Coimbatore: In a blend of tradition and technology, a humanoid robot named “Tina” became the centre of attention at a polling station in Coimbatore on Thursday, greeting voters with folded hands and a plate of flowers as the state voted in a high-stakes Assembly election.

Dressed in traditional Tamil attire, the robot welcomed voters at the entrance, holding a steel plate filled with flowers in a gesture reminiscent of customary greetings. The unique initiative quickly drew crowds, with many pausing to interact with the robot and capture photos and videos. 

Earlier, during the Puducherry assembly polls on April 9, a humanoid robot named Nila, dressed in a traditional saree, greeted voters arriving at the VOC Government School polling station in Puducherry.

Developed as an interactive event-based machine, Nila was deployed to welcome and assist voters as they came to cast their ballots. Speaking about the innovation, Kaushik of Robo Mirror explained that the robot is designed for multiple public engagement scenarios, including weddings, official events, and elections.

The initiative highlighted how innovation is increasingly being used to enhance voter engagement and create awareness around elections, especially among younger voters.

Meanwhile, polling began at 7 am across all 234 constituencies in Tamil Nadu, with the state recording an approximate voter turnout of 37.56 per cent by 11 am. Simultaneously, voting is also underway in 152 constituencies in West Bengal. Polling will continue till 6 pm, while counting is scheduled for May 4.

Prominent leaders, including CM MK Stalin, Vijay and Rajinikanth, were among those who cast their votes earlier in the day.

According to Chief Electoral Officer Archana Patnaik, Tamil Nadu has over 5.73 crore eligible voters, including a significant number of first-time voters, with elaborate arrangements in place to ensure smooth polling.

While the political contest remains intense between the ruling alliance and the opposition bloc, it was Tina the robot who briefly stole the spotlight, turning a routine polling station into a viral moment and showcasing how technology can humanise civic participation.