Robot priests now perform Ayudha Pooja at VIT, Vellore

VIT Vellore students and faculty used robots to perform Ayudha Pooja ceremonies. Two robots, a six-axled and a mobile one, rang bells, performed aarti and distributed prasad. The robots are used to teach mechanical engineering students and were seen assisting staff during the event. Video of the event went viral on social media.

Two robots assisted college staff and students to perform the Ayudha Pooja ceremonies at the Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) in Vellore on Monday, October 23, 2023.

According to a press release, with guidance from faculty members, students of the School of Mechanical Engineering, (VIT), operated the robots to conduct the ceremonies at the campus, as part of the festival celebrations. This is the second year in a row that robots have been roped in for this purpose at the VIT, Vellore campus.

Students and faculty used a six-axled robot and a mobile robot for the celebrations. While one of the robots performed the puja, rang the ceremonial bell and performed the aarti, the other delivered the prasad to all the attendees. The department staff were seen standing behind and offering prayers.

At present, the robots are being used to teach students of mechanical engineering. A video of the event went viral on multiple social media platforms, the press release said.