatore. The visit aimed to enhance students’ and faculty members’ understanding of advanced pneumatic systems and automation technologies.
Participants had the opportunity to explore the design, development, and practical applications of cutting-edge pneumatic solutions utilized in automation. This visit served as a valuable educational experience, bridging the gap between academic concepts and real-world industry practices. It also strengthened industry-academia collaboration, enabling meaningful interactions with professionals and experts in the field.
A Heartfelt Farewell to a Valued Educator
The Department of Robotics and Automation bids farewell to Nezla N.A,Assistant Professor, Department of Robotics and Automation whose contributions and dedication have been invaluable. Throughout her tenure, her passion for teaching and commitment to student success have significantly impacted our academic community. As she embarks on new endeavors, we extend our best wishes for her future pursuits.
Industrial visit to CSIR National Institute of Oceanography (NIO),Goa
Visit to Jeevan Tea Factory, Idukki
On October 18, 2024, a group of 48 S3 Robotics and Automation students, accompanied by Asst Prof Dilsha T.A and Asst,Prof Nisanth Krishnan , visited the Jeevan Tea Factory, Idukki During the tour, a factory representative provided an insightful explanation of the tea powder-making process, highlighting the role of various machines in production. The experience was both educational and engaging, offering the students a practical perspective on industrial automation in a real-world setting.
“ELOQUENCE: Mastering Communication Skills for Career Success”
On October 18, 2024, Ms. Sweta Sheriene Babu, Ms. Lumiya C.K., and Mr. Muhammad Saqith from Jubeerich Academy led a session called “ELOQUENCE” that was organized by the Department of Electronics Students Association (ELECTRAA) and the IETE Student Forum (ISF) at Toc H Institute of Science and Technology. The seminar was attended by students of Robotics and Automation, addressed important subjects like public speaking, interviewing, language skills for career advancement, and clear expression. All things considered, it gave students the fundamental communication skills they needed to improve their professional relationships and further their careers.
“Exploring Environmental Solutions: A Talk on Pollution and Technology”
On October 25, 2024, ELECTRAA hosted an engaging session for the first year Robotics and Automation students titled “Uncovering Pollution in the Environment” as part of the ‘Forum for Higher Thinking.’ First-year Electronics and Communication Engineering students from Team Clean-Enviro—Sree Harinadhan, Pooja Shaji, Alna Binu, Sreelakshmi P.G., Mohammed Akthus C.N., and Arjun P.B.—presented their innovative drone, developed during the NASA International Space Apps Challenge. They discussed its applications in pollution mapping and environmental monitoring, showcasing how technology can contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future.
Department Association Inauguration (ELECTRAA) 2024
ELECTRAA, the Electronics and Communication, Robotics, and Automation Student Association, was formally launched by the Department of Electronics at Toc H Institute of Science & Technology on October 21,2024 for the 2024-2025 academic year.
The distinguished Chief Guest of the ceremony was Dr. S. Raghavan, Professor HAG (Retd.) of NIT Tiruchirappalli’s Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering. His motivational speech inspired pupils to aim for their best by highlighting the value of creativity and academic achievement.
A presentation of ELECTRAA’s annual report, which covered the association’s accomplishments and activities during the previous year, was part of the event. It honored the outstanding contributions made by instructors and students to research, academic endeavors, and community service projects
Exploring AI: Student Participation at the Summit in MA College Kothamangalam”
First-year students of Robotics & Automation attended Kerala’s largest AI Summit on October 19th at Mar Athanasius College of Engineering. The event provided hands-on learning, expert guidance, and valuable internship opportunities. Workshops led by Google experts focused on Google AI Studio and prompt engineering. Following these workshops, attendees will join a five-day internship program to develop their own AI projects. This practical experience, combined with expert mentorship, aims to equip students with essential skills for success in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
Participation of Robotics and Automation Students in Global Health Care Ideathon 2024 at Le Meridien, Kochi
On September 23, 2024, students from the fifth semester of Robotics and Automation—Sabin Saju, Sanjay K.S, and Niranjan—attended the Global Health Care Ideathon 2024 at Le Meridien, Kochi. Accompanied by Assistant Professor Mahesh C, the students engaged in innovative discussions and collaborative brainstorming sessions focused on addressing current challenges in global healthcare. The event provided an excellent platform for them to showcase their ideas, network with industry professionals, and gain insights into the latest trends and technologies in the healthcare sector.
Student Participation in BalaSangam at District Level
On September 28 and 29, 2024, students from the Department of Robotics and Automation at Toc H Institute of Science and Technology participated in the BalaSangam District Level Meet held in Koothathukulam, Ernakulam. First-year student Emil Kurian Eldhose, alongside a team of seventh-semester seniors—Alwin Shibu, Levin Jeejan, John Lukose Cochettu, John Agnel Pinherio, and Abel Eugene D’Silva—showcased their innovative products. Their participation not only demonstrated their technical skills but also highlighted the college’s commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration among students.
Robotics and Automation Project Expo Highlights NAAC Visit 2024
During the NAAC peer team visit on September 11th and 12th, 2024, final-year students from the Robotics and Automation Department hosted a Project Expo in the Robotics Lab. The exhibition featured a diverse array of multidisciplinary projects, showcasing innovative solutions in Robotics, Automation, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and Machine Learning. Through hands-on models and prototypes, students demonstrated their technical expertise and creativity, impressing the NAAC team with their advanced knowledge and practical skills across various domains. This expo highlighted the department’s dedication to fostering innovation and the real-world application of robotics.
Embarking a New Journey : Induction Program 2024-25
The Student Induction Program 2024-25, hosted by the Department of Electronics for first-year Robotics and Automation students from September 9 to 13, 2024, at Ramanujan Hall, aimed to immerse new students in the department’s vision, academic atmosphere, and career opportunities. The program featured a variety of motivational talks, industry insights, and engaging sessions with faculty, alumni, and senior students. Highlights included discussions on innovation and career pathways in electronics, sessions focused on physical and mental well-being, lab tours, and anti-narcotics awareness initiatives. By combining academic, professional, and recreational activities, the induction sought to build community, inspire professional growth, and ensure that students felt welcomed and ready for their academic journey
Research Collaboration: Innovative Approaches to Landslide Risk Management in Kerala
The Department of Robotics and Automation has joined forces with ACARR CUSAT, the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) in Thiruvananthapuram, and the Environmental Resources Research Centre (ERRC) in Thiruvananthapuram on an innovative project titled “Creating an Automated Warning System for Landslides in the Landslide Susceptible Zones of the Meenachil River Basin in Kerala.” This initiative is funded by New Space India Limited (NSIL) under ISRO. The Department of Robotics and Automation will focus on several key objectives, including: Logging accelerometer data to create a local backup and upload it to a data server via WiFi or LoRaWAN4
Industrial visit to ISRO’s Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) ,Valiyamala Thiruvananthapuram
On August 16, 2024, students from S3 and S5 of the Electronics & Communication Engineering branch visited ISRO’s Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) ,Valiyamala Thiruvananthapuram. The visit, led by Dr. Deepa Elizabeth George, Head of the ECE Department, along with Assistant Professors Deepa Mary Varghese, Dhanya R., and Renjith P.K. The visit aimed to provide insights into the aerospace industry and the role of engineers. The itinerary included:
- Introductory videos on LPSC and the Chandrayaan mission
- Interactive session with a senior ISRO team member
- Exhibition tour of rocket components with detailed explanations from engineers
- Live thruster demonstration and learning about Liquid Nitrogen.
On July 25, 2024, the Electronics and Communication Engineering Department had the honor of hosting a session on “Engineering Edge with MATLAB,” presented by Dr. Viju Ravichandran, Technical Manager, Education, MathWorks India Private Limited. The talk delved into the latest advancements in MATLAB tools, emphasizing new features and updates that enhance the software’s capabilities for data analysis, simulation, and application development. Dr. Ravichandran offered a thorough overview of these developments, demonstrating how they can optimize workflows and boost productivity for academics. The session, which began at 2 p.m. and concluded at 3:30 p.m., was organized by ELECTRAA in collaboration with the IETE and IEEE student forums of Toc H Institute of Science and Technology.
Association & Activities 2023 – 24
NATIONAL LEVEL TECH FEST: TECHNOPHILIA 2K24
TECHNOPHILIA 2K24, a national tech festival organized by the Department of Electronics on February 27th, 2024, began with an inaugural ceremony from 9:00 AM to 9:15 AM. The event featured distinguished guests, including the Principal and Heads of Departments (HODs), who participated in the ceremonial lamp lighting, marking the start of the symposium.
Kalashnikov Paintball was an intense and exhilarating team sport featured during Technophilia 2k24. This event saw two teams compete fiercely to capture a flag placed in the center of the battlefield. The game demanded high levels of strategy, teamwork, and adrenaline from all participants, making it one of the highlights of the event.
RoboFIFA was an exciting and competitive event that took place during Technophilia 2k24. The event featured a total of 8 teams, with 16 participants showcasing their robotic football skills. The tournament was proudly sponsored by the renowned Legendary Game Store, adding prestige and support to the event.
The Gaming Room event was an epic gaming experience that drew participants into a world of excitement and competition. With a registration fee of 50 Rs per head, the event provided an accessible and enjoyable experience for all attendees
The project expo, titled “Electrogenesis,” held on 27th February and embarked on an innovative journey led by first-year students. This expo was a showcase of imagination, creativity, and the promise of future leaders. Featuring a myriad of projects, each demonstrated the ingenuity and potential of the students. First-year participants showcased their creative and technical skills, impressing attendees with their innovative solutions and ideas. The event provided a platform for young minds to explore and present their projects, fostering a spirit of innovation and learning. Both the Gaming Room and Project Expo were integral parts of Technophilia 2k24, offering a blend of entertainment and intellectual stimulation. These events highlighted the diverse talents and interests of the participants, making the overall experience memorable and inspiring
The Drone Simulator event, held on February 27th at 10:00 AM, provided participants with an adrenaline-pumping experience, offering hands-on practice with cutting-edge RC simulator software and Radiomaster TX16S transmitters. On the same day, from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM, the 3’s Football event featured thrilling, fast-paced matches on a smaller field, showcasing participants’ skills and teamwork. The team comprising Adinath P B, Hareesh E R, Alex Kunjumon, and Christo Jose of S2 CIVIL emerged as the first prize winners, receiving a cash prize of Rs.1200. The second position, with a cash prize of Rs.800, was shared by the team comprising Sahad Bin Mirsad (EL), Muhammed Fahad (EL), Ajo Varghese (EEE), Sitharam Bist (EL), Dil Thomas (EEE), and Kenus Geo Varghese (EL).
Wikilink, organized on February 27th at 10:00 AM, was an engaging session that explored the dynamics of hyperlinking within wiki platforms. Towards the end of the event, Joseph Biju of S2 CSE was chosen as the winner.
Hardware for AI: Empowering the Future of Deep Learning
On Tuesday, April 4th, 2023, ELECTRAA, the Department of Electronics Students Association, organized a technical talk titled “Hardware for AI.” Dr. Kala S, the esteemed Head of the Department of Electronics and Communication at IIIT Kottayam, graced the event as the chief guest and resource person.
The discussion centered on the intricacies of hardware tailored specifically for artificial intelligence (AI), with a primary focus on deep learning technologies. Dr. Kala S shared invaluable insights into the indispensable role played by hardware infrastructure in driving advancements in AI.
Throughout the session, attendees gained a comprehensive understanding of the challenges inherent in the design of AI hardware. These challenges encompassed the demanding computational requirements, constraints related to memory bandwidth, and the imperative for energy-efficient solutions. The discussion extensively explored various hardware accelerators such
as Graphics Processing Units (GPUs), Tensor Processing Units (TPUs), Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), and Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs). Each accelerator’s unique strengths and its application in AI workloads were thoroughly examined.
Moreover, the discourse ventured into emerging trends and future trajectories within the realm of AI hardware. Notably, discussions touched upon the burgeoning significance of edge AI, the potential transformative impact of quantum computing, and the evolution of neuromorphic computing architectures.
Visit to Pallivasal Hydro Electric Power Station ,Idukki
Water is channeled from Mattupetti and Kundala dams through four 3 km-long penstocks, which then divide into six upon entering the power plant. The facility houses six generators, with three producing 5 MW each and the other three generating 7.5 MW each, totaling a maximum capacity of 37.5 MW.
Currently, two turbines with a 5 MW capacity are inactive due to a penstock leakage issue. Active turbines include three with a 7.5 MW capacity and one with a 5 MW capacity, contributing to a total production of 27.5 MW. However, the observed capacity during the visit was 18.6 MW due to some turbines operating below their full capacity, likely due to vibration issues.
Monitoring various parameters such as load, pressure, and temperature is facilitated by a hydraulic floor connected to an upstairs control room. The old control room, utilizing mechanical switches, was replaced with SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) software in 2002, offering advanced supervisory control and monitoring capabilities.
An ongoing project signals efforts to expand the power capacity of Pallivasal Power Station to 60 MW, showcasing a commitment to further harnessing hydroelectric potential in the region.
