Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV), a fully owned subsidiary of Daimler Truck AG, has officially launched its new state-of-the-art Mechatronics Lab at the Oragadam facility. This advanced laboratory is set to revolutionize software verification and validation processes, achieving cost efficiencies of 70-80% compared to traditional methods. With agile methodologies integrated into its operations, the lab enables rapid detection and resolution of software bugs through an efficient closed-loop feedback system. What previously took weeks or months for testing is now accomplished in just days, significantly enhancing the quality and effectiveness of testing procedures.
The Mechatronics Lab at DICV is designed to rigorously test software features for trucks and buses, ensuring compliance with current safety standards and preparing Daimler Truck products for future global safety regulations.
Pradeep Kumar Thimmaiyan, President of Product Engineering & Chief Technology Officer at DICV, remarked, “The inauguration of our Mechatronics Lab marks a pivotal shift in our R&D operations, ushering in a new era of agility and innovation. This facility is more than just a validation center; it is a hub for pioneering advancements in electrical and electronic architectures. It embodies our commitment to ‘Make and Develop in India, for India and the World,’ and positions us at the forefront of global technological progress in the commercial vehicle sector.”
Dilip Shrivastava, Head of Mechatronics and Software Technology at DICV, added, “Our lab is capable of verifying and validating around 300 features and over a thousand signals in just 10 days. It can also check 600 fault codes in new products within a few weeks, a task that previously took months. This efficiency is crucial for early bug detection, which helps avoid substantial developmental costs. By streamlining the evaluation process and reducing reliance on multiple test vehicles, our Mechatronics Lab plays a key role in accelerating product development cycles.”
The Mechatronics Lab is set to be a cornerstone of DICV’s R&D initiatives, enhancing the efficiency, safety, and performance of its trucks and buses, and expediting the development of future vehicle generations. The facility also enables the simulation of rare fault scenarios that are difficult to reproduce in real-world conditions, ensuring thorough validation and verification.
The lab features a flashing station for pre-production verification of all electronic control units (ECUs), ensuring seamless hardware and software integration and minimizing the risk of errors. Its Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) setup allows for the replication of on-road data within the lab, facilitating initial software adjustments and reducing vehicle dependence. Additionally, the lab supports safe verification of Driver State Monitoring (DSM) systems, avoiding the risks associated with in-vehicle trials.
DICV has established a reputation for setting high benchmarks in safety and efficiency within the commercial vehicle industry. With its commitment to reducing operational costs and enhancing productivity, the new Mechatronics Lab is poised to advance this legacy, introducing cutting-edge safety features such as Automatic Emergency Braking System (AEBS), Blind Spot Assist, Driver Drowsiness Alert, and Lane Departure Warning. DICV remains dedicated to delivering vehicles that excel in safety, efficiency, and overall value, ensuring ongoing success for its customers.
