In the bustling corridors of Delhi Technological University (formerly Delhi College of Engineering), a group of visionary students gathered in August 2016 with a shared dream. They called themselves "ALTAIR," and what began as a modest robotics club would soon transform into one of the university's most accomplished technical team.
The Genesis
ALTAIR was founded as a space where creative minds could collaborate on cutting-edge robotics projects. The team's vision was crystal clear: to build a community of technically skilled undergraduates who could design innovative solutions in robotics while elevating both the team's and the university's reputation nationally and internationally.
The team quickly established its interdisciplinary nature, bringing together students from various engineering backgrounds. They understood that robotics isn't confined to a single field but requires expertise across mechanical engineering, electronics, software development, and even non-technical domains like project management and communications.
Structure and Capabilities
Like any well-oiled machine, ALTAIR organized itself into specialized departments:
- Mechanical Design Team: These engineers mastered CAD software, MATLAB simulations, 3D printing, and computational design. They formed the backbone of the physical systems that ALTAIR created.
- Electronics Team: The wizards who brought machines to life through Arduino and Raspberry Pi implementations, communication systems, and sensor integrations.
- Software Team: The minds behind the algorithms, working with artificial intelligence, computer vision, MATLAB, ROS, control systems, and implementing advanced techniques like Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient (DDPG) and Proximal Policy Optimization (PPO).
- Non-Tech Team: The unsung heroes who managed social media, administrative workflows with the university, and engaged sponsors to keep the team's projects funded and running.
Remarkable Achievements
What truly sets ALTAIR apart is their impressive track record of achievements. The team has consistently performed exceptionally well in prestigious international competitions:
- CANSAT: This NASA-affiliated competition challenged teams to build small satellite prototypes. ALTAIR secured Global Rank 2nd in CANSAT 2020-21 (PDR stage) and Global Rank 6th in CANSAT 2019-20, marking them as one of the top teams worldwide.
- World Robotics Championship (ABU Robocon): In 2018, ALTAIR traveled to Wuhan, China, to compete in this prestigious event. Not only did they win the Bronze Medal, but they were also recognized as the "Best International Team" – the only international team to reach the finals among Chinese competitors.
Additional Accolades:
- First Position in IIT Delhi's Aero-Design Challenge
- Finalists in the NXP AIM Smart Car Race
- Global Rank 3rd in Technoxian 2018-19
- Top 30 in India for Flipkart GRID 2.0
- First position in MATLAB Simulink Student Challenge 2021
Innovative Projects
ALTAIR's project portfolio showcases their technical versatility:
- Monoblade Auto-Rotating Maple-Winged Satellite: A specialized satellite design that earned them their Global Rank 2nd in CANSAT 2021.
- Wall-Climbing Robot: An innovative surveillance bot using vacuum suction technology for navigating vertical surfaces, transitions, and even upside-down positions.
- AI-Powered Autonomous Drone: Incorporating reinforcement learning, SLAM, computer vision, and sensor fusion for applications in surveillance, disaster response, industrial inspections, and precision agriculture.
- Data Acquisition System (DAQ): A high-performance system designed for real-time data collection across industrial applications, featuring multi-sensor integration and wireless connectivity.
- Multimodal Conversational AI: An advanced system integrating speech, text, and video for real-time adaptive assessments and personalized skill development.
Their innovation extends beyond competitions, with the team developing cutting-edge AI and robotics solutions that have garnered patents and industry recognition.
Research and Intellectual Property
ALTAIR's commitment to innovation is evident in their impressive research portfolio:
- Utility Patent granted for "Non-Invasive Early Detection of Cardiovascular Abnormalities Using AI-Based Heartbeat Oscillogram Analysis"
- Provisional Patent pending for "Portable Cardiac Health Monitoring Device with Ergonomic Stethoscope Interface"
- Ongoing research and patent applications for their Data Acquisition System, Multimodal Conversational AI, and AI-Powered Drone
The Road Ahead
As they look to the future, ALTAIR has set their sights on even greater challenges. Their roadmap includes:
- Competition Success: Preparing for and excelling in ABU Robocon 2025 and continuing participation in CANSAT competitions.
- Technology Advancement: Further research and development in AI-driven robotics, autonomous navigation, and sensor fusion technologies.
- Industry Partnership: Collaborating with industry partners to develop practical applications, pursue patents, and explore commercialization opportunities.
The ALTAIR Legacy
What began as a small group of passionate students has evolved into a powerhouse of innovation, representing DTU on global platforms and pushing the boundaries of what undergraduate students can achieve in robotics and AI.
The story of ALTAIR is not just about robots and competitions—it's about the spirit of innovation, the power of collaboration, and the remarkable things that can be achieved when talented individuals unite under a common vision. With each competition won and each project completed, ALTAIR continues to write new chapters in their inspiring journey, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of student robotics in India and beyond.