Chennai: Anna University and Bajaj Auto Foundation, the CSR arm of Bajaj Auto Limited, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for establishing the Bajaj Engineering Skills Training (BEST) Centre at the College of Engineering, Guindy (CEG) campus.It will help students studying mechanical engineering, production engineering at Anna University’s four campuses, including the College of Engineering, Guindy (CEG) and Madras Institute of Technology (MIT), to study advanced manufacturing, robotics, automation with industry-grade equipment and robots as part of their core courses.Students from other engineering colleges will be encouraged to do the internship during their seventh or eighth semesters.The centre is proposed to be established at the cost of Rs 15 crore and will have state-of-the-art labs. This will train students in two verticals, including advanced manufacturing – robotics and automation, advanced manufacturing Industry 4.0 and industrial internet of things (IIoT).“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,” said Ramesh V, head, skilling, Bajaj Auto.Industry experts will design these courses for students.“The centre would provide hands-on training in emerging technologies such as mechatronics, motion control, sensor technology, robotics and automation, smart manufacturing, AI, machine learning, augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR),” he added.Anna University registrar (in charge) V Kumaresan said the centre will be set up in 20,000 sqft 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 added.The centre will also function as an upskilling centre for working professionals.
