The IIT Hyderabad has launched autonomous shuttle vehicles, led by Professor P Rajalakshmi, showcasing a significant role for women in technology. The vehicles operate on campus, offering shuttle services to students and visitors. Developed by a team at TiHAN, they feature advanced navigation systems and are aimed at off-road transportation, with future regulatory developments expected for broader use.
The presence of women in the automotive industry has seen substantial evolution, transitioning from passenger roles to leading design and engineering teams. Professor P Rajalakshmi, who leads the Technology Innovation Hub on Autonomous Navigation (TiHAN) at IIT Hyderabad, exemplifies this progression. Professor Rajalakshmi oversees a team of over 100 engineers that designed and manufactured autonomous shuttle vehicles, including 14-seater and 6-seater models reminiscent of Tesla’s driverless cars.
Launched in August 2023, these driverless vehicles operate on a predefined route within the IIT campus located in Kandi village, Telangana. Professor Rajalakshmi expressed, “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.”
Developed by TiHAN, the vehicles are equipped with screens displaying navigation routes and receive signals from sensors for various functions, including obstacle detection. They stop at designated bus stops for 10 seconds and announce information for passengers via screens and voice. Notably, an emergency stop button is installed in each vehicle. The TiHAN project, funded at Rs 132 crore, showcases India’s unique venture into autonomous vehicle technology.
The shuttle services operate six times daily, with three services offered each in the morning and afternoon. The larger shuttle accommodates 14 passengers, while the smaller option seats six. Professor Rajalakshmi noted the test vehicles have successfully completed over 15,000 kilometres, transporting more than 10,000 individuals within the campus. In response to inquiries about on-road capabilities, she stated, “The (Union) government is coming up with regulations on autonomous vehicle technology. Six of the level 0 to level 1 – involving driver assisted systems – features will be mandated by this year. As of now, these vehicles are meant for off-road purposes.”
India is evidently preparing to embrace futuristic technology advancements.
The IIT Hyderabad initiative showcases the advancement and significant role of women in the automotive sector through the pioneering efforts of Professor P Rajalakshmi. With the successful development and operation of autonomous shuttle vehicles on campus, this project highlights the expanding frontier of technology in India. As regulations evolve, the broader introduction of autonomous vehicles across various domains appears promising, reflecting a shift towards innovative transportation solutions.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
