iNDICA NEWS BUREAU-
Nebraska Innovation Studio, the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s makerspace, has announced its inaugural cohort for the NIS Robotics Fellowship Program, which includes an Indian man.
The four fellows aim to develop cutting-edge products and improvements in cattle ranching, surgery, language development and precision agriculture, the university said in an official notification.
The Indian student, Amlan Balabantaray, is from eastern India’s Odisha.
He is a graduate student in agricultural engineering, studying how artificial intelligence can be harnessed in weed control systems.
With the NIS Robotics Fellowship, Amlan aims to design, fabricate and test the “See and Till” system, an agricultural robot that would engage only when a weed is detected, adding another tool for sustainable ag practices.
The 20-week fellowship began on January 1 and will continue till May 31.
“Fellows receive free membership to the studio for the duration of the fellowship; increased access to the cutting-edge tools and resources at the studio through extended hours, expert advice and guidance from a panel of mentors; laptop loan; and a $2,500 stipend to purchase supplies to build out their idea or prototype. Fellows also have access to networking and learning opportunities through various programming. They will be required to attend up to 11 events and classes,” the notification read.
John Strope, program coordinator for NIS robotics, said the applicant pool was extremely competitive and that he is excited to see what the first cohort of fellows will accomplish.
“I’ve been blown away by the response to this program — I think that’s emblematic of the progress Nebraska has made in becoming a hub for innovators, creators and builders,” Strope said. “This inaugural cohort showcases the incredible potential within Nebraska — a future where big ideas take root right here and have room to thrive.”
The other fellows are Brooke Bode, Riley Reynolds, and Teresa Monsees.
According to the university, this program is the first of its kind offered by Innovation Studio and is part of the Heartland Robotics Cluster. The cluster was established following a grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration in 2022 and is a collaboration of the university, Nebraska Engineering, Invest Nebraska, The Combine, Nebraska Manufacturing Council, Nebraska Extension, Northeast Community College and Metro Community College to expand training, research and implementation of robotics and grow Nebraska’s economy.
“Nebraska has always had the talent and grit, but opportunities like this are what will elevate our tech communities to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the best of the best in robotics,” Strope said. “It’s the kind of program I wish I’d had when I first moved here eight years ago, and seeing these builders get to work feels like glimpsing straight into the future.”
(Photo courtesy: innovationstudio.unl.edu)