Biography of Chintan Raikar: Co-founder & COO of Miko -Educational Robot
The Journey of Chintan Raikar
A Foundation in Aerospace Engineering
Chintan Raikar’s story begins at the Indian Institute of
Technology, Bombay (IIT Bombay), where he immersed himself in Aerospace Engineering.
Over the course of his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, Chintan honed his
technical skills and developed a deep understanding of complex engineering
principles. His academic journey was marked by a strong emphasis on both
theoretical knowledge and practical applications, setting a strong foundation
for his future endeavors.
Transition to Professional Engineering
Upon completing his studies, Chintan ventured into the
professional world as a Software Engineer at Altair Engineering. His role
involved designing sophisticated simulation software for automotive systems. He
was tasked with developing tools to model automatic transmission systems and
various powertrains, including manual and CVT transmissions. Additionally, he
created a road graphic generator to support different customer road formats,
demonstrating his ability to innovate within the engineering software space.
Pioneering Robotics at IIT Bombay
While still at IIT Bombay, Chintan’s leadership skills came
to the forefront as he took on the role of Team Leader and Founder of AUV-IITB.
In this capacity, he managed a diverse team of 30 members working on autonomous
underwater vehicles. His role as Head of Control Systems and Navigation was
particularly notable, as he designed advanced navigation and control systems.
These systems included a 5-DOF (degrees of freedom) cascaded control feedback
strategy, integrating inertial and visual sensors to enhance the robot’s
performance.
Early Aerospace Industry Exposure
Chintan’s career in aerospace began with internships at
prestigious institutions. At National Aerospace Laboratories, he worked on
developing a remote-controlled, unmanned powered hang glider, which involved
practical design and engineering challenges. At the Indian Institute of Science
(IISc), he focused on jet engine health signal processing, employing median
filters for fault detection—a crucial task in maintaining engine reliability.
The Birth of Miko: A New Vision for Child-Friendly
Technology
In January 2015, Chintan, alongside his co-founders,
embarked on a new venture by launching Miko. This companion robot was designed
with a clear mission: to provide children with an interactive and educational
technological experience. The concept arose from a collective frustration with
the lack of child-centric technology that balanced educational value with
entertainment. The team’s experiences and observations about modern parenting
challenges played a significant role in shaping Miko’s vision.
Biography of Chintan Raikar: Co-founder & COO of Miko -Educational Robot/Entrepreneur/Startup/Success story of Chintan Raikar/Life story of MIko 1,2
A Turning Point: Understanding Parental Concerns
The idea for Miko was significantly influenced by an
encounter in Bengaluru, where Chintan and his team witnessed a mother’s
frustration with her child’s excessive screen time. This insight led them to
realize that parents were not opposed to technology but sought a solution that
could offer educational benefits while being safe and engaging. This
realization became the driving force behind Miko’s development, aiming to
create a trusted technological companion for children.
Navigating Funding and Market Challenges
The journey of Miko was not without its hurdles. Initial
funding was secured through personal connections, followed by angel investors
who recognized the potential of the project. Despite the challenging timing of
demonetization, which impacted many businesses, Miko managed to gain traction
and generate pre-orders. This early success was instrumental in building
confidence among investors and stakeholders.
Advancing Technology: The Evolution of Miko
The transition from the first version of Miko to Miko 2
marked a significant leap in technology. Miko 2 incorporated several
advancements, including enhanced facial recognition, better audio and visual
sensors, and improved battery life. Unlike its predecessor, Miko 2 no longer
required a smartphone for operation, instead relying on a one-time Wi-Fi setup.
These upgrades made Miko 2 more intuitive and user-friendly, reinforcing its
role as an advanced educational tool.
Integrating AI and Emotional Intelligence
A standout feature of Miko is its integration of artificial
intelligence (AI) with emotional intelligence. The robot is designed to engage
children in meaningful conversations, recognize their moods, and adapt its
interactions based on individual personalities. This emotional intelligence
sets Miko apart from other products, enabling it to form a deeper connection
with children and enhance their learning experience.
Ensuring Safety and Privacy
Privacy and safety were paramount in Miko’s design. Miko 2
includes a comprehensive parental control dashboard, allowing parents to
monitor and guide their child’s interactions with the robot. The device is
built with child-safe features and adheres to strict privacy standards,
addressing any concerns about data security and ensuring a safe environment for
children.
Expanding Market Reach
Miko’s appeal extended beyond major cities, reaching Tier 2
and Tier 3 markets. This broad acceptance highlighted the product’s versatility
and the growing demand for educational technology across various regions. The
positive response from diverse demographics underscored the effectiveness of
Miko in catering to different cultural and educational needs.
Looking Ahead: Future Innovations
Chintan and his team are focused on future developments,
with plans for subsequent versions of Miko, such as Miko 3 and Miko 4. These
future iterations will build on the foundation laid by Miko 2, incorporating
advanced features and expanding into global markets. The long-term vision
includes exploring new applications of emotional intelligence and robotics to
address emerging consumer needs.
Embracing Challenges and Future Prospects
Chintan Raikar’s journey reflects a combination of technical
expertise, entrepreneurial vision, and a commitment to addressing real-world
problems. As he navigates the complexities of innovation and market expansion,
his focus remains on enhancing Miko’s impact and exploring new frontiers in the
field of emotional robotics. The future promises exciting developments, with
Miko poised to make a lasting difference in the lives of children and their
families.
Timeline for Chintan Raikar’s story
At IIT Bombay: Chintan developed expertise in Aerospace
Engineering.
Altair Engineering: Created simulation software for
automotive systems.
AUV-IITB: Led development of autonomous underwater vehicles.
Internships: Worked on unmanned gliders and jet engine
diagnostics.
January 2015: Co-founded Miko, a child-friendly educational
robot.
Encounter in Bengaluru: Inspired Miko’s focus on educational
value and safety.
Early Funding: Raised initial capital despite market
challenges.
Miko 2: Enhanced with better sensors and no smartphone
dependency.
AI and Emotional Intelligence: Miko engages children with
adaptive interactions.
Safety and Privacy: Features comprehensive parental controls
and privacy safeguards.
Market Expansion: Reached diverse Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets.
Future Innovations: Developing Miko 3 and Miko 4 with
advanced features.
