Sixth Bangladesh Robot Olympiad started with the participation of 1592 students from 64 districts of the country, including minorities and 500 women. DU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Akhtaruzzaman inaugurated the Olympiad at the Dhaka University Teachers-Student Centre- TSC on Friday morning. The State Minister for Information and Communication Technology Zunaid Ahmed Palak was present as the chief guest on the occasion.
While delivering his opening speech, DU Vice-Chancellor said that smart Bangladesh will lead with the intelligence of today’s students. This technology-based society will be inclusive. Even if we make a robot, we will not be a robot.
Jibre Hilton, the Godfather of AI for the students, raised the issue of resigning from Google after expressing concern about the misuse of robots and AI, and emphasized them on ethics. In this regard, Vice-Chancellor Akhtaruzzaman also warned parents about neurological disorders in children.
ICT State Minister Zunaid Ahmed Palak has announced that 300 schools of the future will be given a drone, 3D printer, VR GR, and Arduino at the Upazila level so that today’s children can lead the Information Technology World Congress.
Similarly, the state minister promised to give 20 drones to Bangladesh Robot Olympiad. He also announced a grant of Tk 50 lakh for the establishment of a full-fledged lab and research in Dhaka University. He said, robots are now not a luxury, but a necessity like a smartphone.
He also said that if Japan teaches robots to cut clothes, the country’s garment sector will be at risk. Therefore, importance should be given to making robots. We will use that robot for risky and difficult work. We will also export abroad.
The Director General of ICT Department Md. Mustafa Kamal presided over the event, while Bangladesh Robot Olympiad Committee President and Professor of Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering Department of Dhaka University Dr. Lafifa Jamal was the special guest
As mentioned by the president, this Olympiad will be held in 300 educational institutions. On the other hand, Dr. Lafifa Jamal called for setting up a specialized AI robotics lab for young roboticists in Dhaka University. She said that apart from increasing the participation of girls in the international event of robots, ethnic minority groups are also joining. She said, through the organization of the last 5 years, not only participating in international competitions; The practice of robotics is now spreading in the country. This year, 65 Future of Schools in 64 districts went offline and did the activation program.
While delivering her welcome speech, DU teacher and AI researcher and chairperson of Robotics and Mechanics Department of Dhaka University Senjuti Rahman said, ‘with the power of artificial intelligence comes the risks of liability. She advises being aware of biasing data given to AI. She called for non-discrimination in the training of future robotics technicians by questioning the discrimination between men and women.
It may be noted that, with the aim of participating in the ’25th International Robot Olympiad’ to be held in Athens, Greece, this year’s ‘6th Bangladesh Robot Olympiad’ is being held in collaboration with the Directorate of Information and Communication Technology, Department of Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering of Dhaka University and Bangladesh Open Source Network under the initiative of Information and Communication Technology Department.