Building an Autonomous Robot at IIT Delhi - The Workshop (Part 1 of 3)

I attended a workshop “How to Build an Autonomous Robot” at the Central Manufacturing Facility (CMF), IIT Delhi. I walked into the workshop thinking I might be out of place, being the only school kid in a group of engineering students. I walked out enriched and confident.

The workshop was led by two very senior professors of the Deptt of Mechanical Engineering, Prof Subir K Saha and Prof Sunil Jha. It wasn’t just a lecture series; it was a full-stack engineering sprint. From design to fabrication, electronics to automation, this was engineering in its purest, hands-on form. What made the experience even better was learning directly from IIT professors and working alongside undergraduate students who were actively preparing for Robocon 2026.






















Day 1: From Idea to Physical Reality


Day 1 was about the physicality of robots, component selection, design, and fabrication.


1. Design Presentations: 


The workshop kicked off with design presentations. The group was divided into teams at the very beginning. Every team had to come in with a clear plan, and that set the tone immediately: this wasn’t passive learning.


2. The CMF: 


One of the highlights was visiting IIT Delhi’s Central Manufacturing Facility. This place is a playground for engineers. Think of it, and you have it. CNC machines, Laser cutters, 3D printers, and Precision fabrication tools. It’s not just a facility—it’s an ecosystem for innovation.


3. Fabrication: 


We moved straight into Mechanical fabrication, Structural assembly, and Electronics integration. This wasn’t a “watch and learn” workshop. We handled tools, built chassis, mounted motors, and integrated circuits.


4. Mentors: 


Working alongside experienced students and Teaching Assistants accelerated everything. You learn faster when you build with people who’ve already done it before.


Day 2: From Manual Control to Autonomy


Day 2 shifted focus from hardware to intelligence.


1. Understanding ROS (Robot Operating System): 


We were introduced to ROS, the backbone of modern robotics systems. This is what upgrades Robots from being mere machines to intelligent systems. We learned how robots process inputs, how nodes communicate, and how automation logic is structured. 


2. Omni-Wheel Drive: 


One of my favorite learning moments was understanding omni-wheel drive systems. Unlike traditional wheels, these allow movement in any direction, precise navigation, and smooth path planning.


3. The Competition: 


This is where everything came together. The final challenge was simple in concept but difficult in execution - pick an object, navigate a field, avoid restricted zones, and reach the finish line. There were two rounds: Manual Mode, where you control the robot, and Autonomous Mode, where the robot thinks and acts on its own.


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