Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV) has inaugurated a cutting-edge Mechatronics Lab at its Oragadam facility, marking a significant leap in its research and development capabilities. This new lab is poised to enhance the efficiency of software architecture verification and validation, boasting cost savings of 70-80% compared to traditional methodologies.
The Mechatronics Lab employs agile methodologies, facilitating the rapid detection and rectification of software issues through a closed-loop feedback system. This advancement has drastically reduced the time required for testing and validation—from weeks or months to mere days—thereby improving the effectiveness of quality control processes.
Pradeep Kumar Thimmaiyan, President of Product Engineering & Chief Technology Officer at DICV, described the new lab as a transformative addition to the company’s R&D operations. “Our Mechatronics Lab represents a pivotal moment in our journey towards enhanced agility and innovation. It is not only central to our current projects but also plays a crucial role in shaping our future electrical and electronic architectures,” he stated. Thimmaiyan emphasised that the lab embodies DICV’s commitment to advancing both domestic and global automotive standards.
Dilip Shrivastava, Head of Mechatronics and Software Technology at DICV, highlighted the lab’s impressive capabilities. “Our lab can validate around 300 features and over a thousand signals within just 10 days, and it can check 600 fault codes in new products within weeks—significantly faster than previously possible. This efficiency is crucial for ensuring that our software architecture is thoroughly vetted before integration into our trucks and buses.”
The lab’s infrastructure includes a flashing station for pre-production verification of Electronic Control Units (ECUs), ensuring compatibility of hardware and software before the start of production. This setup reduces errors and minimises the need for subsequent revisions. Additionally, the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) setup in the lab allows for the replication of on-road data, streamlining initial software modifications and reducing dependency on physical vehicles.
Moreover, the lab supports safe verification of Driver State Monitoring (DSM) systems, mitigating the risks associated with in-vehicle trials. By providing a controlled environment for simulation and validation of rare fault cases, the lab ensures comprehensive testing that is challenging to replicate under real-world conditions.
DICV’s Mechatronics Lab is set to be a cornerstone of its R&D efforts, enhancing the safety, performance, and development speed of its commercial vehicles. This advancement underscores DICV’s dedication to pioneering technological innovations and reinforcing its position at the forefront of the automotive industry.
