IIT Kanpur launches MTech programmes in unmanned aerial systems, cognitive systems

NEW DELHI: The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur has approved two new MTech programmes - unmanned aerial systems engineering and cognitive systems engineering. While the first programme makes IIT Kanpur the first institute in India to offer a dedicated MTech programme in drone technology, the programme on cognitive systems is the first-of-its-kind in the country. The newly-approved MTech programmes will be effective from the next academic session.

MTech in Unmanned Aerial Systems

The interdisciplinary MTech programme in unmanned aerial systems engineering will be offered by the Department of Aerospace Engineering. Students would be required to complete 150 credits over a period of two years comprising of coursework and thesis research work. The course work will consist of 78 credits of course work followed by a thesis work of 72 credits on some cutting edge technical or research topic related to unmanned aerial systems or drones.

The programme will provide the students the opportunity to specialize in areas such as the Design and Aeromechanics of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) and the autonomy of UAV. Faculty members from various departments such as aerospace engineering, civil engineering, computer science and engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, would be teaching the programme.

MTech in Cognitive Systems

The MTech programme in Cognitive Systems will be offered by the newly established Department of Cognitive Science. The department is home to state-of-the-art research tools to study mind and brain. The newly-approved innovative programme will cater to the study and application of cognitive principles in domains such as Human-computer interaction (HCI), Natural language processing (NLP), and Translational Neuroscience, among others.

The curriculum would include courses on fundamentals of cognitive science, empirical methodologies, and modelling. Students would be trained to design and develop technological solutions based on Cognitive Science to ensure greater societal and industrial impact.