Ever wondered what the insides of a laboratory at the Indian Institute of Technology-Delhi looks like? How about wanting to see a robotics show or perhaps witness a mini quadcopter take to the skies? You’re in luck, for IIT-Delhi’s traditional “Open House”, where it throws open its doors to the good citizens of the city, is happening this Saturday.
“Almost all our laboratories, departments and research will be open to the public on this day. Along with over 500 projects that showcase innovations in engineering and technology, science and humanities, design and management,” said Prof. Joby Joseph, who is the “Open House” chairperson this year.
“This time, we have given special attention to design, and socially relevant and commercially viable projects,” he added.
“A lot of students have already confirmed their presence as we have some talks lined up along with the actual exhibition. Schoolchildren never fail to astound us with their questions,” said Dean of Research and Development Prof. Suneet Tuli, while revealing that their research funding had reached around Rs.106 crore this year.
A few of innovations that are socially relevant include the True Hb Hemometer that allows you to test your haemoglobin levels with just one drop of blood and gives you the results within seconds. And the best part? It’s very cheap and small, and can withstand higher temperatures.
“The current practice is to send your collected blood sample to a pathology lab and wait for results overnight. Devices available in the market need temperatures below 20 degrees Celsius and cost about Rs.20,000 compared to ours, which costs about Rs.7,000,” said Ambar Srivastava, a student of Dr. Veena Koul, who has invented this device.
Another quick and easy medical testing device is the “Lipoprotien Analysis”, which can check your “cholesterol levels at the cost of a burger”.
Prof. A.S. Rathore explained that 73 per cent of Indians are overweight, with the average person becoming obese at the age of 38. What is worse is that the majority belong to the middle-class or poor households and are forced to shell out Rs.5,000 for a cholesterol analysis. “Our machine can do a test for Rs.120, the exact cost of a burger with a slice of cheese,” he said.
Ways in which information technology can be used for better implementation of government schemes, toys that can be made from trash and making plastic from potato starch are some of the other exhibits on display.
