Salt Lake Point School has transformed a classroom into an artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics laboratory where students can learn, explore and be future-ready.

“We are happy to take this step towards the better future of our students, where they can innovate and eventually choose any field they want,” said Madhusree Sengupta, principal of the CD Block school. “We have been planning to set up a lab for some time now. The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations has also introduced robotics and AI as subjects for classes IX and X, effective from the academic year 2023-24. So this was the perfect time to establish this lab. Students are excited too.”

Councillor Tulsi Sinha Roy was present at the launch, along with teachers and guests.

The Kalpana STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) DIY lab is a 400sq ft room that has been developed by STEMpowered, an initiative by IIT Kharagpur alumni. It has been named after the American astronaut of Indian origin Kalpana Chawla.

“Not only will the lab sow seeds of knowledge and develop skills in robotics, electronics, and AI among students, but it will also enable them to identify obstacles and figure out solutions, thereby becoming innovators of the 21st century,” said Rajiv Agarwal, CEO of STEMpowered. “We will provide teacher training, learning material, and kits.”

AI teacher Bholanath Chakraborti said students had been peeping into the lab while they were setting it up. “They are excited. This lab is for students of all streams, not just science students. Even the junior classes will be able to explore it,” he said, adding: “AI is making our lives easier but we must utilise it carefully.”