A 25-year-old innovator from Manipur who built a humanoid robot has stopped working. He was recently working on developing a device that can defuse bombs, as suggested by the state chief minister. But citing financial constraints, he said he has stopped working and could not complete his new device.
The young innovator is one Irom Roshan, a resident of Sagolband Moirang Hanuba Leirak, Imphal West district. Earlier, he had developed a humanoid robot that can communicate and is capable of identifying electronic items and picking up objects. That was in 2019.
Roshan's work was applauded by state Chief Minister N Biren Singh when the former met him in 2019 in Imphal and the chief minister had suggested him to build a device which could defuse bombs remotely.
The chief minister had extended a financial aid of Rs 1 lakh to him so that he can continue his research. He also applied for Start-Up Manipur and got Rs 3 lakh in instalments, Roshan said, speaking exclusively to the Imphal Free Press.
Roshan comes from an economically poor background. He could not complete his graduation due to financial constraints faced by the family. Henec, he has worked for nearly two years to develop the robot "without the assistance of any technical professional".
He created the robot on the basis of his own research on the internet. He continued research on the internet for bomb disposal but could not continue due to lack of further financial support.
Roshan said, Start-Up Manipur sanctioned Rs 3 lakh on instalment basis and the money was spent on buying machines and other equipment while developing the device.
Irom Roshan, originally hailing from Kwasiphai Maning Leikai, Bishnupur district, Manipur, is the eldest son of Irom Tomba and Irom (o) Rekha.
Roshan told the Imphal Free Press that he developed a motor boat when he was studying in class VI at the Special Regular English School in Nambol Sabal Leikai and later developed an earth mover toy when he was in class VIII. Roshan studied the trade of machinist at the government Industrial Training Institute, Takyelpat, Imphal.
Maintaining that he first started building IVALA, the robot, in February 2016, Roshan said that he used tools used by his carpenter father, to make platforms/legs of the robot.
With the support provided by his father, who is a woodcutter and some locals, Roshan spent about Rs 1.3 lakh to procure materials to develop the robot.
“Due to the COVID-19 pandemic situation, the price of all equipment and tools required for building the device had increased and the amount paid from StartUp fund was exhausted," Roshan said, adding that if he has one more lakh then he will be able to complete it.
Roshan went for electric fitting, welders and iron smithing to support his family as well as to be able to buy required equipment but unable to buy them due to the high prices. It will be helpful if someone helps with financial assistance, he said.
“If the device for defusing bombs is completed it will be helpful to the bomb squad team of Manipur," said Roshan.
Revealing his future plan to the IFP,the young innovator said that he planned to build a much bigger and upgraded robot which can detect and approach sensitive or dangerous areas, which can in turn saves lives. He said he dreams of setting up a first of its kind robot manufacturing company in Manipur.
