Using small, programmable robots, the researcher explored the complexities of homing behavior within a controlled environment, say sources from IIT Mandi.

Homing pigeons, for example, are renowned for their ability to deliver messages over long distances due to their exceptional navigation skills, says IIT Mandi researcher.

Strategies

Different species use various strategies to achieve homing, say sources from IIT Mandi.

Some rely on path integration, calculating their return based on the distance traveled and direction, while others depend on environmental cues such as smells, landmarks, star positions, or the Earth’s magnetic field.

Despite these varied methods, homing is typically a highly efficient process.

However, the influence of random factors, or “noise,” on animal navigation remains an area of ongoing research, says IIT Mandi researcher.

Team

The research team of IIT Mandi investigated these patterns using small robots designed to mimic animal behavior.

These robots, approximately 7.5 cm in diameter, are equipped with sensors to detect objects and light, enabling them to locate a “home” marked by the brightest light source.

The robots navigate using independently controlled wheels and adjust their paths based on light intensity, similar to certain animals.

Computer simulations further supported these findings, revealing that occasional ‘resets,’ where the robots reoriented directly toward home, enhanced their ability to correct their paths.

Broader Implications

Dr. Harsh Soni, Assistant Professor, School of Physical Sciences, IIT Mandi, highlighted the broader implications of this research.

He said these findings could inform the development of better navigation systems for autonomous vehicles and improve search and rescue missions.

Additionally, the study offers valuable insights into cellular dynamics, where similar processes might be at play, he said.

Findings

The study’s findings have been published in the journal PRX LIFE.

The theoretical and numerical aspects of the research were conducted by Dr. Harsh Soni from IIT Mandi, along with Dr. Arnab Pal and Mr. Arup Biswas from The Institute of Mathematical Sciences, Chennai.

The experimental work was led by Dr. Nitin Kumar and Mr. Somnath Paramanich from IIT Bombay.

New Perspectives

The research provides new perspectives on the physics of homing and opens avenues for further exploration in both biological and technological contexts.

It also comprises School of Physical Sciences (SPS), School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering (SMME), School of Civil and Environmental Engineering (SCENE).

Also are School of Computing and Electrical Engineering (SCEE), School of Humanities and Social Sciences (SHSS), and School of Management (SOM).

The research centers are the Advanced Materials Research Centre (AMRC), Centre for Design and Fabrication of Electrical Devices (C4DFED), BioX Centre.

The other research centers are, Indian Knowledge System and Mental Health Applications Centre (IKSMHA Centre), Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR), Centre for Quantum Science and Technology (CQST), and Centre for Human, Computer Interaction (CHCi).

The Institute offers eleven undergraduate programs across various streams, one M.A. program, ten M.Tech. programs, eleven Ph.D. programs, and one integrated Ph.D. (iPh.D.) program.

The unique, project-oriented B.Tech. curriculum is centered around a 4-year Design and Innovation stream.

Since its inception, IIT Mandi has been involved in over 460 R&D sponsored research projects and more than 150 consultancy projects.

The Institute houses the DST-sponsored IIT Mandi iHub and HCI Foundation (iHub; a Section-8 company) to promote research and technology development, skill development, startup innovation, and collaborations in the HCI and allied AI/ML areas in India.

Additionally, IIT Mandi Catalyst, the first tech-incubator in Himachal Pradesh, offers a low-cost, peaceful, and high-tech environment for early-stage startups.

Also Read – NIRF 2024 Top 20 Medical Colleges In India 

Furthermore, a BIRAC-sponsored BioNEST Centre has been established at the Institute to foster biotechnology and healthcare innovation in the Himalayan region.

The schedule to submit applications for JEE Advanced 2025 has been announced along with that of AAT 2025 registration,

Application process for AAT starts after result declaration of JEE Advanced. This year too, the trend is no different.

Who will conduct AAT 2025?

AAT 2025 will be conducted by IIT Kanpur and is expected to see a participation in impressive numbers. The same institution is conducting JEE Advanced 2025.

Details about the exam are available on the official website mentioned above. Students who pass AAT 2025 will be able to study BArch in IIT Roorkee, IIT Kharagpur and IIT (BHU) Varnasi.

Who can take up AAT 2025 registration?

Students who have passed JEE Advanced 2025 with required qualifying marks can take up AAT 2025 registration. Applying for JEE Advanced requires a pass in JEE Mains.

Candidates who have passed plus two with maths, physics and chemistry as subjects will be able to take up JEE Mains registration. The process to take up JEE Advanced AAT 2025 registration is online.

1. The URL has to be typed into the browser and the webpage has to be allowed to download.

2. Once the website is available, students should click the link for JEE Advanced AAT 2025 registration and enter JEE Advanced 2025 registration number, their date of birth, mobile number and email address.

3. Post providing the above details, applicants will be asked if they are interested in AAT. Students have to answer ‘Yes’ to take up JEE Advanced AAT 2025 registration.

4. Candidates have to provide the required information and choose the centers where they wish to write the exam and submit the form.

5. They will receive message indicating successful completion of JEE Advanced AAT 2025 registration.

The message has to be downloaded and a printout of it has to be taken and preserved for use in future. This could be of use during the admission process.

Website for JEE Advanced 2025/AAT 2025 Registration is Here

Exam pattern

Candidates who have completed JEE Advanced AAT 2025 registration must also know the exam pattern if they are to score good marks.

Those who have taken up AAT 2025 registration can take up the exam which will be held in offline mode, as a pen and paper mode test.

Candidates will have three hours time to answer all the questions. The medium of the test is English.

The sections in the question paper are – Imagination and aesthetic sensitivity, three dimensional perception, Geometrical drawing, Freehand drawing and Architectural Awareness.

Syllabus for AAT 2025

The next thing to do after completing AAT 2025 registration is focus on preparing for the test.

The subjects to be studied while preparing for AAT 2025 are mentioned below. Candidates can also refer the official website for more information on syllabus when the registration for the exam begins:

Geometrical Drawing

Exercises in geometrical drawing containing lines, angles, triangles, quadrilaterals, polygons, circles, etc. Study of plan (top view), elevation (front or side views) of simple solid objects like prisms, cones, cylinders, cubes, splayed surface holders, etc.

Freehand Drawing

This would comprise of simple drawing depicting the total object in its right form and proportion, surface texture, relative location and details of its component parts in appropriate scale.

Common domestic or day-to-day life usable objects like furniture, equipment, etc., from memory.

Three dimension perception

Understanding and appreciation of three-dimensional forms with building elements, colour, volume and orientation. Visualization through structuring objects in memory.

Architectural Awareness

General interest and awareness of famous architectural creations – both national and international, places and personalities (architects, designers, etc.) in the related domain.

Imagination and Aesthetic Sensitivity

Composition exercise with given elements. Context mapping.

Creativity check through innovative uncommon test with familiar objects. Sense of colour grouping or application.

The medium of the test is English. The sections in the question paper are – Imagination and aesthetic sensitivity, three dimensional perception, Geometrical drawing, Freehand drawing and Architectural Awareness.

The admit cards obtained for JEE Advanced 2025 can also be used to gain entry into the test centers for AAT 2024.

Point to remember

Candidates can visit the official website of JEE Advanced exam for more information on JEE Advanced AAT 2025 registration and other related topics.

The students have to quickly take up the AAT 2025 registration as the time left would be very short.

Like JEE Advanced exam where the registration is open for a longer duration, that of AAT 2025 registration is open for only a short period.

The details about AAT 2025 registration provided above are for general understanding purpose of the students.

There could be some changes in the exam, students can visit the official website of the exam at regular intervals to receive updates.

More information could be provided as the time for AAT 2025 registration would commence, till that time, students can refer other sources also.

Also Read – NIRF 2024 Top 20 Architecture Colleges, Great For Studies