Researchers at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Rourkela have been granted a patent for an innovative model designed to drastically improve the reliability of future vehicle-to-vehicle communication networks. The patented technology addresses the critical challenge of message congestion in high-traffic scenarios, paving the way for safer, smarter road systems in India.

The patent, titled ‘Adaptive Contention Window Optimisation in VANETs using Multi-Agent Deep Reinforcement Learning for Enhanced Performance Model,’ was filed by Dr. Arun Kumar, Assistant Professor; Prof. Bibhudatta Sahoo, Professor and Dr. Lopamudra Hota, Research Graduate, all from the Department of Computer Science & Engineering at NIT Rourkela.

Their work focuses on Vehicular Ad-Hoc Networks (VANETs) – the foundational concept that enables vehicles in close proximity to communicate directly with one another. VANETs are essential for future functionalities like warning drivers about sudden obstacles or precipitous braking, aiding automated traffic control and assisting emergency services.

However, a core issue in VANETs is overcrowding. When multiple vehicles transmit messages simultaneously, the congestion leads to delays or lost messages, which severely compromises the system's ability to function safely.

The NIT Rourkela solution tackles this problem using artificial intelligence (AI). Their model employs multi-agent deep reinforcement learning to enable each vehicle to intelligently stagger the timing of its messages based on the real-time actions of other vehicles in the network. Instead of communications competing and colliding, the system learns to sequence and prioritise time-sensitive alerts, such as emergency warnings. This adaptive adjustment significantly reduces transmission delays, ensuring critical alerts are reliably delivered.

Dr. Arun Kumar highlighted the profound safety implications of their research, referencing the severe toll of road accidents in the country. “In 2023, India reported around 480,000 road accidents and around 172,000 deaths, many of which could be prevented using modern technologies. Our work is a step towards building safer roads and smarter cities. We envision a near future where autonomous vehicles become a reality in India, and this patent is a small step in that direction, driving the spirit of Innovate in India and Make in India,” Dr. Kumar said.

The developed model ensures that even under busy conditions, the right message reaches the right recipient at the right time, a crucial requirement for future transportation systems where vehicles must coordinate in real-time.

The enhanced communication model has broad applications across future mobility. Current VANETs use cases include:

• Electronic brake lights: Notifying drivers of braking scenarios not yet in their line of sight.
• Platooning: Enabling a series of cars to closely follow a lead vehicle using distributed acceleration and steering control data.
• Enhanced Navigation: Providing instantaneous, accurate information on current road traffic conditions.
• Emergency Response: Rapid broadcast of crucial information to vehicles in an area affected by an incident.
• Electronic Toll Collection: Providing remote access to real-time data for automated toll systems.

Prof. Bibhudatta Sahoo emphasised the practical impact of the work on national infrastructure. “The patent represents a practical step towards preparing India's road system for vehicle-to-vehicle communication. By addressing potential congestion in VANETs and providing a model for adoptive, coordinated communication, the findings lay the groundwork for safer and a more efficient traffic management. We invite researchers across institutions to join our efforts in making future autonomous vehicles and collaborate with our research lab at NIT Rourkela,” said Prof Sahoo.

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German technology company Bosch will introduce an AI-enabled high-performance computing unit at CES 2026 in Las Vegas. The AI extension platform is designed to upgrade existing vehicle cockpit systems with artificial intelligence functions, transforming the interior into an assistant that understands driver routines and context.

The platform allows for the integration of features such as an AI voice assistant, interior scene understanding, and navigation. For example, the system can coordinate multiple actions, such as adjusting cabin temperature and activating seat heating, in response to a single voice command.

Bosch anticipates a market for AI-enabled in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) solutions reaching EUR 17 billion by 2030. The company expects to generate sales of over EUR 2 billion from these solutions by the end of the decade.

The platform is built on the Nvidia Drive AGX Orin system-on-chip (SoC) and utilises the Nvidia CUDA platform. It provides 150 to 200 tera operations per second (TOPS) of additional compute power.

Through a partnership with Microsoft, Bosch is also integrating Microsoft 365 into the cockpit. This allows drivers to join Microsoft Teams calls via voice commands, with the vehicle simultaneously activating adaptive cruise control to maintain safety during the interaction.

Markus Heyn, Member of the Board of Management of Robert Bosch and Chairman of Bosch Mobility, said, “The new AI extension platform enables existing cockpit systems to be quickly and easily upgraded with advanced AI functions. This makes the driving experience more comfortable, intuitive, and safer for all vehicle occupants.”

“Bosch’s new AI-powered cockpit enables both drivers and car manufacturers to fully leverage the capabilities of modern automotive software. Thanks to the ‘AI extension platform,’ new functions can be implemented in the vehicle much faster in the future,” he added.

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AEye, a provider of LiDAR solutions and manufacturer of the Apollo LiDAR sensor, has announced plans to demonstrate its Apollo sensing solution at CES 2026.

The company will present the Apollo LiDAR sensor, a solution for detecting objects at distances of up to one kilometre. The sensor features a form factor that allows for integration behind windscreens. AEye also plans to highlight how the Apollo and OPTIS solutions can be used for infrastructure and logistics. OPTIS uses computing to deliver 3D perception and analytics for drones, intersections, shipping corridors and logistics hubs.

These technologies are designed to assist with safety, efficiency and visibility. The company’s focus on infrastructure and logistics reflects a strategy for global growth, including in regions such as India, where investment in smart cities and transport networks is increasing.

Matt Fisch, CEO, AEye, said, “CES brings together the most important players in transportation and mobility, making it an ideal venue for us to demonstrate how Apollo and OPTIS are redefining what’s possible with LiDAR. With unmatched range and real-time AI-driven perception, we’re helping our customers tackle complex transportation and infrastructure challenges with scalable solutions built for real-world deployment. We are also looking forward to announcing our next-generation LiDAR, with range capabilities extending beyond one kilometre, underscoring the company’s continued leadership in long-range and ultra-long-range perception.”

The presentation will also include a preview of a LiDAR sensor with detection capabilities exceeding one kilometre, intended for long-range perception requirements.

Image for representational purpose only.

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Bengaluru-based electric vehicle maker Ather Energy has confirmed its plans to enter the auto insurance services space by incorporating a wholly-owned subsidiary that will operate as a Corporate Agent.

The move is part of the EV maker’s plans to owmake nership experience more seamless, by providing auto insurance policies, in partnership with multiple insurers. This will also provide a recurring revenue stream by leveraging its existing user base.

Ather Energy also aims to innovative around EV-specific insurance products, simplify renewals and also improve attach rates over time.

Ravneet Singh Phokela, Chief Business Officer, Ather Energy, said, “We have always believed that a good ownership experience goes beyond the vehicle itself. Insurance is a critical part of that journey today, and it’s an area where the experience can be made significantly simpler and more predictable for customers. By bringing insurance distribution closer to the Ather ecosystem, we can make it simpler, more transparent, and better aligned with how our customers actually use their vehicles. Over time, this also gives us the ability to work with partners to design auto insurance products that reflect real EV usage, rather than adapting legacy frameworks. This is a measured but deliberate step, focused on strengthening the ownership experience while building a capability that complements our core offering and scales with the business.”

The EV maker stated that this move is a natural extension, as it can utilise its large customer base, which equates to no additional customer acquisition cost.

Ather Energy stated that entering the auto insurance space is part of its larger EV ecosystem building mission, which goes beyond just selling products, charging infrastructure, servicing and accessories among others.

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Exicom Tele-Systems has introduced Exicom One, a solution for the construction and operation of electric vehicle charging infrastructure. The service handles site surveys, electrical setup, software, operations and maintenance.

The launch coincides with the expansion of charging networks by Charge Point Operators (CPOs) in India. These organisations plan to deploy chargers, including DC units, by 2030.

The solution provides a framework for infrastructure deployment by combining hardware and software. The company is providing end-to-end support right from site assessment & planning for pre-installation, to civil works, electrical integration and hardware setup for deployment. It also provides AI-driven management, diagnostics and maintenance to support the EV charging operations.

Exicom One manages the orchestration of firmware and software. The platform allows businesses to monitor and optimise stations in real time.

The company recently partnered with an EV manufacturer to install charging stations along highway corridors and at traffic points. The infrastructure is designed to integrate renewable energy systems and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) applications.

The service also utilises Harmony Connect, an AI platform for predictive maintenance.

Anant Nahata, Managing Director and CEO, Exicom, said, “India’s EV story will only move as fast as the infrastructure behind it. While hardware innovation gets most of the attention, it is execution on the ground that truly defines success. Exicom One is built to remove that friction by bringing every piece of the puzzle together under one accountable partner. It is a smarter, faster way for CPOs and fleets to scale with confidence and focus on what really matters: delivering reliable charging experiences.”

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