Four-Legged Friend Champak Revolutionizes IPL with Cutting-Edge Robotics, STEM Education and Ethics
Mumbai, India - In a groundbreaking move, the Indian Premier League (IPL) has introduced a revolutionary robotic camera, Champak, to bring enthusiasts closer to the action. Developed by wTVision in collaboration with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Champak has left fans and tech-savvy audiences alike in awe.
During the highly anticipated match between Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in April 2025, Champak quickly gained popularity, garnering over 5.8 million views, 560,000 likes and 72,000 shares across social media platforms within just 48 hours. What began as a quirky technological demonstration has now become an immersive experience that showcases the convergence of STEM fields to solve real-world problems.
Champak's design demonstrates a striking blend of technical disciplines, including robotics, artificial intelligence, computer vision, engineering mathematics, and rapid prototyping techniques. Its dog-like structure provides enhanced mobility on uneven surfaces, while its advanced sensors and actuators allow for precise analysis and response to the environment. The camera attached to Champak is stabilized using an innovative gimbal mounted with PID controllers that adjust dynamically to counteract vibrations.
Moreover, Champak employs AI-powered computer vision models like YOLO (You Only Look Once) to interpret its surroundings, track movement, and engage with human activity on the field. This enables it to navigate autonomously and interact with fans in a more lifelike manner. Its emotional intelligence is also undeniable – reacting to crowd noise, commentary tone, and social atmosphere creates immersive moments.
However, Champak's advanced technology raises concerns about surveillance, data use, and ethics. Educators can find this robot a valuable teaching tool for lessons on STEM fields, AI, and robotics. The author encourages critical conversations about the balance between innovation and ethics, highlighting the importance of responsible technology use.
As Champak takes center stage in the IPL, it serves as a reminder that STEM fields hold immense potential for solving real-world problems and creating engaging experiences. This futuristic robot has not only won hearts but also ignited debates and inspired generations to explore the vast possibilities of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Champak is more than just a cutting-edge invention; it's an exciting journey into the world of robotics, where imagination meets reality. Its success is a testament to the power of STEM education, demonstrating how the convergence of science, maths, and innovation can take the form of something that brings people together, sparking curiosity and driving positive change.