Bangalore, 3rd July 2024: In a significant move to enhance capacity building in the automotive sector, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) has partnered with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) to establish a state-of-the-art Mobility Engineering Laboratory. This collaboration aims to bridge the gap between industry and academia, fostering an ecosystem that nurtures advanced technological competencies for the future.
Founded in 1909, the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) has a storied history of excellence in education and research, being recognized as an Institute of Eminence (IoE) by the Government of India. IISc’s mission to conduct groundbreaking research aligns perfectly with the objectives of this new initiative.
The mobility sector is undergoing a transformative shift due to climate change and the global push towards sustainable technologies. India’s automotive industry is at a crossroads, needing to adopt greener technologies while maintaining competitiveness. The new Mobility Engineering Laboratory at IISc will play a pivotal role in this transition, equipping future engineers with multidisciplinary skills to develop advanced mobility solutions.
Over the next three years (FY 2024-2027), TKM will support the lab with essential equipment and infrastructure, including a high-speed dynamometer, battery emulator, automation and control systems, and vehicle simulation software. This facility will serve various departments, such as Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, and focus on electrified vehicle powertrain technologies.
A key feature of the lab will be the Hardware-in-Loop (HIL) Test facility, which allows for comprehensive testing of electrified vehicle components under simulated real-world conditions. This technology is crucial for developing safe, efficient, and cost-effective vehicle drivetrains, reducing the need for physical prototypes and accelerating innovation.
Prof G Rangarajan, Director of IISc, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “We are delighted to join hands with TKM to establish the Mobility Engineering Laboratory. This facility will provide our students and researchers with state-of-the-art tools to address critical challenges in the automotive industry. The partnership will foster a culture of innovation and excellence, leading to significant advancements in electrified vehicle powertrain technologies.”
Sudeep Dalvi, Senior Vice President and Chief Communication Officer at TKM, echoed these sentiments, saying, “We are honored to partner with IISc, an institution synonymous with academic and research excellence. This MoU marks a milestone in our efforts to drive technological advancements and skill development in mobility engineering. By supporting this lab, we are investing in the future of sustainable mobility and the development of skilled engineers in India.”
TKM’s commitment to education and skill development is further evidenced by its collaborations with the Government of Karnataka and initiatives like the Toyota Technical Training Institute (TTTI) and the Toyota Technical Education Program (T-TEP). These programs provide world-class training to rural youth in Karnataka, fostering scalable and sustainable education that meets global standards.
Through these efforts, TKM has positively impacted over 2.3 million lives, addressing the diverse needs of communities across the region. The establishment of the Mobility Engineering Laboratory is a testament to TKM’s dedication to promoting education, fostering innovation, and driving the future of sustainable mobility in India.
