NWPGCL–BUET Robo Carnival 2026 Kicks Off, Showcasing AI and Robotics Innovation
The technology-driven innovation event “NWPGCL–BUET Robo Carnival 2026” has begun at the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) through a joint initiative of North-West Power Generation Company Limited (NWPGCL) and the BUET Robotics Society.
The two-day carnival has been designed as a comprehensive platform combining competitions, seminars, and exhibitions focused on artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics.
The carnival was inaugurated on Thursday, February 5, at the BUET campus by Education Adviser Professor Dr C R Abrar.
Speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony, Dr Abrar said that the application of artificial intelligence and robotics in the power sector can significantly enhance efficiency, strengthen safety measures, and ensure sustainable development.
He noted that the carnival is not merely a technology exhibition, but rather a powerful platform for shaping the blueprint of Bangladesh’s future development. By integrating AI and robotics into the energy and power sectors, it is possible to boost operational efficiency, reinforce security, and promote sustainable growth.
Dr Abrar further stated that the world has now entered the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, where artificial intelligence, robotics, big data, IoT, and automation are rapidly transforming economies and societies. He emphasised that the objective of the education system should not be limited to awarding degrees alone, but should focus on producing skilled, innovative, and technology-conscious human resources.
According to him, the Robo Carnival will enhance students’ innovative thinking and research capabilities, while also creating an effective bridge between academic research and real-world industrial applications.
He also stressed the importance of reducing reliance on foreign technologies and achieving self-reliance through indigenous research, innovation, and technological development. To this end, he highlighted the necessity of effective collaboration among students, teachers, researchers, and the industrial sector.
Special guests at the event included Mohammad Saiful Islam, Secretary of the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, and Professor Dr Md Zahurul Haq, Dean of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at BUET. The inaugural session was chaired by Professor Dr Abdul Hasib Chowdhury, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of BUET.
On the opening day, a series of exciting competitions were held from morning to afternoon, including the Line Follower Challenge, Fire Fighting Bot, and the thrilling Robo Wrestling contest.
Organisers said that on the second day of the carnival, February 6, the “Power Up 4.0 – Idea Challenge” and “Robo Olympiad” will take place from noon at the 8th floor of the ECE Building, while Project Showcasing will continue simultaneously at the Institute of Robotics and Automation, BUET (IRAB).
The closing and prize-giving ceremony will be held in the evening, where Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, Honourable Adviser to the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, will be present as the chief guest. Special guests will include Farzana Momtaz, Secretary of the Power Division, and Engineer Md Rezaul Karim, Chairman of the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB). The session will be chaired by Professor Dr Abu Borhan Mohammad Badruzzaman, Honourable Vice-Chancellor of BUET.
All concerned expressed optimism that this event—bringing together innovative technology, creativity, and young talent—will open a new horizon in Bangladesh’s technology landscape.
DBTech/BNN/EMM/OR
