A One Day Seminar on Ambient and Assistive Technology

Date: July 24, 2024
Time: 10:30 AM onwards
Venue: S.N. Bose Seminar Hall, Durgapur Institute of Advanced Technology & Management (DIATM)

Organized By: Department of Computer Science and Engineering (CSE), DIATM
In Association With: Institute of Engineers (IEI)
Under the Aegis of: Institution Innovation Council (IIC)

Introduction:

On July 24, 2024, DIATM’s Department of Computer Science and Engineering (CSE), in collaboration with the Institute of Engineers (IEI), organized a One Day Seminar on Ambient & Assistive Technology. This seminar, designed as an Awareness and Capacity Building activity under the Institution Innovation Council (IIC), aimed to enhance understanding of technologies that improve accessibility and everyday living.

Objectives:

  • To provide an in-depth understanding of ambient and assistive technologies.
  • To discuss recent advancements and practical applications in these fields.
  • To build capacity among students and faculty regarding the design and implementation of such technologies.
  • To create opportunities for networking and collaboration with experts in the field.

Honorary Secretary and Convener:

  • Honorary Secretary (IEI Durgapur):
    Dr. Bimal Das, Assistant Professor, NIT Durgapur
  • Convener:
    Dr. Dakshina Ranjan Kisku, Associate Professor, NIT Durgapur

Keynote Speakers:

  1. Dr. Aman Arora
    Principal Scientist, CMERI
    Dr. Arora provided a comprehensive overview of ambient technology, focusing on recent innovations and their potential impacts on smart environments. His talk highlighted how ambient intelligence can enhance user experiences and improve efficiency in various applications.
  2. Dr. Mamata Dalui (Chakraborty)
    Assistant Professor, NIT Durgapur
    Dr. Dalui’s presentation centered on assistive technology and its role in supporting individuals with disabilities. She discussed advancements in assistive devices and their practical implications for enhancing accessibility and quality of life.
  3. Dr. Tushar Kanti Bera
    Assistant Professor, NIT Durgapur
    Dr. Bera focused on integrating assistive technologies with existing systems and exploring new avenues for research and development. His session provided insights into the challenges and opportunities in the field.

Seminar Details:

  • Opening Session:
    The seminar began with a welcome address by Dr. Dakshina Ranjan Kisku, who outlined the seminar’s objectives and introduced the keynote speakers. Dr. Bimal Das also shared a few words on the importance of ambient and assistive technology.
  • Keynote Presentations:
    Each keynote speaker delivered insightful presentations:
    • Dr. Aman Arora discussed the latest developments in ambient technology and their applications in creating smarter environments.
    • Dr. Mamata Dalui (Chakraborty) presented on innovative assistive technologies and their impact on improving accessibility for people with disabilities.
    • Dr. Tushar Kanti Bera explored the integration of assistive technologies with current systems and future research directions.
  • Interactive Q&A Session:
    The Q&A session allowed participants to engage with the speakers, ask questions, and discuss the practical aspects of ambient and assistive technologies. The interactive nature of this session facilitated a deeper understanding of the topics covered.
  • Networking Opportunities:
    Attendees had the chance to network with the keynote speakers and fellow participants, fostering connections that could lead to collaborative projects and research opportunities.

Participation:

The seminar was attended by:

  • 100 Students: Representing various engineering disciplines, actively participating in discussions and activities.
  • 16 Faculty Members: Contributing their expertise and engaging in the seminar’s activities.

Conclusion:

The One Day Seminar on Ambient & Assistive Technology was a resounding success, meeting its objectives of raising awareness and building capacity among participants. The expert insights provided by the keynote speakers contributed to a richer understanding of the field and its applications.

The Department of CSE and the Institution Innovation Council (IIC) extend their gratitude to the keynote speakers, the Honorary Secretary, the Convener, and all participants for their valuable contributions to the seminar’s success.

Acknowledgments:

Special thanks to Dr. Aman Arora, Dr. Mamata Dalui (Chakraborty), and Dr. Tushar Kanti Bera for their insightful presentations. We also appreciate the efforts of the organizing committee, volunteers, and all attendees for making the event productive and engaging.