The Technology Innovation Hub on Autonomous Navigation (TiHAN) at IIT Hyderabad serves as India’s premier destination for the development and validation of next-generation smart mobility solutions. As the nation’s first dedicated autonomous navigation testbed, it provides a comprehensive ecosystem for research, design, and real-world deployment of aerial and terrestrial autonomous technologies. The initiative focuses on creating reliable and efficient systems that cater to both Indian traffic conditions and global standards, bridging the gap between theoretical innovation and practical field application.
Core Infrastructure and Testbed Facilities
- Access to India’s first state-of-the-art Autonomous Navigation Testbed, featuring proving grounds and specialized test tracks.
- Specialized facilities for the thorough validation of both Aerial and Terrestrial technologies, including a dedicated Rainfall Simulator for weather-related stress testing.
- Pre-deployment testing environment designed to simulate real-world field scenarios such as smart cities, signalized intersections, and interactions with pedestrians or cyclists.
- Comprehensive validation protocols, including Simulation-in-the-loop (SIL), Model-in-the-loop (MIL), and Hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) tools.
- On-site mechanical integration facilities including hangers, ground control stations, and a vertiport for cargo drones and air taxis.
Advanced Air Mobility Development
- Design and development of multi-sensor perception systems for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) ranging from micro-drones to heavy payload platforms.
- Specialized focus on the "Palyanka" Air Taxi and "Chakravuyh" heavy payload cargo drones (up to 150 kg capacity).
- Integration of multimodal perception and AI-driven decision-making frameworks for high-altitude and long-endurance flight.
- Research into e-VTOL (Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing) propulsion systems and high-endurance fixed-wing drones.
- Development of secure, anti-jamming communication technologies for defense and critical mission applications.
Connected and Autonomous Mobility Solutions
- End-to-end development of the Autonomous Navigation Stack, including IP-protected software tested via on-campus autonomous shuttles.
- Integration of multi-radio communication systems and 5G multimodal perception for Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) connectivity.
- Deployment of advanced sensor fusion using 360° LiDAR, long-range radar, and high-resolution cameras.
- Customization of planning and control algorithms for autonomous vehicles operating in diverse Indian road conditions.
- In-house Drive-By-Wire integration services to support full-scale prototyping and mechanical system development.
Service Offerings and Skill Development
- Provision of a dedicated Testing Facility for rigorous hardware assessment and certification as per ISO and NCAP standards.
- Access to Software as a Service (SaaS) models and high-quality autonomous navigation datasets (Terrestrial, Aerial, and Underwater).
- Specialized educational programs, including an M. Tech in Smart Mobility and professional certifications in AI/ML with Drone Tech.
- Capacity-building initiatives and design challenges conducted in collaboration with ministries and industry partners.
Collaborative Solutions and Commercialization
- Delivery of Turnkey Products and transfer of technology (ToT) to bridge the gap between academic research and commercial markets.
- Joint Development Solutions through strategic MoUs with organizations like DMRC (Delhi Metro), Tata Technologies, and Sona Comstar.
- Startup incubation support, nurturing over 45 startups with access to funding, mentorship, and industry-grade testing infrastructure.
- Provision of Private Sector Solutions, including ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) and Software Defined Vehicle (SDV) accelerators.
- Aim to become a global destination for next-generation smart mobility technologies.
- Objective to accelerate the adoption of autonomous navigation across India as part of the "Atmanirbhar Bharat" and "Digital India" missions.
- Focus on creating intelligent transportation systems that reduce human error and improve road safety.
- Commitment to fostering a collaborative environment for researchers, industry players, and international R&D labs.
The TiHAN ecosystem at IIT Hyderabad represents a critical milestone in India’s journey toward technological self-reliance in the smart mobility sector. By offering a robust blend of advanced infrastructure, technical services, and collaborative opportunities, it enables innovators to transform high-level concepts into scalable, real-world solutions. This hub stands as a central pillar for any entity aiming to define the future of autonomous transportation on a global scale.