Dr. D Dinakaran is the Professor and Head of the Centre for Automation and Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering Programme at Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science, Chennai. He has about 20 years of experience in teaching, research and industry in the field of Robotics and Automation. A team headed by him has recently developed a robot called “SEVILI” and Powered Air-purifying Respiratory System at State Govt. Hospitals. He has developed 3 research laboratories in collaboration with leading industries in the field of motion control, automation and robotics. He has been awarded as Young Technology Faculty by EET India for his research and academic excellence. 

HITS Chennai

What is your philosophy of leadership?

“To follow a democratic working style and share a unified vision of success”

Learning is a natural process and it needs a conducive environment. As a leader, I strongly believe that the success of my department lies solely in democratic leadership practices. Faculty and Students of the department take a more active role in making decisions and work as a team. We practice a student-centric approach in which their interests and feedback are the driving force.

What can an inbound student gain from studying here in your department?

“Exposure to a student-centric approach with outcome-based education (OBE)”

The education system in India is very structured and rigid. Other countries follow a flexible approach. At Hindustan, we follow OBE that includes a choice-based credit system, project-based learning and assessments. These enable students to have an enriching experience with greater flexibility. The opportunity to work on real-time industrial projects and research domains is highly prevalent in our Institute. 

What is the latest program that you are offering in your department?

“The Robotics and Artificial Intelligence specialization in B.Tech. Mechatronics”

The Robotics and AI program is the latest addition in our department. It focuses on emerging applications of Robotics and AI in the manufacturing and service industries. This program will add value and open many opportunities in the potential areas for students.

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Do you have any extracurricular programs to facilitate holistic growth of the students?

“A multidimensional learning module for academic, social and cultural development” 

Yes, students are encouraged to participate in sports, cultural and non-technical events. Our students have participated in national and international level technical and non-technical events and won prizes. We strongly believe that this exposure will inculcate life long learning and will prepare students to face real-world challenges 

How does your department prepare students for Higher education and placements?

“Constant motivation on research-based activities and pre-placement training”

We are known for research-based learning and we are the preferred gateway for higher studies. More than 20 students, in the last three years, have got admission to top global Universities. We involve students in projects from the 2nd semester and we encourage them to publish papers in journals and conferences. Students of mechatronics have been successful in bagging placement opportunities both in core and service sectors. 

How does the department enhance the teaching methods of the faculty?

“We are sincerely adapting One faculty - One Industry scheme and organizing FDP’s”

Majority of our faculty members are engaged with industries in various avenues. Global Industries like Yakaswa Robotics, SEW Euro drives and SMC Pneumatics have established laboratories in our department. Our faculty are constantly elevating their knowledge through MOOC platforms and FDP programs. Their expertise has made it possible for us to successfully avail of consultancy projects to solve industrial problems. 

What are the interventions you bring in apart from the curriculum to train the students?

“Implementation of Project-based learning has motivated our students extremely”

The modern teaching-learning method works well for the interdisciplinary program of Mechatronics. Students are actively participating in project-based learning than conventional classroom teaching. We are trying to adopt digital ways wherever possible. Open-ended instructions, differentiated learning and peer learning are the other ways that we are adapting. This provides a comfortable, flexible and effective learning environment for the students 

What do you see as the department’s greatest strengths?

“Strong industry connect, research-oriented faculty and state of art facilities”

We believe that research projects for all the faculty will enhance their teaching-learning abilities, problem-solving skills and innovations. Our infrastructure and industry association are also noteworthy. We are aiming towards ‘One faculty One funded project’ similar to the ‘One Faculty One Industry’ Scheme.

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What are the challenges you are facing while uplifting the quality of education?

“A need for reformed and flexible educational policies”

Students with different learning abilities, varied backgrounds and interests are the common challenges. We believe these can be solved through flexible learning approaches. In specific, there is a general opinion that the Mechatronics programme is a specialized programme. I strongly feel that Mechatronics Engineering is a general engineering programme. It covers mechanical, electronics, controls and programming and focuses on robotics.