RCAAI 2024: A Global Platform For Sustainable Automation

The 3rd International Conference on Robotics, Control, Automation, and Artificial Intelligence (RCAAI 2024) took place from October 14-16, 2024, at the Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT) in collaboration with Malaviya National Institute of Technology (MNIT), Jaipur. This prestigious event gathered more than 350 participants, including researchers, industry leaders, and academics, focusing on the theme "Sustainability through Automation." The conference provided an invaluable opportunity for knowledge sharing, high-quality research presentations, and the fostering of future collaborations across multiple domains, including robotics, automation, digital manufacturing, and artificial intelligence.

The central objective of RCAAI 2024 was to address global challenges by integrating sustainability into cutting-edge automation technologies. The conference’s convenor, Dr. Ishwar Bhiradi, emphasized the importance of maintaining material circularity while developing new automated systems to ensure environmental sustainability. He called for a stronger collaboration between academia and industry to ensure end-of-life circularity specially in electronics sector.

The three-day event featured seven insightful keynote addresses from field experts and showcased 86 exceptional papers chosen from a large number of submissions. Discussions were divided into eight thematic tracks, with presentations taking place in a hybrid format to allow global participation. Topics spanned various automation technologies, control systems, and advancements in artificial intelligence, all with an emphasis on their role in sustainability.

During the opening ceremony, Dr. P. Giridhar Kamath, Registrar of MAHE, highlighted the need to embed sustainable practices into student life so they could carry these principles into their careers. Dr. Anil Rana, Director of MIT Manipal, commended the efforts of the organizing committee, noting how well the conference integrated mechatronics topics under the common goal of sustainability. Dr. D. V. Kamath, Head of the Department of Mechatronics, welcomed attendees, while co-convenor Dr. Rajeev Agrawal of MNIT Jaipur praised the partnership between the institutions and shared case studies showcasing the effectiveness of sustainable practices in the industry.

As a symbolic gesture of RCAAI 2024’s commitment to sustainability, a tree was planted at the conclusion of the conference, serving as a lasting reminder of the event’s core mission. RCAAI 2024 not only provided a platform for groundbreaking research and discussion but also solidified its position as a leading forum for innovation in robotics and automation, with sustainability at its heart. The event further reinforced MIT Manipal’s Department of Mechatronics Engineering as a key player in advancing the future of automation and sustainable development.