Digitization Conclave 2024: A Step Towards the Future of Industry 4.0 and Beyond

The Digitization Conclave 2024, hosted by the IITB-Monash Research Academy, brought together leading minds from academia, industry, and research to explore the transformative potential of digitization. Over two action-packed days, the event provided a platform to discuss emerging technologies, foster collaborations, and pave the way for innovative solutions in Cyberphysical Systems, AI, IoT, and beyond.

Day 1 Highlights:

The event commenced with an inspiring Inauguration Ceremony, featuring:

  • Mr. MS Unnikrishnan, CEO, IITB-Monash Research Academy, who delivered the Welcome Address.

  • Prof. Prasanna Gandhi, Professor-In-Charge, IITB-Monash Research Academy, with an impactful Inaugural Address.

  • Prof. Shireesh B Kedare, Director, IIT Bombay, sharing visionary insights as the Chief Guest.

The first session, titled Construction 4.0: Process Improvement for Infrastructure & Utility Sector, spotlighted innovative advancements in smart infrastructure and process improvements for the utility sector.

Key insights came from:

  • Dr. Hiranmay Dash, CTO, KEC International, on cutting-edge technologies driving efficiency.

  • Prof. Venkata S. K. Delhi, IIT Bombay, highlighting civil engineering breakthroughs.

  • Prof. Amrik Sohal, Monash University, emphasizing management strategies for digitization.

The experts explored how Industry 4.0 technologies can revolutionize the infrastructure construction sector, tackling long-standing challenges in productivity and efficiency.

Key takeaways included:

  1. AR & AI/ML Tools: Enabling real-time insights and smarter decision-making.

  1. Lean Construction: Boosting efficiency by minimizing waste and streamlining processes.

  1. Cross-Sector Innovation: Borrowing best practices from manufacturing for a more sustainable and scalable construction model.

Chaired by Prof. Sohal, the panel sparked dynamic conversations on digital transformation in construction practices.

The second session, focusing on The Evolution of Supply Chains, brought forward compelling insights into academia-industry synergies:

Ms. Pramila Karkera shared Allcargo's visionary journey toward digitization, showcasing the integration of cutting-edge technology into its mission and strategy. She highlighted innovative initiatives redefining logistics and driving operational excellence.

Prof. Amrik Sohal discussed Monash Health's leadership in supply chain management for Victoria's health services. He emphasized how real-world challenges have been transformed into impactful research opportunities for his PhD students, resulting in meaningful industrial solutions.

Prof. Manjesh Kumar Hanawal presented the pioneering efforts of IIT Bombay’s TC2AI center, including collaborations with logistics giants, optimization of last-mile delivery, and solutions for mission-critical challenges faced by the Indian Navy. These efforts are setting benchmarks for operational excellence in the logistics domain.

This dynamic exchange underscored the transformative power of academia-industry partnerships in shaping the future of supply chains.

The day concluded with a session on Medical Devices: IoB, IoT, and Implants for Global Markets, led by:

  • Prof. Nemai Karmakar, Monash University, focusing on IoT innovations.

  • Prof. Aditya Paranjape, Monash University, on aerospace engineering applications.

  • Prof. Maryam Shojaei Baghini, IIT Bombay, on electrical engineering breakthroughs.

Panellists from Day 1 of the Conclave

Day 2 Highlights:

Day 2 began with an insightful session on Generative AI: Building Reliable and Adaptive Complex Systems, diving deep into how Large Language Models (LLMs) learn, explore, and leverage information, as well as the limits they encounter in enterprise decision-making.

Key insights from Dr. Vinay Kulkarni, Prof. Aldeida Aleti, Prof. Chetan Arora, Prof. Aditya Paranjape, and Prof. Ashutosh Gupta included:

  • The challenges of requirement gathering that impact AI-driven outcomes.

  • The hidden opportunities and pitfalls when using AI for critical business decisions.

  • Strategies to bridge the gap between AI potential and enterprise needs.

This session set the stage for deeper discussions on how AI can address real-world complexities, offering actionable insights for bridging theoretical advancements and practical applications.

In the afternoon, the focus shifted to Digital Twins and AI: Building for Complex Systems, where speakers included:

  • Dr. Souvik Barat, Tata Consultancy Services, exploring the applications of Digital Twins.

  • Dr. Delvin Varghese, Monash University, highlighting societal impacts of AI models.

  • Prof. Chetan Arora, Monash University, delving into software and cybersecurity.

Panellists from Day 2 of the Conclave

The conclave concluded with a Closing Ceremony, summarizing key takeaways and thanking all participants for their contributions. Mr. Sudarshan Rangarajan and Mr. MS Unnikrishnan delivered a comprehensive recap and vote of thanks, highlighting the event’s success in sparking innovation and collaboration.

The Digitization Conclave 2024 reinforced the IITB-Monash Research Academy’s commitment to driving transformative research and fostering partnerships that address real-world challenges. As we reflect on the rich discussions and groundbreaking ideas shared, we look forward to continued collaboration and innovation in shaping the future of Industry 4.0.