The NMICPS Technology Innovation Hub on Autonomous Navigation (TiHAN) Foundation at IIT Hyderabad hosted Duddilla Sridhar Babu, minister for Information Technology, electronics and communications; industries and commerce; and legislative affairs, Telangana, along with T Jayaprakash Reddy, ex-MLA, Sangareddy.
The visit highlighted TiHAN’s advancements in autonomous navigation technologies designed for Indian road conditions.Prof. Tarun Kanti Panda, dean of International Relations of IIT Hyderabad, updated them about the Suzuki Review Meeting.
During the event, the minister participated in a review meeting of the collaborative project between TiHAN-IITH and Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC), which aims to develop advanced autonomous vehicle systems optimised for India’s diverse road conditions.
P Rajalakshmi, professor, Department of Electrical Engineering, Faculty in Department of Artificial Intelligence, and project director of TiHAN, briefed the minister on the project’s progress, including the integration of advanced sensing technologies, real-time data acquisition, and AI-driven decision-making systems.
DS Babu said, “The partnership is a prime example of how academia and industry can come together to solve real-world challenges. The work being done here at TiHAN, in collaboration with SMC, is not only advancing autonomous navigation technology but also ensuring that these innovations are tailored to meet the unique needs of Indian roads. This is crucial for the future of transportation in our country.”
He emphasised the importance of reversing the brain drain and fostering the growth of Indian technocrats, saying, “We are making every effort to reverse the brain drain by creating world-class research and development opportunities right here in India.
Initiatives like TiHAN, in collaboration with industry leaders such as Maruti Suzuki, are central to this mission. By promoting innovation and providing a platform for our technocrats to excel, we are ensuring that the best minds contribute to the growth and transformation of our nation.” The IT Minister also proposed equipping 65 ITIs with modern technologies and onboarding the Director of IITH to Skilled University, a Telangana govt initiative.
Prof. B. S. Murty, Director of IIT Hyderabad, highlighted the institute’s efforts to advance skilling and education, saying, “At IIT Hyderabad, we are not just pushing the boundaries of research but are also committed to preparing the next generation of skilled professionals.
Our AI UG programmes are designed to equip students and professionals with the necessary expertise to excel in this rapidly evolving field. We introduced the MTech programme in Smart Mobility, designed to meet the increasing demand for expertise in intelligent transportation systems. Our MTech in Smart Mobility bridges the gap between academic research and industry requirements, ensuring that our graduates are well-prepared to lead in the future of mobility.”
Prof. P Rajalakshmi presented TiHAN’s latest developments and research achievements, showcasing breakthroughs in autonomous vehicle technology, including sophisticated sensing systems, VSLAM, AI-driven decision-making algorithms, real-time obstacle detection, and optimal path planning tailored to Indian roads. She also emphasised ongoing research in intelligent transportation systems that promise to enhance road safety and efficiency across the country.
Kurachi Nobunari, Vice President of Suzuki Motor Corporation, expressed strong interest in future collaborations with TiHAN, stating, “We are keen to explore further opportunities to work together on projects that push the boundaries of innovation in autonomous systems.” Mr. Piyush Agarwal, Senior Division Manager of Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL), reflected on Suzuki’s pioneering role in the Indian automotive industry and their commitment to democratising technology and advancing autonomous navigation systems, ensuring safer and smarter roads in India.
The meeting concluded with a Q&A session where the IT Minister engaged with TiHAN researchers, followed by a comprehensive tour of TiHAN’s world-class facilities, including the first-of-its-kind autonomous vehicle testbed for Aerial and Terrestrial vehicles.
The Minister experienced live demonstrations of advanced driverless autonomous campus shuttle vehicle systems, focusing on their adaptability and performance in complex Indian traffic environments.