The Rashtrapati Bhavan has a new attraction - science and innovation museum. The museum, “Navachara Kaksh” (room of new ideas), was inaugurated by President Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday. It will be open to visitors on Fridays and weekends as part of the Rashtrapati Bhavan tour.

The museum has been set up with the assistance of the chip-maker Intel. Many of the innovations are by Indian students. Navachara Kaksh will be open for visitors on weekends (Friday-Sunday) as part of the Rashtrapati Bhavan tour.

One of the main attractions of the museum is Clumsy, a robotic dog that can walk, squat and do yoga. It was designed by 17-year old Arsh Shah Dilbagi from Panipat. Shah has won awards at an international science competition.

Other displays are a 3D printer and a piano and tabla that can be played without touching the keys. Sensors detect hand movements and play the beats on the tabla with the help of microprocessors.

The museum aims to spark curiosity about technology among children visiting the Presidential Estate.

A “talking wall” and a “planet wall” are among the exhibits.The 'Talking Wall' and 'Planet Wall' are programmed to inform and encourage students towards innovation using an interactive audio-visual display.

These give information about national science fairs where students can showcase their talent and also features "young geniuses" who have earned international recognition through their ground-breaking research.

Visitors can click a 3D selfie with the Rashtrapati Bhavan as the backdrop and get the picture delivered by e-mail to their accounts. More projects are to be added to the museum around the year.

Intel will manage operations till the Rashtrapati Bhavan takes over. This is the first such museum that the chip-maker has set up apart from the one at its headquarters in the US.

"Most of these displays have been developed by youngsters in India. It is Intel's endeavour to promote skill development and innovation among youngsters across the globe and India. For us it is an important part of that effort," Intel India President Kumud Srinivasan said.

President Pranab Mukherjee expressed delight at the opening of the gallery, which he said will encourage experiential learning among children. "I am delighted that Navachara, a science and innovation gallery, will now be open for visitors to Rashtrapati Bhavan. I am sure this will go a long way in encouraging experiential learning among children and inspire them to innovate. The smart devices on display in the gallery will help kindle the spirit of exploration and inculcate a scientific temper in tomorrow?s innovators," he said.