IIT Mandi’s Quantum-Inspired Theory Reveals Hidden Logic Behind Collective Movement

• IIT Mandi researchers uncover how quantum-inspired dynamics in visual perception can explain flocking, swarming, and coordination, opening doors to new advances in robotics and neuroscience

Why do birds flock, fish school, or humans synchronize their movements without a designated leader? This age-old question has fascinated scientists across disciplines for decades. Now, 0 at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi have put forward a groundbreaking explanation: the secret may lie in quantum-inspired perception.

The study, led by Prof. Laxmidhar Behera and his team, Dr. Jyotiranjan Beuria and Mayank Chaurasiya, recently published in the prestigious journal Proceedings of the Royal Society A (2025), introduces a radical mathematical framework to explain how coordination emerges in nature. In classical models of collective motion, such as the well-known Vicsek model, agents align their movement based on their neighbors’ directions. While these models capture some aspects of swarming and flocking, they often fall short in accounting for real-world complexities, such as noisy environments, delays in response, or ambiguous information. The IIT Mandi team approached the puzzle from a different angle. Drawing inspiration from quantum mechanics, they proposed that each agent’s perception does not collapse immediately into a definite decision. Instead, it exists in a superposition of possibilities, much like a particle in quantum physics can exist in multiple states until observed.

Commenting on the study, Prof. Laxmidhar Behera, Director of IIT Mandi and co-author of the paper, said –

“Our work shows that quantum-inspired ideas can move beyond physics and provide fresh insight into one of nature’s oldest mysteries: how collective order arises out of local perception. The implications range from understanding the mind and brain to engineering next-generation intelligent systems.”

His words reflect a growing trend in modern science: borrowing principles from quantum theory to enrich disciplines far beyond fundamental physics. By bridging cognitive science, biology, and engineering, the IIT Mandi study points to a unifying framework for perception and coordination.

A Unified Framework for Nature and MachinesIn this framework, agents perceive their neighbors not through fixed snapshots but through entangled perceptual states that evolve dynamically. Coordination arises naturally as these states resolve, balancing uncertainty and alignment in a way that mirrors quantum behavior. A central contribution of the study is the introduction of two novel quantities: perception strength, which measures how strongly agents align their perceptual states, and perceptual energy, which measures the stability of collective perception within the group. Together, these measures allow scientists to quantify how coordination emerges even in noisy or incomplete conditions. Importantly, the researchers demonstrated that classical flocking models are special cases of their broader, quantum-inspired theory. This means that existing frameworks for collective motion can be seen as approximations within a more general, perception-driven model.

New Metrics for Measuring Group Intelligence

The implications of this work extend far beyond theory. In biology, the framework offers a new perspective on how swarms of animals remain cohesive despite disturbances. Instead of relying solely on physical interaction rules, the study suggests that perception itself plays a fundamental role in generating order in living systems.

Game-Changing Implications

In robotics, swarm robotics such as coordinated drones used in search-and-rescue operations, environmental monitoring, or planetary exploration could adopt quantum-inspired perception to achieve more flexible and adaptive coordination. In neuroscience and psychology, the study resonates with how human perception often involves ambiguity, sudden switching, and context-dependent interpretation. By offering a rigorous mathematical model for perceptual dynamics, the framework provides a fresh way to understand brain function and cognitive processes. In artificial intelligence, future AI systems could harness quantum-inspired perceptual operators to handle uncertainty with greater robustness, avoiding brittle or premature decisions when confronted with ambiguous or incomplete data.

About IIT Mandi:

IIT Mandi is one of the top second-generation IITs located in Kamand Valley, Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh, India. It is one of eight new Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) established by the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India, and recognized as one of Institutes of National Importance. IIT Mandi's permanent campus about 14 km (8.7 mi) from Mandi consists of the South and North campuses connected by a narrow neck. The South campus is on the left bank of the Uhl River below Kamand village. The North campus is along the Kataula Khad opposite Salgi village. A transit campus at Government Post graduate College, Mandi was handed over by the Himachal Pradesh Government on 16 November 2009. The Kamand campus ground-breaking ceremony, to mark the start of construction, was held on 13 April 2012.

On 25 April 2015, IIT Mandi became the first of all the new IITs to completely shift B. Tech students to its permanent campus in Kamand. Since its inception the institute has been involved with more than 275 Research and Development (R&D) projects worth more than ₹120 crore. In the past 10 years, the institute has signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with as many as 11 international and 12 national universities.

IIT Mandi Creates Super-Flexible Material for Future Wearable Gadgets

• The findings lay a strong foundation for building flexible electronics, wearable medical sensors, lightweight solar cells, next-generation strain sensors, and tunable optical devices.
• This study addresses one of the major challenges faced in the field of atomically thin materials: poor stability in air and difficulties in flexible device fabrication.
• This Work has published in advanced functional Materials

Globally, there is a major push toward flexible and wearable electronics, ranging from bendable smartphones to medical sensors that can monitor health in real-time. The success of these technologies depends heavily on advanced materials research. Graphene, a thin two-dimensional (2D) material with extraordinary properties, predicted to be the foundation for next-generation devices such as photodetectors, sensors, supercapacitors, and flexible electronics.

However, graphene has many limitations. Over a four-year period, oxidation and degradation of such thin 2D materials (WS2) were observed, leading to poor device efficiency. In addition, transfer techniques like those used for 2D materials often damaged the delicate flakes, resulting in slippage, weak adhesion, and loss of optical or electrical properties.

 

To address this, researchers at IIT Mandi developed a ground-breaking WS₂–PDMS composite fabrication. A long-lasting and flexible material that could power the next generation of wearable gadgets, bendable phones, and health-monitoring devices.

The development of WS₂–PDMS composite fabrication

The research, led by Prof. Viswanath Balakrishnan along with Yadu Chandran, Dr. Deepa Thakur, and Anjali Sharma from IIT Mandi, introduces a water-mediated, non-destructive transfer method that enables chemical vapor deposited WS₂ (a widely studied semiconductor) monolayers to be sandwiched within PDMS layers.

Speaking about the breakthrough, Prof. Viswanath Balakrishnan, Associate Professor, School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, IIT Mandi, said, “This development a significant milestone toward flexible, wearable electronics from 2D materials. By protecting those atomically thin layers while not giving up their optical or electrical properties, we've defined a scalable, long-lived platform for the next generation of sensors, displays, and health-monitoring.” This research will be helpful in creating wearable health-monitoring sensors, flexible displays and smartphones, solar cells and light-harvesting devices, strain sensors, memristors, optoelectronic systems and quantum technologies such as valleytronics and photon emitters.”

The researchers demonstrated that encapsulating monolayer tungsten disulfide (WS₂) in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) maintained stability for over a year without any signs of oxidation and degradation. Furthermore, the vertical stacking of WS₂-PDMS layers enhanced optical absorption by more than fourfold while preserving the intrinsic properties of the monolayers. Additionally, the composite exhibited excellent flexibility and durability, withstanding thousands of bending cycles without delamination and ensuring efficient strain transfer.

Overall, this research addresses a key challenge in using atomically thin materials, their poor stability in air. By developing a simple composite strategy using PDMS, these materials can be preserved for long-term use while maintaining their unique properties. Since they are the foundation for flexible electronics, wearable health monitors, next-generation sensors, and efficient optoelectronic devices, this method directly contributes to technologies that will impact daily life in the near future.

National Importance of the Research

This innovation directly contributes to India’s National Quantum Mission, (an initiative by the Government of India to propel the nation to the forefront of quantum technology research and development with a budget allocation of ₹6,000 crore) by enabling durable 2D materials that are vital for quantum light sources, single-photon emitters, and secure communication technologies. It also aligns with the growing global demand for flexible electronics, wearable healthcare systems, and energy-efficient devices.

This initiative has the potential to establish India as a global leader in quantum computing, secure communications, and advanced quantum materials. Two-dimensional TMDs can play a pivotal role as single-photon emitters, valleytronics platforms, and quantum light sources, crucial elements of quantum computing and communication. The compatibility of such materials with flexible platforms also opens the possibility of integrated quantum devices on bendable and transparent substrates, offering design advantages that traditional bulk materials cannot achieve.

Practical Implications

The findings lay a strong foundation for building flexible electronics, wearable medical sensors, lightweight solar cells, next-generation strain sensors, and tunable optical devices. Since PDMS is biocompatible, the nanocomposite is especially promising for wearable health monitors that can be directly attached to the human body for real-time tracking.

The method also allows vertical stacking of layers to integrate multiple functionalities on a single compact platform. It is scalable, cost-effective, and free of complications, making it suitable for industrial adoption.

One highlight of this research is that the process avoids harmful chemicals, reducing environmental impact. With its long-term vision, the approach can accelerate the development of durable, high-performance devices that fit seamlessly into smart wearables, healthcare technologies, and energy-efficient systems, ultimately benefiting society at large.

IIT Study Finds Indian Ragas Sculpt Brain Activity, Boost Focus & Calm

In a landmark fusion of India’s rich musical heritage and cutting-edge neuroscience, a new and recent study led by Prof. Laxmidhar Behera, Director of IIT Mandi, has offered compelling scientific validation for a long-held cultural belief that music can transform the mind, exploring the dynamics of brain microtubules. Published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, the study reveals that listening to Indian Classical Ragas can significantly influence brain activity, enhancing attention, emotional regulation, and mental stability.

Conducted in collaboration with IIT Kanpur on 40 participants, the research employed advanced EEG microstate analysis, a real-time brain-mapping technique that captures momentary but meaningful patterns of neural activity. These “microstates,” often lasting just tens of milliseconds, represent the brain’s transient modes of operation such as attention, emotional engagement, or mind-wandering.

Prof. Laxmidhar Behera (far left), Dr. Ashish Gupta (Centre), and  Prof. Braj Bhushan (far right) during the EEG-based music and brain experiment.

What makes this study exceptional is the measurable impact of specific Ragas on these brain states. Raga Darbari, known for its soothing and uplifting qualities, was found to increase attention-related microstates while reducing those associated with mind-wandering, indicating deeper focus and cognitive clarity.

In contrast, Raga Jogiya, a melancholic melody, not only enhanced attentional networks but also activated emotion-regulation microstates, enabling listeners to process emotions with calm and composure. “EEG microstates offer a window into how the brain operates moment by moment,” explained Prof. Behera. “It is remarkable to see how these ancient melodies consistently guide the brain into more stable and focused patterns.” Ashish Gupta, the first author of the study, emphasized that the shifts observed in neural activity were not random. “The data showed repeatable, consistent transitions after exposure to the Ragas, suggesting Indian Classical music can serve as a powerful tool for mental wellness,” he said.

With mental health challenges such as stress, burnout, and attention deficits on the rise, this research points to a culturally resonant, non-invasive alternative. The research team suggests that listening to Raga Darbari before exams or important meetings may improve focus, while Raga Jogiya could help manage emotional overwhelm or grief. The study doesn’t just underscore how people feel in response to music, it demonstrates how the brain structurally responds, offering new potential for music-based interventions in cognitive and emotional health. Professor Braj Bhushan of IIT Kanpur, co-author of the study, remarked, “This work reveals the remarkable capacity of Indian Classical music to engage cognitive and emotional systems. It opens a new path for developing personalized, music-based mental health support tools rooted in India’s cultural wisdom.”

In a further affirmation of the findings, the research team conducted a parallel study on Western participants, which confirmed similar effects of classical music on brain microstates. This cross-cultural consistency highlights the universal neurological power of classical music. Both studies, co-authored by Dr. Ashish Gupta, Mr. Chandan Kumar Srivastava, Prof. Braj Bhushan, and Prof. Laxmidhar Behera, have been published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience.

In doing so, they contribute not only to the scientific understanding of music’s influence on the brain, but also to a growing movement that harmonizes ancient traditions with modern science reminding us that the future of mental well-being may well lie in the timeless strains of the past.

MBCC 2025 at IIT Mandi: Pioneering Indian Knowledge for Societal Change

Mind Brain Consciousness Conference 2025 (MBCC 2025) will be held at IIT Mandi from June 4 to 7. At the heart of this annual gathering lies the Indian Knowledge System (IKS)—a profound, holistic framework that integrates ancient wisdom with contemporary inquiry.

This conference brings together researchers from diverse fields such as neuroscience, cognitive science, psychology, Indian philosophy, and Vedantic theology, to engage in meaningful deliberation on the nature of mind, brain, and consciousness from multiple perspectives. These deliberations are not only important for mental well-being, they will impact all fields of study including environment, agriculture, healthcare, innovation and creative leadership.

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar will grace the conference as a visionary speaker. The event will feature keynote addresses by Prof. Shrinivasa Varakhedi (Vice Chancellor of the Central Sanskrit University), Professor Gautam Desiraju (IISc), one of the highest cited Indian scientists, Prof. Roumiana Tsenkova, Kobe University, Japan, Dr. B N Gangadhar, Chairman, National Medical Commission and Former Director, NIMHANS and Bhakti Rasamrita Swami, a Bhakti-vedantist.

The conference is being curated by the center of Indian Knowledge Systems for Mental Health Application (IKSMHA) at IIT Mandi.

Panel discussions featuring leaders and experts in diverse fields from around the world will address “Indian Knowledge Systems shaping the science of cognitive matter” and “Nurturing civilizational consciousness for national transformation”.

Special sessions feature Prof. Chayan Nandi on consciousness biomarkers, Dr. Amit Sethi on brain dynamics and cognition, and Prof. Ajay Chaturvedi, offering a systems perspective on economy and civilizational transitions.

What sets MBCC apart is its outcome-oriented design — bringing together investors, judges, students, and innovators in a space where ideas are meant to translate into action. Highlights include student business plans on the Kullhad Economy, a fresh production-driven model rooted in Indic values.

IIT Mandi Director Prof Laxmidhar Behera notes, “MBCC 2025 reflects our commitment to shaping ideas that matter — where tradition informs innovation and transformation.” MBCC 2025 promises to be a crucible of purpose-driven collaboration — inviting scholars, practitioners, and seekers into a space of lasting impact.

The conference is being chaired by Prof. Laxmidhar Behera (IIT Mandi), Dr. Anirban Chakraborty (National Institute of Materials Science, Japan), and Prof. Ganpati Ramanath (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, USA, and Uppsala University, Sweden).

IIT Mandi and US-based RxDataScience Tie-up to Create Portal Documenting AI & ML Research in Pharma Sector

Premier tech institute Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi located in Himachal Pradesh, has join hands with RxDataScience Inc, a US-based healthcare-focussed big data analytics software firm, to create a portal documentation Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) research in the pharmaceutical sector.

A team of IIT Mandi will also work closely with RxDataScience Inc, to apply deep-learning methods and cognitive algorithms for discovering patterns among patient journeys and social ties among physicians. This is part of a long-term collaboration focused on performing machine-learning on healthcare datasets concerning patients and physicians and developing novel web-based visualizations.

“Data Sciences in India are at a very nascent stage yet but in the US, most healthcare and pharmaceutical companies have moved onto the consulting stage wherein live cases are debated online by the doctors and medical practitioners’ community," said Prof. Varun Dutt, assistant professor, school of computing and electrical engineering, IIT Mandi, while explaining the importance of collaboration with RxDataScience.

India is at the helm of a healthcare boom given that the Government of India has hiked in health spending by 11 per cent with a gross budgetary allocation of Rs. 1,200 crores for opening more hospitals.

"State-of-the-art infrastructure on ground can help only when off ground data science evolves and put the registers and medical charts online up for discussion with other doctors. IIT Mandi is pleased to work with such a nodal agency in the healthcare sector the world over and this puts India on the world map of healthcare mapping online," said Prof. Dutt further.

Expressing happiness at this collaboration, Mr. Larry Pickett, Chief Executive Officer, RxDataScience Inc., said, “The RxDataScience and IIT Mandi research collaboration has been extremely productive in generating innovative new algorithms and visualization tools using the latest AI and machine learning approaches applied to longitudinal patient data. Both patients and our biopharma clients benefit from insights generated using novel approaches with cognitive and decision sciences applied to patient finding, patient journey and other complex use cases. We are excited to continue our long-term partnership with Dr. Varun Dutt and the PhD and undergraduate students at IIT Mandi.”

A good number of pharmaceutical giants across the world are eyeing India to tap the vast number of patients' records and data, which can be mined through AI, ML for predictive analysis. American pharmaceutical conglomerate Pfizer and FITT (Foundation of Innovation and Technology Transfer) at IIT-Delhi, have already joined hands for Pfizer IIT Delhi Innovation and IP Program (PIDIIP), designed to provide funding, resources, expertise and infrastructure to healthcare startups and Individual innovators across India

To recall, in April this year, Swiss multinational healthcare firm Roche too announced that it is looking for startups in India that will help the company bring evidence-based medicine in India through its proprietary technology.

To recall, tech giant Google is also working on an AI-driven tool called 'Google Brain', in which it has developed a data processing pipeline for transforming electronic health record (EHR) files into a standardized format. Moreover, very recently an undergraduate from IIT, Kanpur, made India proud by bagging the fellowship of Google Brain.

Via - Pharmabiz.com

[Top Image - RxDataScience.com]