A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between the  DST NMICPS Technology Innovation Hub on Autonomous Navigation (TiHAN), IIT Hyderabad  (IITH) and Advanced Technology R & D Center (ATC), Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (MELCO) for collaboration in research and development in the emerging field of autonomous navigation. By  combining the organisation’s strengths and capabilities, this partnership will support the innovation  ecosystem, skill development, and entrepreneurship activities in the field of autonomous navigation  systems. TiHAN-IITH and ATC-MELCO will collaborate to pool their technical expertise,  infrastructure, expertise, and experience in the field of technological advancements. 

“MoU signing between TiHAN-IITH and ATC-MELCO is a wonderful moment which has initiated a  long-standing partnership between the organisations. The motto of IITH is Inventing and Innovating  in Technology for Humanity, and TiHAN, which has been established with the vision of supporting  activities related to Autonomous Navigation, is a feather in the cap of IITH. TiHAN Testbed is a  state-of-the-art facility and the first of its kind in the nation for testing and validating different use  cases of autonomous vehicles. Our association with MELCO will be a game-changer and will help  both TiHAN and MELCO grow significantly together and for the nation”, said Prof B S Murty,  Director, IITH. 

“The area of focus of TiHAN is a very important subject for the drone and automotive industry  currently. Autonomous vehicles are being talked about globally, and levels of autonomy are being  implemented in Indian vehicles as well. However, there is a void in creating an ecosystem for  research and development to deliver services for innovation with industry-academia collaboration,  etc. MELCO is already in a plan developing an Incubation center where the space and services will  be provided to establish an ecosystem of academia and industry startups. We are pleased to enter this collaborative relationship with TiHAN, combining our expertise and technological strengths to  contribute to the future of society. This collaboration marks a significant step towards realizing safer  and more efficient social systems through joint research and practical demonstrations. Though this  is a small step, with determination and collaboration, this association can lead to significant  advancements beneficial to both industry and academia.”, said Mr. Nobutoshi Todoroki, General  Manager, ATC-MELCO.

Explaining TiHAN- IITH efforts in Autonomous Navigation, Prof P Rajalakshmi, Project  Director, TiHAN-IITH, said, “TiHAN, IITH is working towards the vision of being the destination  of next-generation mobility solutions providing a collaborative research platform for industry, R&D  labs and academia at both national and international levels. We look forward to timely and relevant  collaborations and joint research initiatives with MELCO.” 

Speaking about MELCO and future collaborations with TiHAN, Mr. Nobutoshi Todoroki also mentioned, “Autonomous navigation is going to have widespread applications across the domains  where MELCO and TiHAN can synergize and collaborate. MELCO being a major industry player  which can facilitate necessary interventions so that the products developed are not only market-ready  but can also ensure international quality standards and reduce reiteration of work. Future  collaborative works between MELCO and TiHAN include researches, project based problem  statements support, Industry support through certification courses and employment.” 

A signing ceremony was held in the esteemed presence of representatives from Mitsubishi Electric  Corporation (MELCO), TiHAN – Technology Innovation Hub on Autonomous Navigation at IITH,  Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency  (JICA) marking a significant milestone in collaborative innovation and research.