Participants: 80 students accompanied by 5 faculties from Central University of Jharkhand (CUJ)

Purpose: Exploring and Gaining Insights at the Pre-Incubation Centre at Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines), Dhanbad

The institution's innovation cell of CUJ, along with its president (Prof. D.B. Lata), members (Dr. Bhaskar Singh & Dr. Dali Ramu Burada) & faculties (Dr. Ramesh Oraon & Dr. Annesha Ghosh) under the leadership of Hon�ble Vice-Chancellor of CUJ, Prof. Kshiti Bhusan Das meticulously crafted a comprehensive plan for a visit to the Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines) with the aim of exploring its pre-incubation center and expanding the intellectual horizons among the students. The Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines) Dhanbad, located in Jharkhand, India, stands as a beacon of excellence in engineering, mining, and technology education. Since its establishment in 1926, it has been offering a wide array of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs, nurturing innovation and research across various domains, including mining, petroleum, and earth sciences.

Accompanied by 80 students from 17 different departments of CUJ and facilitated by 5 faculties, the expedition to IIT(ISM) promised to be a diverse and enriching experience. With such a varied representation, the students experienced a multifaceted exploration of the educational and technological landscape offered by IIT(ISM). The labs/workshops/incubation units visited by the students were the following:

Cutting Edge labs

1. CNC - Vertical Head: Witnessing the precision machining capabilities of the CNC Vertical Head machine underscored its pivotal role in modern manufacturing processes.
2. CO2 Laser Cutting: The efficiency and precision of laser technology in cutting diverse materials left us awe-inspired, illuminating its vast applications across industries.
3. 3D Printing: Observing the additive manufacturing process in action provided invaluable insights into its potential applications and transformative impact.
4. Robotic Welding: The seamless execution of welding processes by robotic arms showcased the forefront of automated welding technology, promising enhanced productivity and quality.
5. CNC Plasma Cutting: The swift and precise cuts achieved through plasma cutting technology underscored its indispensability in various industrial sectors.
6. Water Abrasive Jet: The formidable power of high-pressure water jets coupled with abrasive materials for precision cutting left an indelible impression on us.
7. Lathe (2-axis): Delving into the fundamental machining process of turning using a 2-axis lathe highlighted its foundational role in traditional machining.

Robotics Lab: The visit to the robotics lab provided an extensive overview of advanced robotic systems and technologies, including:

1. Double Acting Compressed Air System: Exploring this system offered insights into pneumatic control mechanisms, crucial for precise and efficient movement control in robotic applications.
2. Single Acting Compressed Air System: Examining the single-acting compressed air systems, understanding their unique functionalities and applications in robotics.
3. Six Degree Serial Robot (working on 4D principle): The sophisticated robotic system demonstrated the intricacies of motion control in multiple dimensions, showcasing its capabilities based on the innovative 4D principle.
4. PLC Wiring Change Electropneumatics System: Witnessing PLC wiring changes in the Electropneumatics system provided hands-on experience with programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and their role in controlling robotic operations.
5. Six Degree Parallel Robot: The exploration of this parallel robot system highlighted its versatility and efficiency in handling complex tasks with precision and speed.

Mining Setup Lab

1. Insights into the intricate machinery and processes of mining operations provided a holistic perspective on the dynamics of the mining industry.

Pouch Battery Lab

1. Understanding lithium-ion pouch batteries' design, performance metrics, and safety protocols in the Pouch Battery Lab fostered appreciation for sustainable energy solutions and their impact on future technologies.

Electronics and IoT Lab: In the Electronics and IoT Lab, the students explored a diverse range of technologies crucial for modern engineering applications, including:

1. Microcontroller and Microprocessor: The exploration delved into the core components of embedded systems, understanding the functionalities and applications of microcontrollers and microprocessors in controlling various electronic devices and systems.
2. Sensors: Students examined a multitude of sensors, each playing a vital role in data acquisition and environment monitoring. The sensors included:
   1. Infrared Sensor: Explored its applications in proximity sensing, motion detection, and object tracking.
   2. Raindrop Sensor: Understanding its role in detecting rainfall intensity and automating irrigation systems.
   3. PIR Sensor: Explored its applications in motion detection for security systems and automated lighting.
   4. IR Sensor: Investigated its applications in remote control systems, object detection, and line following robots.
   5. Ultrasonic Sensor: Explored its applications in distance measurement, obstacle detection, and smart parking systems.
   6. GPS (Global Positioning System): Understanding its role in location tracking, navigation, and IoT applications.
   7. Fingerprint Sensor: Explored biometric authentication applications, such as access control and secure identification systems.

The educational trip to IIT (ISM) Dhanbad provided students with first-hand exposure to cutting-edge technologies like robotics, CNC machining, and sensor systems. This experience will aid students in making informed decisions about their specialization, fostering interest in innovative fields such as robotics and automation. It also cultivated problem-solving skills and technical proficiency crucial for future endeavors in engineering and technology. Additionally, the trip facilitated networking opportunities and cultural exchange, contributing to students' personal and professional growth. Overall, it served as a catalyst for exploring new avenues and pursuing innovation in their academic and professional careers.

The participating students extended their heartfelt gratitude to the IIC Cell of CUJ for organizing and facilitating this transformative educational trip that provided them with enriching opportunities to explore cutting-edge technologies and gain practical insights into various innovative thoughts and ideas. Students rendered their heartfelt thanks to the Director, IIT(ISM); Prof. Alok Kumar Das, Dean (IIE) IIT(ISM); & Dr. Ramesh Prasad, Technical Officer, NVCTI, IIT(ISM) for all possible support provided by IIT(ISM) in the educational tour. Students also expressed their sincere thanks to the faculty members of CUJ for their invaluable support and guidance throughout the planning and execution of the trip. Their mentorship and encouragement played a pivotal role in shaping the academic visit to the premier institute, IIT(ISM).