Chennai, May 24, 2024 – In a groundbreaking move, ZF Commercial Vehicle Control Systems India Ltd has joined forces with the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IIT Madras) to establish the Bharat Multi-Modal Mobility Stack (BM3S), a pioneering global digital infrastructure platform aimed at sustainable and intelligent transportation. This collaboration marks a significant step towards revolutionizing the mobility landscape both in India and globally.
The collaboration between ZF and IIT Madras will see the development of BM3S, an innovative digital platform designed to support the creation of holistic system solutions. These solutions will be aligned with global sustainability goals, focusing on safety, sustainability, and equity. The ambitious targets of BM3S include a 50% reduction in transport emissions and accidents, paving the way for safer and more sustainable transportation.
This initiative brings together industry leaders, forward-thinking government agencies, and globally recognized academic institutions. By co-creating digital platforms, they aim to accelerate the development of cutting-edge mobility technologies. “At ZF, we are committed to shaping the future of mobility with innovative solutions that create connected, safe, smart, and sustainable mobility,” said P. Kaniappan, Managing Director of ZF Commercial Vehicles Solutions India Limited.
Dr. Christian Brenneke, Head of R&D and System Solutions at ZF CVS, emphasized the global impact of this initiative: “Modern India’s mobility challenges reflect issues faced worldwide. ZF is at the forefront of driving mobility technologies that address these issues, with the potential to transform and scale up for global needs.”
IIT Madras is committed to bringing technological innovations through translational research. Prof. Manu Santhanam, Dean of Industrial Consulting and Sponsored Research at IIT Madras, highlighted the importance of this partnership: “This collaboration with ZF will help accelerate mobility research and practice.”
BM3S aims to seamlessly integrate data streams, payment systems, vehicle technologies, and digital twin models, driving significant advancements in electric vehicles, autonomous driving, and intelligent transportation systems. The focus is on creating system solutions that align with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including a 50% reduction in transport emissions and fatalities, and ensuring that 50% of all transport comes from net-zero modes.
Dr. Ramakrishna Srinivasan, CEO of the MInT Collaborative at IIT Madras, stated: “By bringing together industry, government, and academia, the MInT consortium will co-create BM3S, laying the foundation for a safer, more sustainable, and equitable mobility ecosystem.”
This partnership between ZF and IIT Madras signifies a transformative step towards achieving global mobility solutions. By leveraging the strengths of industry, government, and academia, the BM3S initiative is set to redefine the future of transportation, making it safer, more sustainable, and equitable for all.
