The Daimler Truck Innovation Center India (DTICI), situated in Bangalore, India, has recently been established as a primary innovation and development centre for Daimler Truck, a leading global manufacturer of commercial vehicles. This facility plays a pivotal role in driving technological advancements across all Daimler Truck brands worldwide, with a specific focus on Product Engineering and IT. Utilizing its profound software expertise, DTICI is at the forefront of developing a dedicated Truck Operating System, highlighting its strategic significance in shaping the future of commercial vehicle technology on a global scale.
In a recent interview, Mr. Raghavendra Vaidya, the MD & CEO of DTICI, addressed various aspects of automotive driving technology in the commercial vehicle sector, including unique challenges in India, safety and reliability of automated driving systems, and the benefits of connected truck technology.
When asked about the firm’s objectives, Mr. Vaidya provided an overview of DTICI, explaining that the centre is exclusively dedicated to engineering and IT work for Daimler Truck AG, catering to diverse regional requirements and product variations across different geographies. He underscored the significance of tailored solutions to meet the unique demands of the commercial vehicle industry in various regions, positioning DTICI as the focal point of engineering integration across different markets.
DTICI’s vision for the future of automotive driving technology revolves around the development of active safety systems and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). While the centre predominantly focuses on Level Two autonomous systems that require the presence of a driver, it also has a subsidiary, TORC, dedicated to creating Level Four autonomous trucks. Mr. Vaidya emphasized the significance of active safety measures in making the environment safer for commercial vehicles.
Addressing the unique challenges of deploying automated driving technologies in India, Mr. Vaidya emphasized the increasing integration of active assistance features in commercial vehicles in response to the evolving logistics industry and improved highway networks in the country. As regulations mandate the inclusion of safety features, DTICI is preparing to incorporate active safety systems into its trucks.
Regarding the safety and reliability of automated driving systems in diverse Indian road conditions, Mr. Vaidya clarified that the engineering work at DTICI primarily focuses on global products sold in various regions, with a predominant emphasis on Europe and North America, rather than on Indian-specific products.
When discussing the role of AI in enhancing the capabilities of ADAS, Mr. Vaidya highlighted that while Level Two autonomous systems are primarily deterministic, the use of AI and machine learning becomes prevalent in Level Three and Level Four systems, which require a higher degree of autonomous driving.
In terms of connected truck technology, Mr. Vaidya underscored its critical role in improving road safety, citing examples such as predictive powertrain control, which leverages map data and real-time traffic updates to proactively slow down trucks in anticipation of upcoming traffic congestion, ensuring safer navigation on highways.
The interview with Mr. Vaidya provided valuable insights into the progressive strides of DTICI in advancing automotive driving technology, setting a promising trajectory for the future of commercial vehicle technology.