Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) And Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Join Hands To Establish Mobility Engineering Lab

In continuation of its endeavours to promote capacity building, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) today announced that it has joined hands with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) to support the establishment of a Mobility Engineering Laboratory. Recognizing the need for industry and academia to come together to create a desired ecosystem where the competency of the future can be met, this pioneering initiative by IISc is supported by TKM in the field of learning, aims to enable teaching in advanced cutting-edge technologies, as well as high-end research and development.

Founded in 1909 through the visionary efforts of industrialist Jamsetji Nusserwanji Tata, the Government of India, and the Mysore Royal Family, the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) stands as one of India's premier institutions for advanced education and research. Its mission is to provide cutting-edge research and conduct original investigations across all fields of knowledge. Consistently ranked as the top Indian institution in global rankings, IISc is also recognized as an Institute of Eminence (IoE) by the Government of India.

The mobility sector is experiencing a paradigm shift driven by climate change, driving the need to shift away from fossil fuels. In India, the automotive industry also faces the challenges of rapidly shifting to greener technologies and embracing the energy transition that is taking place globally, all the while retaining its competitiveness. IISc, with its strong industry connections and commitment to excellence is ideally positioned to leverage the Mobility Engineering Laboratory. This facility will help equip the next generation of engineers with the multidisciplinary skills needed to develop advanced mobility solutions. The laboratory will focus on electrified vehicle powertrain technologies, utilizing Hardware-in-Loop (HIL) simulation for comprehensive testing and development.

From FY 2024 to 2027, TKM will support the establishment of the Mobility Engineering Laboratory and the procurement of essential equipment and infrastructure, such as a high-speed dynamometer, battery emulator, automation and control systems, vehicle simulation software, and mounting hardware for motors and engine. The laboratory will support research across various departments, including Mechanical Engineering and Electrical Engineering, among others.

A significant feature of the Mobility Engineering Laboratory will be the Hardware-in-Loop (HIL) Test facility for research and development of electrified vehicle powertrains. The HIL simulation combines real-world measurements with simulations, allowing for reproducible, fast, and cost-effective testing. It is crucial for vehicle development, enabling the testing of individual components such as engines, motors, and batteries, under simulated real-world driving conditions. This laboratory will facilitate the design and development of vehicle drivetrain configurations and control strategies, ensuring safety and performance while minimizing costs and development time associated with physical prototypes.

Prof G Rangarajan, Director, IISc said, “We are delighted to join hands with TKM to establish the Mobility Engineering Laboratory. This facility will provide our students and researchers state-of-the-art tools and infrastructure to address critical challenges in the automotive industry, including emissions reduction and energy efficiency. The collaboration with TKM will bring together the best minds in academia and industry, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence. We anticipate many significant advancements resulting from this collaboration, particularly in the areas of electrified vehicle powertrain technologies. The laboratory will also play a crucial role in supporting our newly launched MTech programme in Mobility Engineering. Together, we will equip the next generation of engineers with the skills and knowledge they need to lead the transformation of the automotive industry.”

Mr. Sudeep Dalvi, Senior Vice President and Chief Communication Officer, Toyota Kirloskar Motor said, “We are honoured to partner with IISc, an institution synonymous with academic and research excellence. This MoU marks a significant milestone in our efforts to foster innovation in mobility engineering. At TKM, we believe in the power of collaboration to drive technological advancements and skill development. By supporting the establishment of the Mobility Engineering Laboratory, we are not just supporting in enhancing research infrastructure but in the future of sustainable mobility and the development of skilled engineers in India. This laboratory will serve as a crucible for pioneering research, enabling the development of new technologies that address the pressing challenges of our times, such as climate change and the need for cleaner, more efficient transportation solutions. We are confident that this initiative will catalyse groundbreaking research and nurture the next generation of engineers who will drive the future of sustainable mobility.”

At TKM, promoting education and skilling has always been a key focus. One of the company’s significant endeavours in creating strong partnerships is its collaboration with the Government of Karnataka (GoK) to advance higher education. TKM has been identified as an Industrial Training Provider (ITP) by the Government Tool Room & Training Centre (GTTC). In January 2021, TKM signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to impart industry-specific skill development training at GTTC locations. TKM is also actively working towards setting up of Centre of Excellence (COEs) across Bengaluru, aiming at offering engineering students with hands-on experience about powertrains and its functioning.

In addition to this, through skilling initiatives like the Toyota Technical Training Institute (TTTI) and the Toyota Technical Education Program (T-TEP), TKM provides world-class training and skill development to rural youth in Karnataka, fostering scalable and sustainable education that meets global standards. Furthermore, TKM has also supported the construction and renovation of school infrastructure in rural and semi-urban areas, ensuring students have access to safe and well-equipped learning environments. Through its ongoing social development efforts since 2001, TKM has positively impacted more than 2.3 million lives, addressing the diverse needs of communities across the region.