The Department of Robotics and Artificial Intelligence, in association with the ISTE MITE Chapter, organized a two-day workshop on “Practical Approaches to Finite Element Modeling” on 25th and 26th May 2026. The workshop was designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of finite element analysis (FEA) and its applications in engineering design and simulation. A total of 57 fourth-semester Robotics and AI students actively participated in the workshop, gaining valuable exposure to modern computational analysis techniques used in industry and research.
The resource person for the workshop was Dr. Harishkumar Kamat, Senior Assistant Professor, School of Mechanical Engineering, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal. With extensive academic and research experience in computational mechanics, structural analysis, and finite element modeling, Dr. Kamat has been actively involved in teaching and mentoring students in advanced engineering simulation tools. His expertise in finite element analysis and engineering design enabled participants to gain both theoretical understanding and practical insights into solving complex structural engineering problems using simulation techniques.
During the workshop, participants were introduced to the fundamental concepts of the Finite Element Method (FEM), including stiffness matrix formulation, shape function interpolation, and the assembly of global system equations. Students gained hands-on experience in navigating the ANSYS APDL environment, where they learned to create nodes, define element types, assign material properties, and develop structural models from scratch. The sessions also covered the application of loads and boundary conditions, execution of structural simulations, and interpretation of solver outputs and convergence diagnostics. Through practical exercises, participants analyzed contour plots of nodal displacements and von Mises stress distributions to evaluate structural integrity, safety factors, and design optimization opportunities relevant to robotic and engineering applications.
The workshop was coordinated by Dr. Adithya Hegde, Assistant Professor, Department of Robotics and Artificial Intelligence, MITE. The event concluded successfully with enthusiastic participation and active engagement from students. Overall, the workshop served as an effective platform for experiential learning, strengthening participants’ understanding of finite element modeling and enhancing their ability to apply simulation tools for engineering analysis and design challenges.