Tech tock on the clock

It’s that time of the year again, when the country’s geeks (we mean that in the most flattering way possible) gather at the city’s whiz kids’ paradise — Indian Institute of Technology (Bombay)’s annual tech event, Techfest. This year too, the students have put together an impressive line-up of innovations, sourcing them from different parts of the world, including the war-torn country of Syria.

Chakra SS, student in-charge of the tech exhibition elaborates, “We've selected models with latest technological innovations this year. We did not want to present something that has already been seen in India.” The models have been selected on the basis of mass appeal, with student innovations gaining the spotlight. “This year, we have made sure that we have more student-based innovations from across the globe. We also have a special TechConnect zone, where we will be showcasing innovations that were developed within the IIT-B campus over the year,” he adds. The biggest exhibits this year include droids and drones. Here are a few to watch out for.

Rollkers, France:
Roll while you walk and increase your speed up to seven miles per hour. Coming all the way from France, this invention is a transportation accessory that increases a person's average walking rate. Now, everyone would know how it feels to roller skate, because rollkers has a stabilising mechanism, which gives a comfortable ride while you walk on wheels. This innovative product has been exhibited worldwide, and it is making its debut in India at Techfest.

The Puzzlebox Orbit, USA:
Imagine flying a helicopter, not by the click of a button but just by the command of your brain — it can be used by those physically paralysed too. The functions rely on the neuro-senses of a person’s mind.  In other words, it's a brain-controlled helicopter. Operated with an EEG headset, users can fly the Orbit by focusing their concentration and clearing their mind.

TechConnect:
IIT’ians’ R&D initiatives over the year will receive a platform through TechConnect. With their in-house innovations like Formula one racing car, Pratham – a live data receiving satellite developed by the students, prototypes of zero energy house and an underwater vehicle.

Peter the Great, St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, Russia:
This is a prototype of the famous Robot BB-8 — model of robot from Star Wars. It’s implemented as a ball, and can be moved and controlled by an application. The university will also be presenting bionic prosthesis of a hand — robotic arms that function exactly like human arms, and is the latest innovation in prosthesis.