The first national seminar was conducted at VSSC in Thiruvananthapuram in 1985 and second was conducted in 1996 at VSSC and thereafter the seminar is regularly conducted every two years alternately by ISRO and DRDO.

INSARM was formed in 1999 during the third seminar and was inaugurated by former president of India Dr. APJ Addul Kalam at DRDL, Hyderabad to promote interaction of scientists and engineers working in this area.

ARMS-2012 seminar will focus on recent advances in mechanisms for defence and aerospace especially related to design, modelling, testing, and analysis.

An exhibition of newly developed mechanisms and products is also being arranged as part of the seminar. Exhibits of working models and posters of mechanisms and actual products from ISRO, DRDO Labs and industries will be displayed during the event.