An innovative pedal-assisted exercise system that converts human energy into electricity, an eco-restoration project for the Padmatheertham pond in Thiruvananthapuram and an Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI-ML) Laboratory are among the projects and facilities that will be unveiled at the finale of the golden jubilee celebrations of the CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (CSIR-NIIST) here on Wednesday.Union Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh will be the chief guest on the occasion. A number of memoranda of understanding (MoU), including one for developing sustainable wastewater management in houseboats, and another for smart tyre technology will be signed on the occasion, NIIST said in a statement.CSIR-NIIST will sign an MoU with the Kerala Houseboat Owners’ Federation to develop onboard and ex-situ wastewater treatment systems for promoting eco-friendly tourism. The project will be in collaboration with the Suchitwa Mission and Kerala State Pollution Control Board. An MoU with MRF Ltd. is aimed at the development of self-powered tyre monitoring systems for next-generation mobility solutions. “CSIR-NIIST has developed nanogenerator-integrated smart tyres capable of harvesting kinetic energy and monitoring tyre conditions such as pressure, wear, and road quality in real-time,” CSIR-NIIST said.Human energy to electricityOn the occasion, Mr. Singh will unveil ‘Vidyut Swasthya,’ a pedal-assisted exercise system that converts human energy into electricity for charging gadgets while promoting health and sustainability, the NIIST said. The system, equipped with an ergonomic workstation and digital display, is powered by CSIR-NIIST’s hybrid nanogenerator technology.Under its eco-restoration plan for the Padmatheertham pond, NIIST will implement a nature-based treatment system using “floating wetlands and ex-situ purification units” to restore water quality and ecological balance. “Continuous monitoring over a year will make this a replicable model for other urban water bodies,” the institute said.An automated nodal-hub for the assembly of dye-sensitised light harvesters, an AI and machine learning laboratory and a Golden Jubilee Building-Innovation Centre also will be unveiled at the event.In a statement, C. Anandharamakrishnan, director, CSIR-NIIST, described the celebrations as marking 50 years of scientific excellence, innovation, and societal impact. Over the past one year, the institute had conducted conclaves, industry meets and outreach programmes.Published - October 14, 2025 05:29 pm IST