As manufacturing moves toward intelligent, connected, and sustainable systems, Parul University is trying to strengthen faculty capabilities in the technologies that will shape the industry’s next phase. The Department of Applied Sciences and Humanities, Parul Institute of Engineering and Technology, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Parul University, organized the AICTE ATAL Faculty Development Programme (FDP) 2026, bringing together academicians, researchers and industry people for six days of knowledge exchange focused on emerging technologies and transformative practices in modern manufacturing.

The offline programme explored key developments across Industry 4.0 and Industry 5.0, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Digital Twins, Smart Factories, Sustainable and Green Manufacturing, Human Robot Collaboration, Augmented and Virtual reality, Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing. Through expert sessions, academic discussions and industry exposure, participants gathered insights into the applications of the technologies used in contemporary manufacturing and engineering.

 

The programme featured experts which incudes Prof. Rajesh Kumar from MNIT Jaipur, who spoke about AI and Machine Learning for predictive as well as prescriptive maintenance, Dr. Vijay S. Gadakh of Amrutvahini College of Engineering, Sangamner , discussed sustainable and green manufacturing and Dr. Jignesh Patoliya, Senior Engineer, eInfochips (An Arrow Company), Ahmedabad, who explored smart factories and digital twins. Also sessions on NEP 2020, and technical education by Col. B. Venkat and the green manufacturing and circular economy angle by Mr. Aditya Shukla, further expanded the programme's academic, and sustainability focus.

The FDP also examined the human and immersive sides of emerging technologies through sessions by Dr. Santosh Rane on human robot collaboration, and by Mr. Rudresh Vyas on AR VR in design. During an industrial visit to Akshar Precision Tubes Pvt.Ltd., Vadodara, provided participants with practical exposure to manufacturing processes quality practices and industrial operations, while Mr. Bhupendra Singh Thakur, Founder & CEO, ROBOTRONiX Engineering Tech Pvt. Ltd., Indore, discussed the future of human-centric, resilient and sustainable manufacturing under Industry 5.0.

The programme concluded with Dr. Ravi Kumar Dwivedi, Professor, MANIT Bhopal, sharing key thoughts on Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing, and how they can help with fast prototyping, tailor made production, design flexibility and reduced material wastage. The FDP also incorporated an academic conversation on an Industry 4.0 decision making framework for SMEs, along with sustainable supply chain finance further connecting contemporary research with industrial applications.

Speaking about the importance of strengthening faculty capabilities in emerging technologies, Dr. Devanshu Patel, President, Parul University, said, “The future of engineering education depends on how effectively we connect classroom learning with the technologies, changing the way industry works. Initiatives like the AICTE ATAL Faculty Development Programme create meaningful opportunities for faculty members to explore emerging technologies, industry practices and contemporary research. At Parul University, our endeavor is to continuously strengthen a future-ready academic ecosystem that enables educators and learners to stay connected, adaptive, and prepared for the evolving demands of engineering and manufacturing.”

The six-day FDP reinforced Parul University’s focus on technology advancement, professional growth, industry-academia collaboration and future ready technical education, creating a platform where faculty members can engage with the innovations shaping intelligent, sustainable and human centric manufacturing.