AIIMS and IIT Delhi Collaborate to Inaugurate India's First Medical Cobotics Centre

In a groundbreaking partnership, iHub Anubhuti-IIITD Foundation (Technology Innovation Hub of IIIT-Delhi) and iHub Foundation for Cobotics (IHFC, Technology Innovation Hub of IIT Delhi) have unveiled the 'MCC-Medical Cobotics Centre' at the Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology, IIT Delhi campus. Funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, under the NMICPS mission, this state-of-the-art facility is set to revolutionize medical education, training, and innovation in India.

India's Premier Technology-Enabled Medical Simulation and Training Facility

The Medical Cobotics Centre (MCC) aspires to become India's foremost technology-enabled medical simulation and training center, catering to a diverse audience that includes doctors, paramedics, technicians, engineers, biomedical researchers, and entrepreneurs. It is equipped to offer hands-on simulation training to medical professionals across the nation.

Collaboration with AIIMS for Comprehensive Medical Training

The MCC will collaborate closely with leading doctors and experts, primarily from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), to design a range of training programs. These programs will span from basic to advanced levels, ensuring that medical professionals receive cutting-edge education. The MCC will also facilitate advanced medical research and development in the domains of healthcare robotics and digital healthcare.

A Catalyst for Medical Technology Innovation

The MCC's significance extends beyond training and education; it will serve as a testing ground for emerging startups in the medical field. Startups working on innovations related to digital medical healthcare, healthcare using AR/VR, AI, cobotics, robotics, cognitive sciences, and more will find a supportive ecosystem within the MCC.

Call for Proposals for Medical Start-ups

The MCC has announced its first Call for Proposals, offering funding opportunities of up to Rs 1 crore for digital healthcare and medical healthcare projects in the application areas mentioned above. This initiative is poised to stimulate innovation and drive the growth of the Indian medical technology landscape.

DST's Vision and Inaugural Ceremony

Dr. Akhilesh Gupta, Secretary, SERB and Senior Advisor, DST, GOI, graced the inauguration ceremony as the chief guest. He highlighted the convergence of engineering and medical expertise within MCC and emphasized the pivotal role of simulation in testing and advancing medical technologies.

Quotes from Key Figures

• Dr. Ekta Kapoor, Scientist F at Govt. of India, stated, "This groundbreaking initiative promises to usher in a new era of medical innovations and technology advancements."

• Prof. Rangan Banerjee, Director of IIT Delhi, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration and how the medical simulator will contribute to affordable healthcare and innovation.

• Prof. Ranjan Bose, Director, IIIT Delhi, highlighted the synergy and complementarity in the partnership and the potential to improve patient care and enhance operational efficiencies.

The inauguration of the Medical Cobotics Centre marks a pivotal moment in India's medical and technological landscape, fostering collaboration between renowned institutions and paving the way for cutting-edge advancements in healthcare, training, and innovation.