CU Punjab Hosts Expert Seminar on Digital Twins and the Future of Autonomous Systems

CU Punjab Hosts Expert Seminar on Digital Twins and the Future of Autonomous Systems

Bathinda 18 August ( PDL ) : The Department of Computer Science and Technology, Central University of Punjab (CU Punjab), in collaboration with the AICTE IDEA Lab, organised a one-day expert seminar on “Are Digital Twins the Key to Smarter and More Autonomous Systems?” as part of the University’s Orientation Week. The programme was held under the patronage of Prof. Ramakrishna Wusirika, Acting Vice-Chancellor, Central University of Punjab, with Dr. Gagangeet Singh Aujla, Associate Professor, Durham University, United Kingdom (Ranked 85th Overall in QS Rankings 2027 and Top 5 in UK), as the invited speaker. Students from different departments attended the programme. Welcoming the participants, Prof. Satwinder Singh, Professor and Head, Department of Computer Science and Technology, introduced the theme of the seminar and the invited expert. He highlighted the significance of digital twin technologies and their growing applications across diverse domains, particularly energy, computing and drones. He noted that such emerging technologies are opening new avenues for innovation and research while contributing to the development of smarter and more autonomous systems.

Speaking on the topic, the keynote speaker Dr. Gagangeet Singh Aujla explained the concept and evolution of Digital Twins and how they differ from conventional simulations and static models. He highlighted how Digital Twins connect physical and virtual systems through real-time data, enabling better monitoring, prediction, optimisation and decision-making. Dr. Aujla discussed their applications in smart energy systems, particularly Virtual Power Plants, where Digital Twins can help integrate distributed energy resources and strengthen grid resilience. He also spoke about their use in drone swarms for real-time monitoring, optimisation, fault detection, safety and risk reduction. Drawing on his research, he explained how Complex Bayesian Networks can help identify potential drone failures and generate timely safety warnings.

Emphasising the future potential of the technology, Dr. Aujla noted that real-time connectivity, AI, scalability, interoperability, security and sustainability are important for developing smarter and more autonomous systems. Emphasising their future potential, he noted that real-time connectivity, AI, scalability, interoperability, security and sustainability are key to developing smarter and more autonomous systems. The interactive session provided faculty members, research scholars and students an opportunity to engage with an emerging area of technology and understand its applications across different fields. The discussion also highlighted the value of interdisciplinary approaches in advancing research and innovation.

The programme was attended by Dr. Vijay Sharma, Registrar; Prof. Anjana Munshi, Director, Research and Development; Prof. Amandeep Kaur, Dean, School of Engineering and Technology; Prof. Sameer Durani, Professor of Practice, along with faculty members of the School of Engineering and Technology. The programme concluded with a formal vote of thanks by Dr. Priyavrat Chauhan and Dr. Anam Bansal, Assistant Professors, Department of Computer Science and Technology, who expressed gratitude to the University leadership, the invited expert and all participants for their contribution to the successful organisation of the seminar.