Women Lead Innovations: IIT Hyderabad’s Driverless Vehicles Initiative

Professor P Rajalakshmi leads a team at IIT Hyderabad in developing driverless shuttle vehicles. Launched in August 2023, these 14-seater and 6-seater electric vehicles operate within the campus, showcasing India’s advancements in autonomous navigation technology. The project, valued at Rs 132 crore, promises to enhance transportation while awaiting potential regulations for road use.

Women have made significant strides in the automotive sector, taking on roles from leading design teams to managing major companies. A prime example is Professor P Rajalakshmi, who heads the Technology Innovation Hub on Autonomous Navigation (TiHAN) at the Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad. She leads a team of over 100 engineers in creating driverless shuttle vehicles, similar to those produced by Tesla, aiming to transport individuals within the campus of IIT Hyderabad.

Launched in August 2023, these autonomous vehicles, which include both 14-seater and 6-seater options, operate on designated paths within the Kandi village campus in Telangana. According to Ms. Rajalakshmi, “IIT Hyderabad is working on autonomous navigation technologies. These are completely autonomous vehicles and are mostly meant for off-road means such as agriculture or mining. They ferry not only students, but anyone who enters the institute’s campus,” she stated.

The electric vehicles developed by TiHAN feature advanced navigation systems, including screens that provide a 3D map and obstacle alerts. They are designed to stop at bus stops for 10 seconds and include voice announcements related to boarding and alighting. The project, which has no precedent in India, is valued at Rs 132 crore, and all components have been developed in-house by IIT Hyderabad engineers.

The shuttle services operate six times daily, accommodating both 14 and 6 passengers. Ms. Rajalakshmi shared that the test vehicle has completed over 15,000 kilometers, transporting more than 10,000 individuals within the campus. Regarding future road usage, she commented, “The (Union) government is coming up with regulations on autonomous vehicle technology. Six of the level 0 to level 1 – involving driver assisted system – features will be mandated by this year. As of now, these vehicles are meant for off-road purposes.”

This initiative marks a step towards India’s development and adoption of futuristic technology in transportation, indicating a promising future for autonomous vehicles in the country.

In conclusion, the advancements made by Professor P Rajalakshmi and her team at IIT Hyderabad underscore the important role women play in the evolution of the automotive industry. The launch of driverless shuttle vehicles represents a significant technological achievement, aiming to enhance transportation within the campus and potentially set the stage for future developments in autonomous driving. As regulations evolve, the integration of such innovations into broader contexts remains a pivotal area of growth for India.

Original Source: www.ndtv.com