Alumni Connect Program
13th February 2026
SAEIndia Student Chapter, Department of Mechanical Engineering at Dronacharya College of Engineering organized an engaging and insightful session under its Alumni Connect Program on 13th February, 2026. The event on “Emerging Automation Trends in Mechanical Engineering: The Role of RPA and AI” was specially designed for students of Mechanical Engineering and Robotics & Automation with the objective of bridging the gap between academic learning and the rapidly evolving industrial landscape driven by intelligent automation and digital transformation.
The session was delivered by Mr. Bhashkar Bhawani Nandan, a distinguished alumnus from the 2008–2012 batch. He is currently serving as a Research and Development Engineer at Keysight Technologies International Pt.Ltd. With his extensive experience in research and development, Mr. Nandan provided valuable insights into how global technology organizations are integrating advanced software-driven automation solutions into traditional mechanical engineering systems.
The session primarily focused on the convergence of mechanical engineering with emerging digital technologies. Mr. Nandan elaborated on several important themes:
- Evolution of RPA: He explained how Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is transforming repetitive manufacturing, testing, and design workflows, enhancing efficiency and accuracy.
- AI in Mechanical Systems: He discussed the application of Artificial Intelligence in predictive maintenance, generative design optimization, and intelligent quality control systems.
- Industry 4.0 Trends: Students were introduced to the concept of Industry 4.0, emphasizing that modern automation extends beyond hardware to include data analytics, connectivity, and smart decision-making.
- Career Roadmap: Sharing his professional journey, Mr. Nandan guided students on essential skills such as Python programming, data analytics, and automation tools that are currently in high demand across industries.
The programme concluded with a dynamic and interactive question-and-answer session. Students actively engaged with the speaker, raising queries about the future of the automotive and manufacturing sectors, emerging job roles, and the impact of AI-driven automation on core mechanical engineering careers. The discussion provided clarity and practical direction to aspiring engineers.
The Alumni Connect session proved to be highly informative and inspiring. It successfully offered students a clear understanding of emerging automation trends and motivated them to upskill in AI and RPA technologies to remain competitive in the evolving job market. The event reflected the institution’s strong commitment to maintaining meaningful alumni relations and preparing students to excel in the era of Industry 4.0.