IIT Hyderabad’s Women-Led Initiative in Autonomous Vehicle Development

Professor P Rajalakshmi leads a pioneering initiative at IIT Hyderabad, developing autonomous driverless shuttle vehicles. These vehicles, designed for off-road applications, operate on campus, providing transportation for students and visitors. The project has garnered significant investment and showcases India’s advancements in automotive technology.

The role of women in the automotive industry has significantly transformed, with many now leading teams and holding prominent positions. Professor P Rajalakshmi, head of the Technology Innovation Hub on Autonomous Navigation (TiHAN) at IIT Hyderabad, exemplifies this shift. She directs a team of over 100 engineers in creating autonomous shuttle vehicles, including a 14-seater and a 6-seater model, similar to the well-known Tesla cars, under the initiative launched in August 2023.

These driverless shuttles are designed to transport individuals along specific routes within the IIT campus in Kandi village, Telangana, primarily for educational and commuting purposes. Professor Rajalakshmi explains that “IIT Hyderabad is working on autonomous navigation technologies” which are strictly off-road vehicles suited for environments like agriculture and mining, serving both students and visitors on campus.

The initiative, backed by the Department of Science and Technology, has a budget of Rs 132 crore. The vehicles are equipped with advanced features, including a navigation screen displaying 3D maps and obstacle alerts. They stop at designated bus stations for 10 seconds and provide audible announcements for passengers, along with an emergency stop button for safety.

Operating six times daily, the shuttle services facilitate significant mobility, having already covered over 15,000 kilometers and served more than 10,000 passengers. Regarding the prospect of utilizing these vehicles in on-road scenarios, Professor Rajalakshmi notes that Indian government regulations are being developed for autonomous vehicle technology, with mandatory features between levels 0 to 1 set for this year, even as current operations remain restricted to off-road areas.

Professor P Rajalakshmi’s leadership at IIT Hyderabad represents a significant advancement in women’s roles in the automotive field. The TiHAN initiative highlights India’s commitment to developing autonomous vehicle technology, showcasing safety, innovation, and practical applications. As regulatory frameworks evolve, there is anticipation for the future integration of such technologies into everyday transportation.

Original Source: www.ndtv.com