Meet Robot Nila: The Friendly Robot Transforming The Voting Experience At Puducherry Polling Station, Watch

Voting in Puducherry began early in the morning at 7 am, with polling stations witnessing a unique blend of technology and tradition.

At the VOC Government School polling booth, voters were greeted not by a person, but by a robot named "Nila," adding a modern touch to the democratic process.

A Special Welcome at the Polling Booth

As voters arrived to cast their votes, Nila stood at the entrance dressed for the occasion, holding a tray of flowers. The robot welcomed people with a polite greeting, creating a friendly and engaging atmosphere at the polling station.

The initiative aimed to make the voting experience smoother and more interactive, especially for first-time voters and the elderly.

Designed for Events and Public Engagement

According to Kaushik from Robo Mirror, the company behind the robot, Nila is an event-based robot designed for various occasions such as weddings, official functions, and elections. The team travelled from Coimbatore to set up the robot for this special purpose.

He explained that Nila comes with multiple features, including a voice system that allows it to communicate with people. Commands can be pre-programmed, enabling the robot to deliver messages clearly to those nearby.

Multilingual Assistance for Voters

One of Nila's key features is its ability to speak in different languages. At the polling booth, the robot guided voters by saying:

"Welcome to the polling station. I am your election assistance robot. Please proceed from here and follow the queue. Kindly keep your voter card ready and follow the instructions."
This helped voters understand the process better and ensured smooth movement inside the polling station.

Technology Meets Democracy

The use of Nila highlights how technology is being integrated into everyday civic activities. While the core process of voting remains traditional, such innovations aim to improve efficiency and voter experience.

The presence of the robot not only caught attention but also symbolised how modern solutions can support democratic practices in a simple yet impactful way.