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Innovation unlimited

KOCHI: A remark frequently made against the academia is that it is far-removed from realities. But these sweeping generalisations may be proven wrong by two batches of students from Mar Athanasius College, Kothamangalam. Five students from the mechanical engineering department have designed a multi-purpose garden tiller as part of their project work. The prototype costs Rs.35,000. But the team is confident the price might come down to Rs.20,000-25,000, if commercially produced.

Ernest Markose Mathew, lecturer at the department, said, “The unique feature of this design is that it works on belt-drive system, instead of chain-drive using gearbox as common in tillers. The system needs low maintenance.” The students — Nithin Vijayan, Nidhin K.C., Eldo Roy, Sujeesh S., and Shemir N.P.—are planning to patent it.

Another group of five from the same college—Abin Sunny, Adarsh G., Ajith Kuriakose Mani, Pradeep Nair and Vivek U. — have designed an all-terrain vehicle, taking inspiration from beach motorbikes.

The beach motorbikes, mostly imported, costs Rs.1 lakh. But the group claims to have designed one, which would cost only Rs.30,000, if commercially manufactured. Kemthose P. Paul, lecturer who supervised the project, said, “This is just a prototype. Extensive trails need to be done before it is declared fit.” Initial trials were done on the college premises. Further changes in design will be done after the students get out their examination rooms.

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