The NITI Aayog on Wednesday entered into a partnership with technology company ABB India to work together towards realizing the government's ambitious vision of 'Make in India' through advanced manufacturing technologies that incorporate the latest developments in robotics and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
As per the statement of intent (SoI) signed on Wednesday, the NITI Aayog will work with ABB across various sectors to suggest solutions for digitalization, incorporating the Internet of Things (IoT) and AI technologies.
Jointly, NITI Aayog and ABB will work with ministries, solicit feedback for areas critical to them and discuss solutions using industrial automation, and digitalization technologies.
"We are looking forward to learning more about practical applications of future technologies such as AI and IoT, especially in streamlining governance and economic systems.
"This collaboration, which will include cross-sectoral understanding of digitalization at ABB's world class centres, will be key in driving progress of key sectors in India," said NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant.
Through this SoI, NITI Aayog will facilitate participation of policymakers and government functionaries in workshops and training programs organised by ABB India.
The first workshop for senior government officials would be organised in June at ABB Ability Innovation Centre in Bengaluru.
"Given the importance of the food processing sector, the workshop will focus on digital and automation technologies in this sector," a statement said.
Earlier this month, NITI Aayog also partnered with Google to foster growth in India's artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning ecosystem where Google will train and incubate Indian AI startups in an accelerator programme. These startups will be mentored and coached by Google and its affiliates to enable them to better leverage AI in their respective business models, the NITI Aayog said in a statement.
Prior to that, it also tied up with IBM to develop a crop yield prediction model using artificial intelligence (AI) to provide real time advisory to farmers in "aspirational districts".