What if artificial intelligence could do more than process data and answer questions? Imagine intelligent machines that can understand physical surroundings, help scientists conduct experiments, assist doctors and power robots that interact with the real world.

IIT Kharagpur is preparing to explore these possibilities by setting up India’s first dedicated academic school for Physical Artificial Intelligence (AI), backed by an investment of ₹35 crore. Named the Benjamin Gupta School of Physical AI, the initiative aims to bring artificial intelligence closer to the way the physical world actually works.

The foundation will be laid under a Memorandum of Understanding signed by IIT Kharagpur, its alumnus and philanthropist Vinod Gupta, and the IITKGP Foundation USA. The school is named in memory of Vinod Gupta’s late son, Benjamin Gupta.

What Makes Physical AI Different?

Traditional AI is widely associated with digital systems, data processing and algorithms. Physical AI goes a step further by combining artificial intelligence with scientific principles, real-world sensing and intelligent control.

The goal is to develop systems that can interact with their surroundings while using knowledge of the physical world to make decisions.

According to The Indian Express, the proposed school will explore areas such as intelligent robotics, autonomous systems, digital twins, physics-informed machine learning, scientific AI, advanced sensing and AI-powered experimentation. It will also focus on making AI systems more reliable, explainable and responsible, especially in applications where accuracy and safety are essential.

A ₹35-Crore Investment in Future Technologies

The project will receive ₹12.5 crore from the Vinod Gupta family and ₹10 crore from an anonymous alumnus. IIT Kharagpur will contribute the remaining ₹12.5 crore.

According to institute director Suman Chakraborty, the school aims to move beyond AI systems that function like a “black box” by bringing algorithmic capabilities together with fundamental science and specialised knowledge.

Learning for a New AI Era

Subject to the necessary approvals, academic programmes are expected to begin in the upcoming academic session. They will cater to students, researchers and working professionals from engineering, physical sciences, life sciences and medicine.

The school also plans to collaborate with industries, healthcare institutions, research laboratories, startups and international partners to advance research, develop new technologies and support professional reskilling.

As AI increasingly moves from virtual environments into machines, laboratories and real-world applications, IIT Kharagpur’s initiative could help prepare the next generation of researchers and professionals for this emerging field.