An IIT-Delhi startup has created a first-of-its-kind interactive DIY education kit based on artificial intelligence (AI). Buddhi AI DIY kit can be used to quickly and easily learn the basics of AI and build AI-based solutions for real-world problems. The kit will also help people without having any prior domain knowledge or training. The idea is to assist young students, tinkerers, makers, innovators, hobbyists, teachers, educationists, artists, parents and professionals from any background.

Buddhi (Build, understand, design, deploy human-like intelligence) kit was launched at IIT Delhi. An IIT statement read — “Buddhi kit helps users develop core skills such as problem-solving, creative thinking and ability to work in teams. With the kit, creative possibilities are endless as it can be used to easily introduce AI in any existing STEAM (science technology, engineering, arts & maths) project.”

According to IIT-Delhi director, V Ramgopal Rao, “IIT Delhi is taking centre stage in AI-related research and development in the country. Development in indigenised AI hardware and software is critical. The kit is one such initiative by the IIT Delhi-FITT incubated faculty startup. It is a result of the many initiatives we have taken in the institute to encourage faculty members and their research students to turn into entrepreneurs.”

The kit was developed by IIT faculty member Manan Suri, who has been recognised by MIT as one of the world’s top 35 innovators under the age of 35. The kit includes AI computing-engine, friendly AI training and inference applications along with real-world AI actuation circuit boards. It has been accompanied by a rich learning ecosystem that includes a high-quality AI handbook, practical DIY AI projects, lessons, exercises, presentations and videos.

“The motivation behind the kit is to help young school students learn the practical aspects of a complex topic like AI in a friendly and simple manner,” said Suri.

Recently, CBSE had introduced AI as a subject in the school curriculum. “The kit and its accompanying content are perfectly aligned with CBSE’s prescribed AI school syllabus,” Suri added.

Buddhi kit, which has been developed by CYRAN AI Solutions, will be provided to select institutional partners such as schools, maker spaces, tinkering-labs, education-related NGOs, government bodies, corporations, CSR bodies, or entities to get involved with AI-education and skilling.