Inker Robotics uses automation to revive Kerala’s 4,000-year-old puppetry art form – Economic Times

Thrissur: Kerala-based Inker Robotics has initiated a programme to preserve the 4,000-year-old puppetry art form, using technology and automation.

Called Tholapavakoothu, or 'Shadow Puppetry of Kerala', is played traditionally by 'Pulavar' accompanied with shadow light, sound, and songs. Pulavar is the title given to a scholar and performer, who has extensive knowledge of Tholapavakoothu.

The first live model of the automated process in puppetry was showcased at the District Heritage Museum in Palakkad on Thursday. With zero compromise on the traditional art form, the automation technology is designed to seamlessly mimic the puppet movements, otherwise controlled by skilled hand movements.

"The application of automation to revive the puppetery art form is one of the many examples that when innovatively used, the benefits of automation is transformational." Rahul P. Balachandran, chief executive officer at Inker Robotics, said. "In the middle of a pandemic, a dedicated team of engineers at Inker Robotics studied the delicate art form along with Pulavars and worked passionately to bring to life this art form."

"With the successful implementation of this project, we are confident that this will re-ignite the interest and revive the 4,000-year-old art form that was part of folklore and growing up years of millions of children in the country," he added.

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Inker Robotics uses automation to revive Kerala's 4,000-year-old puppetry art form - Economic Times