Chennai: Anna University and the Bajaj Auto Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of Bajaj Auto Limited, have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish the Bajaj Engineering Skills Training (BEST) Centre at the College of Engineering, Guindy (CEG) campus.
Training for Engineering Students
The centre will enable students pursuing mechanical engineering and production engineering across Anna University's four campuses, including CEG and the Madras Institute of Technology (MIT), to study advanced manufacturing, robotics, and automation using industry-grade equipment and robots as part of their core curriculum. Students from other engineering colleges will also be encouraged to undertake internships at the centre during their seventh or eighth semesters.
State-of-the-Art Facilities
Proposed at a cost of Rs 15 crore, the centre will feature state-of-the-art laboratories. Training will be offered in two verticals: advanced manufacturing focusing on robotics and automation, and advanced manufacturing aligned with Industry 4.0 and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT).
Ramesh V, head of skilling at Bajaj Auto, stated, “We will provide six types of robots for training students, and the labs will also have industry-grade equipment. This training will help graduates become employable from Day 1.” Industry experts will design the courses for students.
He added, “The centre would provide hands-on training in emerging technologies such as mechatronics, motion control, sensor technology, robotics and automation, smart manufacturing, artificial intelligence, machine learning, augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR).”
Academic-Industry Collaboration
Anna University registrar (in charge) V Kumaresan said the centre will be set up in 20,000 square feet at the CEG campus. “This centre will help bring industry-grade infrastructure, hands-on training, and advanced manufacturing technologies into the academic environment. Students who undergo these courses will be very advanced and help the industry in automation,” he noted.
The centre will also function as an upskilling facility for working professionals.
