(a) the details of steps taken by the Government for promotion of research and development in the area of robotics and artificial intelligence;
(b) whether the Government is providing any fellowship / grants to entrepreneurs in the areas of robotics and artificial intelligence; and
(c) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF DEFENCE (SHRI MANOHAR PARRIKAR)
(a) Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR), Bengaluru and Research and Development Establishment (Engineers) {R&DE(E)}, Pune are prime laboratories of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) working in the area of artificial intelligence and robotics. Miniature Unmanned Ground Vehicle (MINIUGV), RoboSentry and Autonomous Guided Vehicle have already been developed by DRDO and recently a project has been taken for development of Multi Agent Robotics System (MARS). DRDO has also planned to undertake projects for development of robotic products and technologies associated with robotics and technologies associated with robotics and artificial intelligence. In this regard, a national challenge has been initiated to tap talent in robotics and artificial intelligence among students, academia and entrepreneurs / industry in the areas of robotics related to defence.
(b) & (c): DRDO has not been giving fellowships / grants to entrepreneurs in the area of robotics and artificial intelligence. However, DRDO has signed a number of Contract Agreements for Research Services (CARS) projects with academia for developing technologies related to robotics and artificial intelligence.
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