IIT Hyderabad’s Pioneering Project in Autonomous Vehicles: Women…

Professor P Rajalakshmi leads a team at IIT Hyderabad developing autonomous shuttle vehicles. The project includes a 14-seater and a 6-seater, aimed at transporting individuals on campus. Launched in August 2023, these vehicles integrate advanced navigation technologies and safety features. The initiative signifies women’s increasing involvement in automotive innovation and poses future opportunities for public road applications.

In a significant breakthrough for women in the automotive industry, Professor P Rajalakshmi from the Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad, is pioneering the development of driverless shuttle vehicles. She leads a team of over 100 engineers in designing a 14-seater and a 6-seater autonomous vehicle similar to those produced by Tesla. These vehicles are intended for transportation along designated routes on-campus in Kandi village, Telangana.

Launched in August 2023, these electric vehicles exemplify the progress being made in autonomous navigation technologies. “IIT Hyderabad is working on autonomous navigation technologies. These are completely autonomous vehicles…” Rajalakshmi informs NDTV. The vehicles are not just for students but are accessible to anyone within the campus, marking a significant step in making cutting-edge technology widely available.

The vehicles come equipped with a display screen that provides navigational details and alerts about obstacles, complete with a 10-second stop at each bus stop. Additionally, announcements regarding passenger onboarding and offboarding occur via the screens and audio systems. An emergency stop button has also been integrated to ensure passenger safety, showcasing the thoughtful design behind the project.

All aspects of the vehicles, including software and hardware, have been developed in-house at IIT Hyderabad as part of the TiHAN project, which is valued at Rs 132 crore. Shuttle services operate six times daily, successfully transporting over 10,000 people across more than 15,000 kilometers within the campus, according to Rajalakshmi.

Regarding future road usage, Rajalakshmi notes that the government is contemplating regulations for autonomous vehicles, which should incorporate features from levels 0 to 1 of driver assistance technology. However, the current vehicles are designed exclusively for off-road operations in a controlled environment, indicating a progressive approach to integrating advanced technology in India.

The development of driverless vehicles at IIT Hyderabad, spearheaded by Professor P Rajalakshmi, highlights the growing influence of women in the engineering and automotive sectors. With significant investment in technology innovation, these autonomous shuttles demonstrate India’s capability to embrace futuristic innovations while prioritizing safety and accessibility. The project marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s journey toward incorporating advanced technological solutions in daily life.

Original Source: www.ndtv.com