COIMBATORE: A sari-clad robot named ‘Tina’ became the star attraction at the Coimbatore Government Arts College polling station on Thursday. Designed and developed by the college’s own students, the robot was deployed to greet voters and provide a tech-forward welcome to the democratic process.Operated via joystick by student creators, Tina moved gracefully through the crowds, distributing toffees to people waiting to cast their ballots. Clad in traditional Indian attire, the robot was part of a conscious effort by the student body to alleviate “election day anxiety” and spark public interest in emerging technologies.The initiative quickly became a viral sensation, drawing significant attention on social media and from the general public. While the move aimed at making the voting experience more approachable, it was the first-time voters who showed the most enthusiasm. Groups of young adults were seen queuing up—not just for their turn at the booth, but to snap selfies and pose for photographs with their mechanical host. District officials praised the students’ ingenuity, noting that such creative interventions help modernise the voting experience while maintaining a sense of cultural familiarity.
