Dr. Rambabu Muppidi’s Toy Robo earns 25th design patent

Dr. Rambabu Muppidi, senior faculty at the Footwear Design and Development Institute (FDDI), Chennai, has been granted his 25th design patent in India. The patent was published in the Indian Patent Office Journal No. 07/2026 on 13 February 2026. With 26 patents granted out of 44 filed applications, Dr. Muppidi is recognized as one of South India’s leading academic innovators in toy design, handicrafts, and sustainable product development.

The inspiration for one of his most notable creations, Toy Robo, came from his daughter Sri Ananya, who asked for a unique toy designed by her father. This simple request led Dr. Muppidi to approach the project with careful research. He visited children’s parks in Hyderabad, observing play habits and consulting parents to ensure the toy would be safe, lightweight, and engaging for children.

Toy Robo was crafted using traditional Etikoppaka wood, known for its lightness and eco-friendliness. The toy was hand-carved and finished with child-safe natural colors, while digital CAD modeling helped refine proportions and balance. This combination of traditional craftsmanship and modern design reflects Dr. Muppidi’s philosophy of blending culture with innovation.

To secure legal protection, Dr. Muppidi collaborated with IPR advocate Subhajith Saha to file the patent, which was officially granted in February 2026. Beyond its design, Toy Robo symbolizes a father’s dedication, a child’s inspiration, and the social responsibility of a designer. It promotes safe play, cultural pride, and eco-conscious production. Dr. Muppidi encourages students and young designers to research before creating, respect tradition, protect their ideas, and view design as a responsibility toward society. Toy Robo shows that even small ideas inspired by family can become nationally recognized innovations.