IIT BHU to launch four-year B.Tech course in physical AI from 2027-28

Preparations are complete to begin teaching physical AI, or physical artificial intelligence, for the first time in the country. The distinction goes to IIT BHU, which will start a four-year B.Tech course in the new subject in the coming 2027-28 academic session. The IIT Senate approved it at a meeting on October 17.

At present, AI is seen largely confined to the cyber world, that is, to computers or mobile phones. Physical AI is different, as it is the form of artificial intelligence that works in the real world. It connects AI with robots, sensors, cameras, motors and other physical devices so that machines can become fully autonomous. Such advanced machines acquire the ability to take decisions on their own, without human intervention.

Students on the course will be taught more than programming. They will also be trained in the design, construction and testing of machines, and taught to solve real-life problems. The technology offers very large opportunities in areas such as industrial manufacturing, smart manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare and space research.

An eight-member coordination committee headed by Director Prof Amit Patra has been formed to start and run the new course properly. Faculty members have visited leading centres in Poland, Korea and other countries to set up the department. Expert committees are working at speed to prepare the four-year B.Tech curriculum, with a particular emphasis on robotics, autonomous systems and sensor-based technology.

Besides IIT BHU, IIT Kharagpur has also announced the Benjamin Gupta School of Physical AI. The whole project is expected to cost about Rs 35 crore. At IIT BHU, this will be the fifth specialised school, after biomedical, biochemical, decision science and material science. It will give a new direction to engineering education in the country.