Overview
Introduction
An industrial visit to VP’s Sharadchandra Pawar Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence and The Centre of Excellence in Digital Manufacturing and Robotics, Baramati, was organized by the Department of CSE – Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning on 12th September 2026. The visit was planned to provide third-year students with practical exposure to emerging technologies in Artificial Intelligence, digital manufacturing and robotics, and to strengthen the connection between classroom learning and real-world technological applications.
The visit was initiated by Ms. Rupali Shinde from the III Cell through her strong reference and support. A group of 80 third-year students accompanied by departmental staff participated in the visit under the guidance of Mr. Ashish Mishra, Assistant Professor and Department Training & Placement Coordinator, with support from Ms. Rupali Zambre, Mrs. Leena Waghulde and Mr. Nilesh Pinjarkar from the AIML Department.
Visit Overview
The visit provided students with an opportunity to visit two technology-focused Centres of Excellence at Baramati: the VP’s Sharadchandra Pawar Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence and the Centre of Excellence in Digital Manufacturing and Robotics. The students observed the environment and facilities associated with advanced technology education and industrial applications.
The visit was particularly relevant for third-year CSE-AIML students because it brought together Artificial Intelligence with the broader ecosystem of automation, robotics and digital manufacturing. The exposure helped students relate their academic learning to technology-driven industrial practices and understand the importance of interdisciplinary skills.
Centre of Excellence in Digital Manufacturing and Robotic Automation (CoEDMRA)
The CoEDMRA at Vidya Pratishthan’s Kamalnayan Bajaj Institute of Engineering and Technology is a dedicated facility for research, development, training and collaboration in digital manufacturing, Industry 4.0, automation, artificial intelligence, robotics and related technologies. The official institutional information states that the Centre is intended to bridge the gap between academia and industry through practical and hands-on learning.
•The Centre was inaugurated on 23rd December 2023.
•Its stated purposes include advanced training in Robotics, Automation and Industry 4.0, training for industry personnel, and visits/training sessions for students and faculty from technical institutes.
•The Simulation Lab includes Automation Studio, SSCNC CNC Simulator, RoboDK and Witness Horizon Simulation Software.
•The Mechatronics section includes PLC & HMI training kits, computer-controlled electro-pneumatic and electro-hydraulic systems, and IIoT/PLC-based sensor training equipment.
•The Robotics section includes a 6-axis articulated industrial Robocell, an IIoT-based smart factory with a 6-axis articulated robot, and a SCARA robot training cell.
•The Digital Manufacturing section includes a CNC Lathe, CNC Vertical Machining Center and Stratasys F170 3D printer.
•The Centre’s documented activities include training and workshops in robotics and automation, 3D printing, Artificial Intelligence, IoT, Arduino programming and simulations, as well as entrepreneurship and IPR-related programmes.
• The Centre also provides opportunities for internships and project-based learning in areas such as IoT, AI/ML, Robotics, 3D Printing and Electric Vehicles.
Technical Significance of the Visit
For CSE-AIML students, the visit was especially significant because it demonstrated how AI and computing technologies interact with physical systems, industrial automation and data-driven manufacturing. Exposure to computer vision, NLP, IoT, Edge AI, robotics, PLC/IIoT systems, CNC/VMC, simulation platforms and 3D printing helps students understand the complete pathway from software intelligence to real-world implementation.
•AI + Manufacturing: Understanding how intelligent software systems can support modern manufacturing and automation.
•Robotics + AI: Appreciating the role of perception, decision-making and control in robotic systems.
•IoT + IIoT: Understanding how sensors and connected devices contribute to smart and data-driven industrial environments.
•Digital Manufacturing: Connecting CAD/CAM-oriented concepts, CNC/VMC systems, simulation and additive manufacturing.
•Industry Readiness: Recognizing the importance of hands-on training, internships, project-based learning and interdisciplinary skills.
Role of the Organizing Team
The visit was initiated by Ms. Rupali Shinde from the III Cell through her strong reference and support. The departmental team coordinated student participation and guided the students throughout the visit.
•Mr. Ashish Mishra – Assistant Professor and Department Training & Placement Coordinator – provided overall guidance to the students and coordinated the departmental participation.
•Ms. Rupali Zambre – AIML Department – provided coordination and student support.
•Mrs. Leena Waghulde – AIML Department – supported the students and visit coordination.
•Mr. Nilesh Pinjarkar – AIML Department – supported the students and visit coordination.
Acknowledgement
We express our heartfelt gratitude to:
• PCET Trust and Dr. Girish Desai (Executive Director) for continuous support
• Vice-Chancellor Dr. Santosh Sonavane for visionary leadership
• Director III Cell Dr. Pranav Charkha and Dean Academics Dr. Sachin Pawar for promoting
research and academic excellence
Sincere appreciation to:
• HOD Dr. Jaydeep Patil
• Dr. Swati Shirke
The efforts of all faculty and staff members involved in planning and coordinating the visit are highly
appreciated. The Department of CSE – Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning expresses its sincere gratitude to the management of Pimpri Chinchwad University and the concerned Centres of Excellence at Baramati for facilitating the students’ industrial exposure. Special appreciation is extended to Ms. Rupali Shinde from the III Cell for initiating and facilitating the visit through her strong reference and support.
The department also appreciates the efforts of Mr. Ashish Mishra, Ms. Rupali Zambre, Mrs. Leena Waghulde and Mr. Nilesh Pinjarkar for guiding and supporting the 80 participating students throughout the visit.
