IIT Guwahati Develops 3D Printed Dummy Ballot Unit; Get Details Here

IIT Guwahati collaborated with Kamrup Election District's SVEEP to create an innovative 3D-printed dummy ballot unit. Designed and built by researchers in just 48 hours, the device includes interactive sound and light indicators to aid voters. 

To boost voter awareness and participation, the Kamrup Election District's Systematic Voters' Education and Electoral Participation Cell (SVEEP) teamed up with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati to develop an innovative 3D-printed dummy ballot unit. This unit is designed to familiarize citizens, especially new and senior voters, with the voting process, alleviating any fears or uncertainties they may have. By providing a hands-on experience, the dummy ballot unit aims to encourage greater voter turnout.

3D Printed Dummy Ballot Unit

Using advanced 3D printing technology, the dummy ballot unit is made from PLA (polylactic acid), a biodegradable material derived from corn starch. In an impressive achievement, IIT Guwahati researchers designed and produced the unit in just 48 hours, featuring interactive sound and light indicators to aid users. This project represents India's first initiative by the IIT Guwahati team to create a 3D-printed dummy ballot unit. The use of PLA not only makes the unit environmentally sustainable but also reusable, promoting sustainable practices in voter education.

Keerthi Jalli, Deputy Commissioner of Kamrup, Guwahati, Assam, said, “We commend IIT Guwahati for their collaboration and swift design and manufacturing of this highly practical tool. It is certain to aid individuals in gaining familiarity with the voting process, thereby bolstering their confidence, and encouraging greater participation in democratic practices.”

Prof. Parameswar K. Iyer, Dean PRBR, IIT Guwahati, said, “Through this partnership, IIT Guwahati aims to ease anxiety and empower citizens with a deeper understanding of the voting process. The rapid design and manufacture of these portable ballot units using biodegradable polymer materials underscores the innovative spirit of the Institute's design department. We are proud to partner with Kamrup district and introduce this major initiative for the success of democratic processes, which marks a significant step forward in voter awareness and education in India."

Prof. Rajeev Ahuja, Director, IIT Guwahati, said, “This project focuses on developing an educational electronic voting machine to familiarise users with the democratic process of our nation. By simulating real voting scenarios, we aim to enhance understanding and engagement with electoral systems prevailing presently and will replicate the voting process.”

SVEEP, an umbrella program initiated by the Election Commission of India (ECI), is dedicated to educating voters about the electoral process. The collaboration between the SVEEP cell of Kamrup District and IIT Guwahati represents a notable milestone in voter education endeavours.

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