Machine Learning

Amritsar: Hindu College Professor Patents AI Fielding Device to Revolutionize Cricket Training

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In a landmark development combining sports and technology, a professor from Hindu College, Amritsar, has been awarded a patent for an innovative AI-powered fielding device aimed at enhancing the training regimens of professional and amateur cricketers alike.

Dr. Rajeev Sharma, Associate Professor of Computer Science at Hindu College, has successfully developed and patented an artificial intelligence-based fielding simulation device that promises to transform how cricketers practice catching, throwing, and reflex-based drills. The device, named “SmartCatch AI”, integrates machine learning algorithms and motion sensors to simulate real-time game scenarios, offering players a dynamic and responsive training environment.

A Fusion of Technology and Cricket

Speaking to reporters, Dr. Sharma expressed his motivation behind the invention: “Fielding is often considered a neglected area during cricket training. Most of the focus traditionally goes to batting and bowling. I wanted to create a solution that uses AI to simulate unpredictable, real-match fielding conditions, helping players build muscle memory and improve agility.”

The SmartCatch AI system consists of a smart ball-launching unit, multiple high-speed sensors, and a mobile app interface. The device uses AI to analyze a player’s reaction time, movement efficiency, and catching technique. It can project balls at varying speeds, angles, and spin, simulating catches and ground fielding challenges from different positions such as slips, covers, and boundaries.

Patent Recognition and Future Plans

The Indian Patent Office officially granted the patent to Dr. Sharma earlier this month after a rigorous evaluation process. The innovation is being hailed as a significant step forward for sports-tech integration in India.

Principal of Hindu College, Dr. Manjit Kaur, lauded the achievement, stating, “This is a proud moment for our institution. Dr. Sharma’s work not only reflects academic excellence but also demonstrates how research can directly contribute to real-world applications in sports.”

Dr. Sharma is currently in talks with the Punjab Cricket Association and several private academies to pilot the device in training programs. There is also growing interest from tech investors and sports equipment manufacturers for possible commercial partnerships.

Supporting Grassroots Cricket

What sets the SmartCatch AI apart is its adaptability for all levels of cricket. While elite cricketers can benefit from advanced analytics, the device is designed to be affordable and user-friendly for use in schools and rural academies as well.

“I envision this tool being used in every cricket academy across India. Whether you’re preparing for the Ranji Trophy or just starting out, this device can elevate your fielding game,” added Dr. Sharma.

A Leap for AI in Sports

This innovation marks a growing trend in India where artificial intelligence is finding its way into traditional domains like sports. With wearable fitness trackers already popular among athletes, the SmartCatch AI could signal a new wave of specialized AI tools designed for sport-specific training.

Dr. Sharma plans to present his research at the upcoming International Conference on Sports Science and Technology later this year and is also working on a collaborative paper with sports physiologists to further refine the device’s impact on athletic performance.

As cricket continues to evolve with technology, the contribution from a college in Amritsar is a reminder that groundbreaking innovation can come from anywhere—when passion meets purpose.

Mphasis Secures U.S. Patent for Quantum Machine Learning Breakthrough

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In a notable step toward advancing real-world applications of quantum computing, Bengaluru-based IT services company Mphasis announced on Wednesday that it has been granted a U.S. patent titled “System and method for optimized processing of information on quantum systems.” This new intellectual property milestone positions Mphasis at the forefront of innovation in Quantum Machine Learning (QML)—a field rapidly reshaping the future of artificial intelligence and data processing.

🚀 A New Era for Quantum-AI Integration
As quantum computing evolves from theory to practice, one of the major challenges lies in efficiently translating classical data into quantum-compatible formats. Mphasis’ patented solution directly tackles this issue by providing a pipeline for transforming high-dimensional classical data into an optimized quantum feature space. This ensures that data is not only properly prepared for quantum processing, but also that it maximizes performance while minimizing resource usage—a key concern with today’s qubit-limited quantum systems.

The technology is designed to:

Reduce the need for additional qubits when dealing with complex, high-dimensional data

Manage large feature sets and data volumes with efficiency

Improve convergence speed during QML model training, thereby shortening time-to-insight

In simpler terms, this patent paves the way for faster, more scalable, and more cost-effective quantum machine learning models—making QML a more viable tool for businesses and researchers alike.

💬 Industry Perspective
Srikumar Ramanathan, Chief Solutions Officer at Mphasis, emphasized the transformative nature of the development:

This sentiment reflects a growing consensus in the tech world that quantum computing—particularly in synergy with AI—holds immense potential to solve complex problems in fields ranging from finance and healthcare to logistics and cybersecurity.

🧩 Why This Patent Matters
While quantum computing remains in its nascent stage, the importance of developing hardware-aware, forward-compatible algorithms and data pipelines cannot be overstated. Most current quantum devices have limited qubit counts and high error rates. By creating methods that optimize data preparation and quantum state loading, Mphasis is future-proofing its QML capabilities for both near-term quantum simulators and more powerful systems to come.

Furthermore, this development is in line with a broader industry trend of investing in hybrid computing solutions—where classical and quantum processors collaborate, each handling tasks they’re best suited for.

🌐 Mphasis: Driving Innovation Beyond Traditional IT
Known for its expertise in cloud, cognitive services, and digital transformation, Mphasis has steadily expanded its footprint in cutting-edge technology domains, including AI, blockchain, and now quantum computing. The new patent is not just a technological feat—it’s a strategic asset that strengthens the firm’s position as a forward-looking technology partner for enterprises navigating the quantum era.

🔮 Looking Ahead
Quantum computing may still be a few years away from widespread enterprise adoption, but milestones like this show that companies like Mphasis are not waiting for the future—they’re building it. By addressing core technical bottlenecks in quantum machine learning today, Mphasis is laying the groundwork for solutions that could redefine what’s possible in data-driven innovation tomorrow.