IIT Hyderabad’s TiHAN Project Revolutionizes Driverless Vehicles
Professor P Rajalakshmi leads a team at IIT Hyderabad, developing driverless shuttle vehicles for campus transport. Launched in August 2023, the project features 14-seater and 6-seater electric vehicles, equipped with advanced navigation systems. TiHAN project, valued at Rs 132 crore, signifies the shift towards autonomous vehicle technology in India.
Women have increasingly taken on prominent roles within the automotive industry, with significant contributions from leaders like Professor P Rajalakshmi. As the head of the Technology Innovation Hub on Autonomous Navigation (TiHAN) at IIT Hyderabad, she leads a team of over 100 engineers in developing driverless shuttle vehicles similar to Tesla’s autonomous cars.
The two models launched in August 2023 include a 14-seater and a 6-seater, designed for transportation along specific routes within the IIT Hyderabad campus in Sangareddy, Telangana. “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,” stated Ms. Rajalakshmi. The vehicles cater to both students and visitors on campus.
Developed at TiHAN, these electric vehicles feature a screen displaying a 3D navigational map and are equipped with sensors to detect obstacles. They stop at bus stops for 10 seconds and provide announcements for passenger boarding and alighting. An emergency stop button is also included for safety. The TiHAN project, a unique initiative in India, has a budget of Rs 132 crore and includes all necessary software and hardware designed by the institute.
The driverless shuttles operate six times daily, transporting users with the larger model accommodating 14 passengers and the smaller accommodating 6. Ms. Rajalakshmi noted that the test vehicle has successfully covered over 15,000 kilometers while transporting more than 10,000 people within the campus. Regarding integration on public roads, she indicated that government regulations for autonomous vehicle technology are forthcoming. “Six of the level 0 to level 1 – involving driver assisted systems – features will be mandated by this year,” she mentioned. Currently, the vehicles are designated for off-road applications, signifying India’s readiness to adopt advanced technology.
The project led by Professor P Rajalakshmi at IIT Hyderabad exemplifies the growing role of women in the automotive sector and highlights advancements in autonomous technology. As driverless vehicles gain prominence, the initiative not only serves as an innovative transport solution but also aligns with future regulatory frameworks, paving the way for both agricultural and mining applications. With increasing operational statistics and government support, this project underscores India’s commitment to embracing cutting-edge vehicular technologies.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
