In a landmark initiative towards strengthening Industry 4.0 education and advanced manufacturing, GNA University inaugurated Punjab's first Robotic System Integration Lab under the FANUC Centre of Excellence (CoE) at the School of Engineering, Design and Automation. The state-of-the-art facility was inaugurated by Chancellor Sh. Gurdeep Singh Sihra and Mr. Vinay Kumar M.K., Vice President – HR, BD & IIR, FANUC India Ltd., in the distinguished presence of Pro-Chancellor Ms. Jasleen Sihra, Vice-Chancellor Dr. Hemant Sharma, Dean Academics Dr. Monika Hanspal, Dean, School of Engineering, Design and Automation, Dr. C. R. Tripathy, Registrar Dr. Kunal Bains, Mr. Ankit Tripathi, Assistant Manager – BD, FANUC India Pvt. Ltd., Mr. Vikramjeet Singh, Assistant Manager – Sales, FANUC India, Mr. Prateek Wadhawan, CEO, Systek Robotics and Mr. Sumit Saini, Director, Systek Robotics,
The newly established Robotic System Integration Lab will provide students with hands-on training in industrial robotics, robot programming, PLC integration, machine vision, AI, smart manufacturing, and Industry 4.0 technologies. FANUC, a global leader in factory automation with a presence in over 100 countries and 270+ service locations, powers industries worldwide with its advanced robotics and CNC solutions. Through the FANUC Centre of Excellence, students will gain practical exposure to globally accepted industrial technologies, enhancing their research capabilities, employability, and readiness for next-generation manufacturing.
Following the inauguration, GNA University and FANUC India Pvt. Ltd. signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen long-term collaboration in robotics, industrial automation, skill development, faculty training, industry certifications, internships, joint research, and technology-driven education.
During the interaction, Chancellor Sh. Gurdeep Singh Sihra held detailed discussions with Mr Vinay Kumar M.K. on the rapidly evolving industrial requirements in robotics and smart manufacturing. The Chancellor emphasized the importance of creating a highly skilled workforce to meet the demands of modern industries and expressed pride in establishing Punjab's first FANUC Robotic System Integration Lab, which will serve as a centre for excellence in robotics education, innovation, and advanced manufacturing technologies.
Pro-Chancellor Ms. Jasleen Sihra appreciated the collaboration between GNA University and FANUC India, stating that such partnerships are essential for providing students with meaningful industrial exposure and preparing them for technology-driven careers.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Vinay Kumar M.K., Vice President, FANUC India Pvt. Ltd., appreciated the world-class infrastructure and latest technological facilities developed by GNA University. He remarked, "GNA University has created an excellent ecosystem for robotics and automation education aligned with IndiaSkills and WorldSkills Competition ecosystem promoted by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of India, which aims to develop globally competitive skilled professionals. He also congratulated GNA University for its outstanding achievements in the IndiaSkills Competition, where its students secured Gold Medals at the North India (Regional) level and a Bronze Medal at the National level, reflecting the University's strong emphasis on skill-based education and excellence in advanced manufacturing technologies.
Welcoming the dignitaries, Dr. C. R. Tripathy, Dean, School of Engineering, Design and Automation, highlighted the significance of the collaboration and the newly established laboratory. He stated, "The Robotic System Integration Lab is more than an infrastructure addition; it is a centre for innovation, skill development, and applied research integrated with modern labs like CAD, CAM, and CNC Simulator. We are creating an environment where students can develop practical competencies, undertake industry-relevant projects, and become future-ready professionals capable of leading the transformation towards smart manufacturing."
Vice-Chancellor Dr. Hemant Sharma congratulated the School of Engineering, Design and Automation on establishing Punjab's first FANUC Robotics System Integration Lab and appreciated the University's continued efforts in creating an industry-oriented learning environment.
Dean Academics Dr. Monika Hanspal highlighted that the collaboration with FANUC India marks a significant milestone in strengthening experiential, industry-integrated, and outcome-based education. She stated, "The establishment of this advanced laboratory will provide students with hands-on learning opportunities while fostering innovation, multidisciplinary research, industry certifications, internships, and skill development.
The programme concluded with a one-hour expert seminar on "From Robots to Smart Factories: Building the Future of Manufacturing with AI," delivered by Mr. Vinay Kumar M.K. and Mr. Ankit Tripathi. The session provided valuable insights into the evolution of industrial robotics, collaborative robots (cobots), artificial intelligence in manufacturing, the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), digital twins, predictive maintenance, and the transformation of conventional production facilities into intelligent smart factories. The experts also highlighted the applications of robotics in the Body-in-White (BIW) manufacturing process.
