KOTHAMANGALAM | Yaskawa India Pvt. Ltd., a global leader in robotics, motion control and industrial automation, has inaugurated Kerala's first Centre for Drone, Robotics and IoT Technologies at the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE), Mar Baselios Institute of Technology and Science (MBITS), Nellimattam, under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative with funding of ₹16 lakh.

According to MBITS, the project is Yaskawa India's first CSR investment in an engineering college under its 2026 CSR programme. Conceived and established by the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, the centre aims to strengthen industry-academia collaboration by providing students with hands-on training in drone technology, robotics, embedded systems, the Internet of Things (IoT), and Industry 4.0 technologies.

The collaboration also includes technical support from Yaskawa India, along with internship opportunities, industry interaction and placement support for students.

The centre was inaugurated by Shailendra Salvi, Chairman and President - Yaskawa India Pvt. Ltd., who was the chief guest. Baby Thomas, Chairman of MBITS, presided over the function. Takashi Kato, Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Yaskawa India Pvt. Ltd., was among the dignitaries present.

Arjun Gopal, Head of Key Account Development, and Rajesh G., Head of Corporate HR, GA & EHS, Yaskawa India Pvt. Ltd., also addressed the gathering. Binoy M. Thomas, Secretary of the College, K.P. George, Treasurer, Dr. Shajan Kuriakose, Director, Dr. Thomas George, Principal, and Prof. Jeena Jacob spoke on the occasion.

Prof. Sherin Thomas, Head of the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, welcomed the gathering, and Prof. Shainy Peter proposed the vote of thanks.