Odisha's Rs. 164.33 Crore Robotics Push: 807 Government Schools to Introduce AI, Coding and Machine Learning

Odisha Sets Up Robotics Labs in 807 Government Schools

Odisha: Students of government schools in Odisha, between classes 6 to 10, are going to get firsthand experience on fast evolving technologies which are going to define work of the future. The state chief minister inaugurated on November 12, 2026, 807 robotics labs at a cost of Rs. 164.33 crore. The students of these classes are going to get practical knowledge on robotics, coding, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML) and 3D printing.

The labs were set up during the state level children’s festival Surabhi-2026 which was held at the Capital High School Ground in Unit-III, Bhubaneswar. The state government has decided to bring different types of technology based learning to all government schools. Also, it gives students the opportunities to explore different scientific concepts through numerous practical activities, rather than learning everything from the textbook.

Odisha Robotics Lab Project 2026: Important Details

What Will Students Learn in the New Robotics Labs?

The initiative aims to give students direct experience with advanced technologies. Students can learn about trends in the industry and explore how engineering and technology can play a role in the solution of societal issues. The program focuses on five key areas:

• Understanding the basic aspects of robotics and movement.
• Learning the basics of computer coding and basic logical problem-solving.
• The basics of Artificial Intelligence including types of AI.
• Learning basics of computer systems and how they learn.
• Digital design and how 3D objects can be created using computers and 3D printing.

Initial reports on the program indicated that each lab had four types of robots, programming kits and 3D printers.

The Importance of the Robotics Program for Government School Students

Access to educational technology can greatly differ between urban and rural schools. With the addition of robotics labs to 807 government schools, Odisha has worked to give students the opportunity to learn about practical science, and different areas of emerging technologies.

For students in classes 6 to 10, this can aid their ability to think logically and be creative and innovative at an important stage of their academic development. This can also help students to be intellectually curious about different areas of science, technology, engineering and other related fields.

₹164.33 Crore Investment: What the Government Has Announced

The Government of Odisha has announced the opening of robotics laboratories in 807 schools. These laboratories have been developed at an estimated investment of ₹164.33 crore. The newly launched robotics labs will help rural students come in touch with modern Science and technology. The emphasis on robotics, coding, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and 3D printing highlights the Government’s intent to create technology-oriented learning at the school level.

According to the announcement, a school-wise list of 807 laboratories, along with a timetable for laboratory periods have been created. However, the detailed information has not been released. Students and Parents should contact their schools directly for these details.

Robotics Labs and the NIPUN App

The setting up of robotics labs was not the only announcement the Government has made in the field of education. During Surabhi-2026, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik launched the NIPUN App, a free and open source Android-based application aimed at the Foundational Learning of Students in primary classes.

The app helps students assess their foundational learning and take remedial actions. It also provides teaching aids to teachers. Robotics labs, on the other hand, provide exposure to advanced technologies for students of classes 6 to 10. Thus, the app and the robotics labs together provide foundational learning and exposure to advanced and emerging technologies for students in primary and upper primary classes.

Surabhi-2026: Education Awards and Student Recognition

The inaugural session of the three-day state level Children’s Festival Surabhi-2026, organised by the School and Mass Education Department, from November 12 to 14, 2026, at Bhubaneswar, witnessed the dedication of a robotics laboratory. Awards for teachers and students on the basis of the Chief Minister’s Education Award for the years 2024 and 2025, were also given during the programme.

Three districts of Odisha, that is, Nabarangpur, Cuttack and Kalahandi, were also appreciated for their performance. Additionally, 7,350 students were given the Mukhyamantri Odia Bhasha Bruti for excelling in the Odia Language Studies.

What Happens Next for Odisha's School Technology Programme?

The setting up of 807 robotics laboratories in Odisha’s schools is an important landmark for learning technology in schools, which till now was completely absent. Now the next big thing will be to ensure that students make regular use of the available facilities and get guidance to turn their classroom concepts into projects and working models.

This will help the students to experiment with the technologies which have pervasive and dominant presence in almost all sectors of industries. For practical learning to be integrated into the academic system of a school, classroom teaching and student-centered learning should be the prime focus of state government so that the expected outcomes of this investment are realized.

FAQs

1. How many government schools in Odisha will have access to robotics labs?

807 government schools in Odisha now have access to robotics labs.

2. What is the total investment made by Odisha in setting up the robotics labs?

The investment made for this project is Rs. 164.33 crore.

3. Which classes will be exposed to practical, hands-on learning through the robotics labs?

Students of classes 6 to 10 will get practical, hands-on exposure to robotics, coding, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and 3D printing.

4. Who inaugurated the robotics labs in Odisha?

Odisha Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi inaugurated these labs on November 12, 2026, during the state level children's festival Surabhi-2026 in Bhubaneswar.

5. What are the facilities provided in the new robotics labs?

According to media reports, each lab is equipped with 4 different types of robots, robotics kits, computers and a 3D printer.

6. What is the NIPUN App?

The NIPUN app is a free, Android-based, educational App, which has been developed by the Odisha Govt. to enhance foundational learning of students of classes 1 to 5 and to monitor the academic progress of students of classes 1 to 5.

7. What is Surabhi-2026?

Surabhi-2026 is a 3-day Children’s Festival (November 12-14, 2026) organised by the Odisha Govt. to honour meritorious students of the State and celebrate Children’s Day.

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