Kottarakkara, Kerala: Human-friendly robots like 'Android Kunjappan' and software like ChatGPT that can answer any question in the local language will now be developed in Kottarakkara as well.

This initiative is taking shape at the Zoho Research and Development Center, currently being established in Neduvathoor near Kottarakkara. It marks the first Kerala branch of the international IT giant Zoho and is being developed at an estimated cost of Rs 20 crore. The Chief Minister is set to inaugurate the new AI and Robotics Research Institute on Wednesday.

The first 50 people who have completed their training at the Industrial Park launched by ZOHO at the Startup Mission's Kottarakkara IHRD Leap Center will be appointed.

This development aligns with the state government's vision to decentralize IT industries by expanding them from major urban centres into rural areas.

Minister K N Balagopal's efforts to make Kottarakkara an IT hub also helped. The directorate plans to employ 250 people in a 20,000-square-foot building on 4.5 acres.

Major research areas

  • Software research and development for 10 companies.
  • Research and development for humanoid robots.
  • Development of searching software that answers questions.
  • Development of drones that can be used for human needs, including travel and delivery.