German automotive brand Audi Sport is partnering with Fraunhofer Institutes IAO and IPA to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics can improve automotive production processes at its Bollinger Hofe site, a key pilot facility for the carmaker’s 360factory strategy.

The collaboration focuses on optimising the manual picking process – where vehicle components are retrieved from logistics containers to supply the assembly line –through a real-world laboratory set up at the facility. The trials aim to reduce errors, ease physical strain and improve supply efficiency by integrating advanced technologies into everyday operations.

The project began with a comprehensive needs analysis, during which employees wore eye-tracking smart glasses to identify cognitively demanding tasks. This data will guide the deployment of tailored AI and robotics solutions in production.

Alexander Muller, Head of Logistics at Audi Sport, said, “Low-volume production at Bollinger Hofe, such as the Audi e-tron GT family, is ideal for testing. The high degree of vehicle customisation makes the picking process especially complex.”

Researchers are testing computer vision systems and mobile robots equipped with 3D sensors and various grippers. Real customer orders serve as test scenarios, allowing the team to assess technology performance in realistic conditions.

“We are bringing research directly into the plant, and workers are actively involved in evaluating the technologies,” Muller added.

Bernd Bienzeisler, Head of the Cognitive Service Systems Research and Innovation Center KODIS at Fraunhofer IAO, noted, “This is a new chapter in industry-science collaboration. The direct feedback from employees working in real environments makes the insights particularly valuable.”

The project forms part of the broader AI25 initiative, a collaboration launched by Audi, Fraunhofer and other partners to accelerate the digital transformation of automotive production. Bollinger Hofe plays a central role within this ecosystem, which is anchored in the Heilbronn region’s Innovation Park for Artificial Intelligence (IPAI).

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Tsuyo Manufacturing has received Single Window Clearance from the Government of Karnataka to establish a 20-acre electric vehicle (EV) powertrain manufacturing and validation facility in the Hubli-Dharwad region. The project follows a Letter of Intent (LoI) signed during the Bengaluru Tech Summit in November 2025.

The company will invest INR 2.5 billion to develop an integrated campus for the development, production and validation of EV powertrain technologies. The facility will house assembly lines and laboratories for electric traction motors, motor controllers, power electronics and drivetrain systems.

The site will also include a dedicated open test track specifically designed for commercial-vehicle powertrain validation.

The project will be executed in two distinct phases to scale voltage and power capabilities:

• Phase 1: Focuses on powertrain platforms up to 250 kW with voltage architectures up to 650V.
• Phase 2: Expands capacity to develop powertrains up to 1100 kW with high-voltage architectures reaching 850V DC.

This infrastructure is intended to serve a range of sectors, including three-wheelers, passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles and industrial mobility.

The initiative is expected to create over 500 engineering and technical jobs over the next three years. It aims to support the growth of a localised EV component supply chain in India, reducing reliance on imports for motor design and power electronics engineering.

Vijay Kumar, Founder & CEO, said, “The Hubli–Dharwad facility will be a significant breakthrough in Tsuyo’s mission to build a globally competitive EV powertrain ecosystem from India. With advanced manufacturing, integrated validation infrastructure, and system-level engineering capabilities, this investment will enable us to deliver high-power, high-voltage electric powertrain solutions for both domestic and international markets. Our focus is to develop and manufacture complete electric powertrain systems with world-class engineering and validation capabilities. The new facility will allow Tsuyo to accelerate innovation in motors, power electronics, and integrated drivetrain solutions while meeting the reliability and performance standards required by Indian as well as global OEMs.”

Lalit Baid, Founder & COO, commented, “The facility will be developed in two phases to progressively scale our integrated EV powertrain technology capabilities. Phase 1 will support powertrain platforms of up to 250 kW with voltage architectures up to 650V, while Phase 2 will expand our capabilities to develop powertrains of up to 1100 kW with high-voltage architectures reaching 850V DC. Importantly, the project will also create over 500 jobs, reinforcing our pledge to building advanced EV technologies and strengthening India’s domestic electric mobility ecosystem.”

Vikas Verma, Partner at Avaana Capital, added, “From the outset, what stood out to us about Tsuyo was the team’s rare combination of deep engineering capability, product innovation, disciplined execution, and focus on localized manufacturing to build globally competitive EV powertrain technologies from India. The approval of this facility is a testament to Tsuyo’s rapid progress and its strong trajectory in scaling both manufacturing and technological capabilities. Their continued progress in building advanced EV powertrain solutions in India is closely aligned with our conviction in the long-term potential of the country’s electric mobility ecosystem.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Hindustan Zinc has introduced ‘Tejaswini’, a section led by women across all shifts at its Chanderiya Smelting Complex. The initiative begins with a team of 30 professionals who will manage operations, maintenance and safety within the Leaching and Purification units. This section is a part of the facility’s hydrometallurgy operations, which determine production throughput and quality.

Women now represent 26.3 percent of the workforce at Hindustan Zinc. The ‘Tejaswini’ team is led by Tanya Singh, Plant Manager for L&P I, Hydro. The company has previously introduced an underground all-women mine rescue team and enabled women to lead night shifts and tele-remote mining operations. These actions form part of the Vedanta Group goal to reach 35 percent women representation across its total workforce.

To support the expansion of women in core manufacturing roles, the company has implemented infrastructure updates at the site. These include the V-Safe app, CCTV surveillance, biometric access and dedicated transportation facilities for night shifts. The Chanderiya Smelting Complex is among the largest zinc smelting facilities globally, producing metal for infrastructure and energy sectors.

Arun Misra, CEO and Whole-Time Director, Hindustan Zinc, said, “At Hindustan Zinc, we believe the future of mining will be driven by diverse talent, advanced technology, and a culture of inclusion. The launch of Tejaswini reflects our commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for women in core operational roles that power industrial performance. By enabling women to lead critical processes at our smelting operations, we are strengthening our talent pipeline while demonstrating that leadership and capability transcend traditional industry boundaries. As we pursue our long-term growth ambitions, initiatives like these will help shape a more progressive and future-ready mining sector.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Chennai-headquartered commercial vehicle major Ashok Leyland, the Hinduja Group flagship, has commenced construction of a greenfield battery pack manufacturing plant at Pillaipakkam, Tamil Nadu. The project involves an investment of INR 4-5 billion, forming part of a broader investment plan outlined in a memorandum of understanding signed in September 2025.

The facility aligns with the Tamil Nadu Electric Vehicle Policy 2023 and the National Mission on Transformative Mobility and Battery Storage. The project is intended to localise the production of battery packs for the commercial vehicle sector and reduce reliance on imported components.

The Pillaipakkam site marks Ashok Leyland's tenth manufacturing presence in Tamil Nadu. The company aims to use the facility to strengthen the domestic supply chain for its electric vehicle (EV) portfolio and its subsidiary, Switch Mobility.

Ashok Leyland has invested over INR 90 billion in Tamil Nadu since 1948. The new plant is expected to create jobs in high-technology manufacturing and advanced skill development. The foundation plaque was unveiled by M.K. Stalin, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, in the presence of state officials and company leadership.

Dheeraj Hinduja, Executive Chairman, Ashok Leyland, said, “Our journey has been closely intertwined with the growth of Tamil Nadu for more than seven decades. Ashok Leyland, along with its subsidiary, Switch Mobility, have already developed a vast range of electric Commercial Vehicles, and have taken a lead position in the EV market. The groundbreaking of the new battery pack manufacturing facility marks an important step in our electric mobility journey and reinforces our commitment to building a strong domestic EV ecosystem.”

Shenu Agarwal, MD & CEO, Ashok Leyland, added, “Battery pack technology is central to the future of electric mobility and energy storage. This facility will enable us to build advanced battery pack solutions with greater efficiency, safety and reliability while supporting the battery supply chain localisation It will also contribute to developing specialized talent and creating new opportunities in high-technology manufacturing within Tamil Nadu.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Swiss technology major ABB has announced that it is set to further invest around USD 75 million in India for 2026. The capital expenditure is directed at expanding the company’s manufacturing footprint and research and development (R&D) capabilities across five locations: Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Nashik and Vadodara.

This move follows a USD 35 million investment in 2025 and forms part of ABB’s ‘local-for-local’ strategy. Currently, 85 percent of the products ABB sells in India are manufactured within the country. The expansion is expected to create 300 skilled jobs in engineering, research, and operations.

The investment is distributed across several key hubs to support electrification, motion, and automation:

• Nelamangala, Bengaluru (USD 14 million): Expansion of Campus 1 and 2 to scale converter manufacturing for high-speed rail and metro segments. It includes a tenfold increase in production for uninterruptable power supply (UPS) solutions.
• Peenya, Bengaluru (USD 21 million): Funding to increase capacity for low-voltage drives and specialised motors, including flameproof and smoke-venting variants. The site will add an innovation lab and remote monitoring facilities.
• Nashik (USD 22 million): Expansion of the circuit breaker factory and the Vacuum Interrupter (VI) facility. This site will drive the localisation of 33kV Primary Gas Insulated Switchgear and SF6-free technologies by 2028.
• Hyderabad (USD 12 million): Completion of phase one of a new R&D and engineering hub, including a high-power testing laboratory.
• Vadodara (USD 6 million): Scaling of the synchronous generator and induction motor factories to serve the metals, oil and gas and wind sectors.

ABB’s revenue in India reached more than USD 1.5 billion in 2025, representing roughly 4 percent of the Group’s global total. The company identified grid modernisation, data centre development and renewable energy transition as the primary drivers for the increased capacity.

Morten Wierod, Chief Executive Officer, ABB, said, “This investment in India is an important part of our strategy to support infrastructure build-out and growth in one of our fastest growing markets. We are seeing strong demand driven by the country’s energy transition, grid modernization, data center development, and the rapid expansion of the metro and high-speed rail segments. Our expanded facilities will ensure we meet this demand while enhancing our capabilities to serve other markets in the region.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!