South India’s First Cyber-Physical Systems Lab Inaugurated in Chennai

Tamil Nadu Gets Its First CPS Lab through IIT Ropar–HITS Collaboration

Ropar/Chandigarh, September 21, 2025: The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Ropar, with support from the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS), Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, proudly inaugurated its 16th Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) Lab at Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science (Deemed to be University), Chennai. This marks the first CPS Lab in Tamil Nadu and Southern India, setting a milestone in strengthening research, innovation, and skill development in CPS technologies across the region.

The event began with the inauguration of the new CPS Lab. The ceremony was graced by Prof. Rajeev Ahuja, Chief Guest, alongside Dr. Anand Jacob Verghese, Chancellor, HITS; Dr. Ashok George Verghese, Pro Chancellor, HITS; H.E. Alem Tsehaye Wokdemariam, Ambassador of Eritrea and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, India; Mr. Enid Verghese Jacob, Deputy Director, HITS and Dr. Radhika Trikha, Chief Executive Officer AWaDH; Mr. Adiya Madan, Chief Liaison Officer AWaDH.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Rajeev Ahuja, Director of IIT Ropar, highlighted the launch as one of the first CPS Labs in Southern India and the 16th under DST’s NM-ICPS, aimed at advancing hands-on learning and innovation through indigenous toolkits.

Dr. Radhika Trikha, Chief Executive Officer of IIT Ropar Technology and Innovation Foundation, who in her address spoke about making CPS technologies accessible to all and encouraging innovation-led growth.

The  CPS Lab at HITS is equipped with advanced IoT kits developed by IIT Ropar, offering 24/7 plug-and-play access for hands-on learning. Key resources include the Voltera V-One circuit prototyping machine, BLE development tools, low power camera modules, environmental sensors, and AI/ML workstations provided by Terafac Technologies Pvt. Ltd., enabling practical exploration of cyber-physical systems and smart technologies.

The event also witnessed the inauguration of the TANCAM Centre. The ceremony culminated in the formal inauguration of the CPS Lab, followed by a guided tour and live demonstration showcasing its advanced capabilities. Designed to serve as a center for high-impact training, research, and innovation, the lab will benefit students, researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals alike. Our Technical Team from IIT Ropar, conducted the first training and orientation session, introducing participants to the lab’s CPS-based toolkits and applied learning opportunities.