A Bengaluru street vendor has become an unlikely internet sensation after a video showed him selling vegetables while wearing what appears to be AI data-collection headgear.
The clip, shared on Instagram by a user named Vaibhav, claims the vendor is earning around Rs 350 per hour, meaning around Rs 1 lakh per month. For many viewers, the sight was surreal. A vegetable seller standing in a traditional market while wearing technology associated with artificial intelligence research looked like a scene straight out of the future. But this is not an isolated case. From drones flying over crop fields to virtual reality headsets in village classrooms, the country’s digital transformation is unfolding far beyond major cities. Here are five remarkable examples. 1. Bengaluru vegetable vendor wearing AI data-collection gear A street vendor in Bengaluru recently grabbed social media attention after being spotted wearing a head-mounted device believed to be collecting visual data for artificial intelligence systems.
Such wearable devices are often used to capture real-world images and videos that help train AI models to better understand how people move, interact, shop, and navigate crowded environments. What made the moment fascinating was the contrast. On one side was a traditional vegetable cart, a familiar sight in Indian markets for decades. On the other was technology is associated with the future of AI development. For many people online, it was perhaps the first time they had seen a local vendor directly connected to the AI economy. 2. Farmers using drones to manage crops Not long ago, drones were mostly associated with the military, filmmaking, or technology enthusiasts. Today, they are becoming common sights above Indian farms. Farmers across states such as Punjab, Haryana, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh are increasingly using agricultural drones to spray pesticides, monitor crop health, map fields, and assess plant growth. Under initiatives promoting “Drone Didi” and precision agriculture, many rural communities have started adopting drone services. In some villages, drone operators are now as valuable as tractor drivers, demonstrating how farming is rapidly becoming a technology-driven profession. Also read: Are your important emails going to Gmail spam folder?:Learn why Google sends those messages to junk
3. Fishermen using GPS and satellite technology at sea For generations, Indian fishermen relied on experience, weather patterns, stars, and instinct to navigate vast waters. Today, many are equipped with sophisticated navigation technologies. These technologies help fishermen locate fishing zones more accurately, reduce fuel consumption, avoid dangerous weather conditions, and improve safety during long journeys. In coastal states such as Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh, technology is helping improve both safety and earnings. 4. Village students exploring the world through virtual reality Perhaps one of the most inspiring examples comes from India’s rural classrooms. Virtual Reality (VR) is transforming education in villages, allowing students to experience immersive lessons that would otherwise be impossible. One standout example comes from Waddhamna village near Nagpur in Maharashtra. The village is home to what is being described as India’s first AI-powered Anganwadi. What was once a simple preschool equipped with slates and chalk has evolved into a technology-enabled learning centre featuring: According to reports, attendance at the Anganwadi has risen significantly, with children coming not only for meals but also because learning has become more engaging and interactive. 5. Shepherds using smartphones to monitor livestock Across rural regions, livestock owners are increasingly using mobile apps and digital platforms to manage cattle, buffaloes, sheep, and goats. Some advanced systems even use smart collars and wearable sensors attached to cattle. These devices can monitor movement patterns, feeding habits, body temperature, and health indicators.
For shepherds managing large herds across open grazing lands, GPS-enabled monitoring can reduce the risk of losing animals and improve overall herd management.
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Interesting tech story isn’t happening in Silicon Valley
When people think of cutting-edge technology, they usually imagine engineers, laboratories, startups, or corporate offices. Yet some of the most fascinating examples are emerging from unexpected places. These moments reveal something important about India’s digital transformation.