Ashok Leyland Exhibits Three Advanced Products At DefExpo 2022

Tata Punch Is The Fastest To Cross 4 Lakh Sales Milestone Among SUVs

Ashok Leyland, today, showcased three advanced-technology products and solutions at the ongoing DefExpo India 2022 – JEET 4x4, LBPV 4x4 and Tank T72 GB Assembly aggregates. The DefExpo India 2022 is India’s premier defence exhibition organised by the Ministry of Defence at Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

According to Ashok Leyland, Col Sonam Wangchuk, a Kargil War Hero and recipient of the Maha Vir Chakra, unveiled JEET 4x4, and Rajesh R, Vice President – Defence & Power Solutions Business, Ashok Leyland, unveiled and launched other products in the presence of senior dignitaries from the Indian Army and MoD.

Product details
JEET 4x4: JEET 4x4 is developed on a proven vehicle platform, most suitable for General Service (GS) role. As per Ashok Leyland, the vehicle is well equipped to perform optimally in hills, high altitude, cross country, plains and desert terrain. The vehicle also employs contemporary technology in all its system.

LBPV 4x4: The Indian multinational automotive manufacturer states that the Light Bullet Proof Vehicle 4x4 is a versatile platform. It is designed and developed to carry a small team of 06 combat soldiers into various tactical missions, ranging from counter insurgency/counter terrorist operations for reconnaissance, quick reaction and patrolling.

LBPV is designed for all-terrain mobility, with armoured protection and fitted with a weapon mount to operate independently in the battle field, claims Ashok Leyland. Features like all wheel independent suspension, ABS, ride height management and many more options make it a class apart. According to Ashok Leyland, LBPV 4x4 is a world-class vehicle ‘Made-in-India’.

Tank T72 GB Assembly aggregates: These are gear boxes for Tank T-72, called ‘Ajeya’ in India. Ashok Leyland will begin to manufacture sub-assemblies and sub-components, including the gear boxes, for the Tank T72, as per the company.

Ashok Leyland claims that through partnering with the Indian Army for its logistics needs, it has been at the forefront of offering the next generation mobility solutions and technology for the country's armed services, following its philosophy of 'Aap ki Jeet, Hamari Jeet'.

Sharing his thoughts, Dheeraj Hinduja, Executive Chairman, Ashok Leyland, said, “We continue to evolve as a trusted partner to the Indian Armed forces in providing end-to-end solutions in the area of mobility. The products showcased today demonstrate our team’s capability and an innate understanding of the arduous operating conditions. We endeavor to expand our portfolio of products and solutions and contribute significantly towards the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.”

Speaking at the DefExpo 2022, Rajesh R said, “At the DefExpo, we are delighted to present our next generation capabilities for the defence forces, keeping in view their anticipated mobility trends. These advanced technology solutions developed by our in-house R&D would also address the growing demand for resource efficiency and optimisation.” 

Epson Intros Expanded Robotics Portfolio At Automation Expo Mumbai 2026

Epson Intros Expanded Robotics Portfolio At Automation Expo Mumbai 2026

Epson, a global leader in SCARA robot manufacturing, has unveiled its next-generation industrial robotics portfolio at Automation Expo Mumbai 2026. The newly introduced lineup features the high-end CX-A Series 6-axis robots, the LS-C Series SCARA robots, the RC+ 8.0 programming software and the advanced SafeSense safety technology, all designed to address diverse manufacturing applications such as pick-and-place, precision assembly, parts transfer and material handling.

The new offerings significantly expand Epson’s existing industrial robotics family, which already includes the 6-axis C-Series and SCARA T-Series and LS-Series models with payloads ranging from 3 to 20 kilogrammes. With the addition of the CX-A and LS-C Series, manufacturers across various sectors can achieve heightened productivity, flexibility and operational efficiency. The CX-A Series is engineered for complex tasks with a payload capacity of up to seven kilogrammes and a reach of 900 millimetres, available in IP67, cleanroom and ESD variants, while the LS-C Series provides a compact SCARA platform with a 50-kilogramme payload, a 1,000-millimetre reach and cycle times as fast as 0.298 seconds.

Complementing the hardware, the RC+ 8.0 software offers an integrated environment for programming, simulation and system management, facilitating faster automation deployment with support for Visual Studio and C++ development. Additional efficiency features include enhanced diagnostics, OPC UA, GUI builder and safety functions, alongside co-creation tools like Library Builder and RC+ Extension. Meanwhile, the SafeSense technology promotes safer human-robot collaboration by incorporating Safety Limited Speed and Safety Limited Position functions, which can potentially reduce the need for extensive safety fencing and thereby increase operational flexibility.

With over four decades of industrial robotics expertise and more than 200,000 robotic arms deployed globally, Epson continues to drive operational excellence for businesses. Attendees at Automation Expo Mumbai 2026 have the opportunity to view live demonstrations of these solutions and consult with Epson specialists about transforming their manufacturing operations.

Siva Kumar, Sr General Manager – Sales and Marketing, Epson India, said, "India is rapidly emerging as a global manufacturing hub, and automation will play a pivotal role in shaping its future. With our new industrial robot lineup and RC+ 8.0 platform, Epson is delivering the speed, precision and intelligence manufacturers need to compete in an increasingly dynamic marketplace. We remain committed to enabling businesses to accelerate automation adoption and build smarter, more agile and globally competitive manufacturing operations."

Hyundai Motor India Foundation Launches Samarth UnnATi Start-Up Programme

Hyundai India Foundation

The Hyundai Motor India Foundation, the corporate social responsibility (CSR) arm of Hyundai Motor India, has launched Samarth UnnATi in association with the AssisTech Foundation in Gurugram.

The initiative provides grant support of INR 7.5 million to assist startups developing assistive technology solutions for persons with disabilities. It focuses on capacity building, mentorship, investor linkages and market access.

Gopalakrishnan C S, Trustee, Hyundai Motor India Foundation, said, “At Hyundai, we believe that accessibility and innovation are powerful enablers of inclusion and progress. Through ‘Samarth by Hyundai’, we are committed to creating opportunities that empower persons with disabilities to participate more independently and confidently in society. The Samarth UnnATi – AT start-up scaleup program is an important step towards strengthening Assistive Technology ecosystem by supporting innovators who are developing impactful solutions to address real-world accessibility challenges. Through our partnership with AssisTech Foundation, we aim to accelerate the adoption of assistive technologies and help build a more inclusive society.”

Prateek Madhav, CEO and Co-Founder, AssisTech Foundation (ATF), said, “By 2050, the need for assistive products in the global population is estimated to increase to 3.5 billion (UNICEF Global Report on Assistive Technology). To reach this breadth, innovation cannot be a standalone phenomenon. It must be nurtured, deployed at scale and reach the people who need it the most. Samarth UnnATi is the engine that drives this, bringing together these largely disparate efforts toward a more cohesive approach.”

Cars24 Labs Partners Startup Policy Forum For AI Innovation

Cars24 - Startup Policy Forum

Cars24 Labs has announced a partnership with the Startup Policy Forum to collaborate on AI policy, industry engagement and AI adoption in India.

The partnership involves Cars24 Labs contributing to Startup Policy Forum initiatives through policy discussions, founder engagements, industry dialogues and global immersion programmes, sharing practical learnings from deploying AI across Cars24 operations.

Vikram Chopra, Builder, Cars24, said, "At Cars24, we've always believed that the best way to understand AI is to build with it. Cars24 Labs was created with that mindset, and we've learned a great deal from putting AI into real products used by millions. Partnering with Startup Policy Forum gives us an opportunity to share those learnings, learn from others, and contribute to the conversations that will shape how India builds and adopts AI in the years ahead."

Shweta Rajpal Kohli, President & CEO, Startup Policy Forum, said, "Cars24 has been a valued member of SPF, and we've worked closely with them on several policy initiatives that matter to India's new economy. Being among the most AI-forward startups in our country, Cars24 is doing some incredible work on AI adoption and innovation. We're excited to partner with Cars24 Labs. It's deeply aligned with our mission of bridging the gap between India and global AI ecosystems, enabling cross-border collaborations, and encouraging AI adoption by Indian companies."

N.A.N. MagneTech To Establish INR 12.5 Billion Rare Earth Magnet Facility In Andhra Pradesh

N.A.N. MagneTech

N.A.N. GreenMet, the critical minerals and advanced manufacturing platform founded by Navin Agarwal (Vice Chairman, Vedanta), has launched N.A.N. MagneTech to establish a Neodymium-Iron-Boron (NdFeB) magnet manufacturing facility at the Naidupeta Industrial Park in Andhra Pradesh.

The company has earmarked an investment of INR 12.5 billion in Phase I to build an initial capacity of 1,200 tonnes per annum, with a long-term target of 10,000 tonnes per annum.

It expects commercial production to begin in Q1 2028, generating annual revenues of INR 12 to INR 15 billion. The facility will integrate oxide processing, metal and alloy production, sintered magnet manufacturing and closed-loop recycling.

The project has secured feedstock supply arrangements with an Australian rare earth producer and executed off-take agreements with domestic automotive original equipment manufacturers. Technical development is led by Dr. John Ormerod, Dr. Masato Sagawa and Dr. Gaurav Shukla.

Navin Agarwal, Founder & Chairman, N.A.N. GreenMet, said, “The industries shaping the future will be defined by those who control advanced materials and manufacturing technologies. At N.A.N. GreenMet, we are building a globally competitive industrial enterprise that strengthens India’s manufacturing capabilities in strategically important sectors. N.A.N. MagneTech is an important milestone in that endeavour, bringing world-class technology to establish a domestic rare earth magnet ecosystem that supports the country’s long-term industrial growth”.

Dr. John Ormerod, Chairman of the Technology Board, N.A.N. MagneTech, added, "We are bringing the most advanced Japanese process technology to India, covering the complete oxide-to-magnet ecosystem. Backed by a secured feedstock strategy and closed-loop recycling, this platform is engineered to deliver consistent, world-class quality."