Manipur youth develops humanoid robot that can communicate, pick up objects

A 21-year-old youth in Manipur has developed a humanoid robot that can communicate and is capable of identifying electronic items and picking up objects. Young innovator Irom Roshan, a resident of Sagolband Moirang Hanuba area in Imphal West district said that the robot can respond to voice commands and can be controlled through mobile phones.

His work was applauded by Chief Minister N Biren Singh when Roshan met him on Sunday and made a presentation on how the robot works.

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"Not only in sports and culture Manipur has enough talent in science and technology too. Shri Irom Roshan Meitei,

(21yrs) 1st yr student of ITI has successfully made a ROBOT which can communicate," Singh wrote in his twitter handle.

The robot has the capability of replying to questions, if asked in English and can identify electronic items and pick up objects from a distance of 100 metres, Roshan claimed.

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The chief minister has extended a financial aid of Rs 1 lakh to him so that he can continue his research. Roshan, who could not complete his graduation due to financial constraints, has worked for nearly two years to develop the robot "without the assistance of any technical professional".

"I have created the robot on the basis of my own research on the internet," said Roshan who is pursuing a 2-year course on machine learning.

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Supported by his father who is a woodcutter and some locals, Roshan spent about Rs 1.3 lakh to procure materials to develop the robot.