Professor P Rajalakshmi leads a team at IIT Hyderabad in designing driverless shuttles. Launched in August 2023, these vehicles operate on campus, demonstrating advanced autonomous navigation technology. The project is valued at Rs 132 crore, transporting over 10,000 individuals. Future regulations for road usage of such vehicles are anticipated.
Women have increasingly asserted their presence in the automotive industry, transcending traditional roles. Notably, Professor P Rajalakshmi heads the Technology Innovation Hub on Autonomous Navigation (TiHAN) at the Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad, leading a team of over 100 engineers in pioneering driverless vehicle technology. Under her leadership, they produced both 14-seater and 6-seater autonomous shuttles, akin to those created by prominent companies like Tesla.
Launched in August 2023, these vehicles are designed to transport individuals along specific routes within the IIT Hyderabad campus in Kandi village, Telangana. Professor Rajalakshmi stated, “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. The vehicles ferry not only students, but anyone who enters the institute’s campus,” as reported by NDTV.
The electric vehicles, developed at TiHAN due to funding from the Department of Science and Technology, feature advanced technology. They display routes on screens using signals from assorted vehicle sensors to indicate navigation and obstacles. The vehicles stop for ten seconds at bus stops, with announcements made via screens and audio to aid passengers, and include an emergency stop button for safety.
All software and hardware components for this groundbreaking project, valued at Rs 132 crore, have been developed in-house. The driverless shuttle service operates six times daily within the campus, successfully transporting over 10,000 people on test runs exceeding 15,000 kilometers altogether.
Regarding possible road usage, Ms Rajalakshmi mentioned that the Indian government is formulating regulations for autonomous vehicles. She clarified, “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 signifies India’s commitment to advancing vehicle autonomy and futuristic technologies.
This article highlights the significant advancements made by IIT Hyderabad in the realm of autonomous vehicles, spearheaded by Professor P Rajalakshmi. Her leadership has fostered the development of innovative driverless shuttles designed primarily for campus transport while emphasizing the role of women in the automotive sector. The initiative showcases India’s potential in embracing future transportation technologies, pending governmental regulations for road usage.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
