Supporting a smart manufacturing shift across industry sectors by offering robot systems, Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), mobility solutions (mobile platforms, mobile robots etc.) and technologies (arc welding, assembly, bonding and sealing, die casting, extrusion etc.), Kuka is confident of its new operating ecosystem iiQKA significantly simplifying robot use. Forming the base of an entire ecosystem that provides access to a powerful selection of components, programmes, apps, services and equipment that are easy to install, operate and use, iiQKA is designed and developed to facilitate newcomers to implement automation without specialised training. Also announcing the upgradation of its simulation software Kuka.Sim.4.0, Kuka is confident of automation benefitting in the medium-term against Covid-19 disruption. As per Peter Mohnen, CEO, Kuka AG, automation can be beneficial in the medium-term against the Covid-19 disruption for manufacturers rethinking their vulnerable, globally networked production and supply chains.

Big shift to flexible automation systems

Stating in his address to the shareholders in the 2020 annual report that the company implemented a cost-cutting drive and focused on a stable financial position, Mohnen averred that Kuka was one of the very few ‘full-range’ suppliers. Keeping a close eye on the developments taking place across the world markets that it is presently in, the company – with sales revenues of EUR 2.6 billion and an employee strength of 14,000 – is confident of its Kuka.Sim.4.0 software to help reach a new level of planning reliability, simplicity and cost efficiency. Stressing on the upgraded software facilitating easy offline programming of the robot and fast cycle time analysis, Kuka is anticipating a big shift to flexible automation solutions with quickly adaptable production cells instead of rigid systems. It is highlighting the prowess of Kuka.Sim.4.0 software in its ability to support the import of CAD data that aids configuration of safety spaces graphically in 3D and to simulate the stopping behaviour of robots.

Affected in 2020 as projects were postponed or abandoned completely, Kuka is of the view that the auto industry is facing a fundamental structural transformation that offers opportunities but poses enormous challenges at the same time. Confident that the Kuka.Sim.4.0 software will particularly aid components suppliers with its ability to facilitate the planning of robot applications across industry sectors, including auto, the company is looking at a growing use of new technologies such as AGVs and AI-based software solutions. Helped by China’s auto industry’s tremendous thrust on robot installation since 2016 in terms of growth, Kuka is banking on the upgraded software’s capability in significantly reducing the area required by a cell. Roland Ritter, Portfolio Manager, Kuka AG, mentioned that it also contains a new robot language called the ‘Kuka Robot Language’ (KRL), which provides two user views for programming the robot. One view is for the experts and the other is for beginners. Ensuring same data is being worked upon by the virtual controller and the real controller, the Kuka.Sim.4.0 supports the new KR Scara and KR Delta robots from its manufacturer. It also assures 100 percent data consistency.

Features, and more features

Aiding the creation of a customised component library using own CAD data along with Kuka.Sim.Modeling add-on, the Kuka.Sim.4.0 software is also supported by a new ‘Connectivity’ add-on that allows users to commission the cell virtually and create a digital twin for greater planning reliability and the best possible implementation. Interestingly, the customised component library could be as kinematic systems, sensors, material flow or physical behaviour. Using behavioural emulators such as WinMOD and SIMIT, the software, with the Arc Welding add-on, aids users to speed up their offline programming for welding applications. The approach positions or the optimum orientation of the robot for the welding process can be defined, for example. A big advantage of the new software, according to Ritter, is export possibilities. Integrators, he adds, will benefit from the ability to export the simulation as a 3D PDF, which can be simply opened with an Acrobat Reader.

Detailed information in 2D for mechanical commissioning can also be provided via the export feature. One of the highlights of this is product presentation using a virtual reality headset. Tablets and smartphones also deliver impressive simulation results on the go via the Mobile Viewer app, informs Ritter. Signing a major contract with Daimler to supply four-figure number of robots and linear units (KR Fortec and KR Quantec), and other Kuka technologies such as software and controllers, the company has maintained a positive outlook despite Covid-19. Working towards strengthening its position as a global player, Kuka is driving the goal of making automation available to everyone. Looking at conquering new areas and new markets, it is stressing on the potential for cobots – sensitive robots – in the auto industry.

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The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers, the apex body representing automakers across segments in the country, has released the wholesales data for Q2 FY2027, which saw record performance across passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, three-wheelers and two-wheelers.

In Q2 FY2027, the passenger vehicle segment domestic sales reached 1.36 million units, up 30.7 percent YoY. Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) accounted for 68 percent of total passenger vehicle sales, recording a growth of 34.2 percent, while passenger car sales increased by 24.9 percent. Passenger vehicle exports declined by 5.2 percent to 229,087 units, impacted by logistics constraints in West Asia and higher baseline comparison figures.

The two-wheeler segment posted domestic sales of 6.43 million units, registering a growth of 15.2 percent YoY. Scooter sales increased by 27.7 percent, while motorcycle sales rose by 7.4 percent. Two-wheeler exports reached a record Q2 total of 1.65 million units, marking an increase of 27.7 percent over the same period last year.

In the three-wheeler category, domestic sales grew by 23.6 percent to 285,342 units, driven by demand for cargo configurations and electric L5 vehicles. Three-wheeler exports reached a record Q2 total of 161,060 units, representing a 30.4 percent increase. The commercial vehicle segment recorded domestic sales of 309,063 units, marking a growth of 28.7 percent, while commercial vehicle exports rose by 72.5 percent to exceed 41,416 units, supported by infrastructure spending and fleet replacement demand.

Shenu Agarwal, President, SIAM, said, "The Indian automotive industry delivered a strong performance in the first half of FY2026-27, following a robust second quarter and a strong September 2026. This stellar performance across all segments of the automobile industry has been supported by improved affordability following GST 2.0, resilient rural and urban demand, healthy freight movement, infrastructure-led economic activity, and a gradual replacement cycle across vehicle segments. The electric vehicle ecosystem also continues to mature with multiple offerings, improving charging infrastructure and supportive policy measures. At the same time, alternative fuel technologies are witnessing increasing acceptance and are expected to play an important role in India's sustainable mobility transition. Industry looks forward to the festive season for the continued momentum while remaining cautiously optimistic due to prevailing geo-economic uncertainties. Continued investments in infrastructure, sustained economic growth, and rising adoption of cleaner and more efficient mobility solutions are expected to support industry growth through the second half of 2026-27."

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FADA Academy, in collaboration with the Automotive Skills Development Council (ASDC), has inaugurated its first joint skill development centre in Agra.

Located within the dealership facilities of Ashok Auto Sales and Manoram Bajaj Group, the Autograd Regional Skill Development Centre establishes a training framework situated directly inside automotive retail operations.

The facility aims to address workforce gaps in automotive retail by providing candidates with training matched to dealership job roles. The initial cohort at the centre consists of candidates undergoing instruction for the Service Advisor role, supported by participating dealerships representing brands including Bajaj Auto, TVS Motor Co, India Yamaha Motor and Tata Motors.

C S Vigneshwar, Chairman of FADA Academy & Research, said, "FADA Academy is committed to strengthening the capabilities of India's automotive retail workforce through industry-relevant education and training. The establishment of our first joint training centre with ASDC at Agra is an important milestone in this journey. By bringing training into the dealership environment, we can create a stronger connection between learning and actual workplace requirements. Our vision is to create local employment opportunities, support the talent requirements of dealerships and provide aspiring professionals with a foundation for long-term career progression within the automotive sector. We also want to ensure that candidates are not merely trained to secure a job, but are equipped to perform with confidence, deliver value to their employers and build long-term careers in the automotive industry. We hope this initiative will serve as a replicable model for dealership-led skill development across the country. The automotive sector is evolving rapidly, driven by new technologies, changing customer expectations and increasingly sophisticated dealership operations. This makes industry-aligned skill development more important than ever. The FADA Academy–ASDC joint training centre at Agra is a progressive initiative that brings structured training closer to the workplace and enables candidates to develop competencies relevant to their designated job roles."

The inauguration event was attended by Union Minister of State Prof. S. P. Singh Baghel, ASDC Chief Executive Officer Prasanna Pahade, FADA Uttar Pradesh Chairperson Sandeep Narain and leadership representatives from local dealer groups. The initiative forms part of a broader framework intended to be replicated across other regions to train dealership personnel.

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Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with TuTr Hyperloop, an IIT Madras-incubated deep-tech startup, to develop and deploy next-generation mobility infrastructure in India.

The agreement creates a framework for L&T and TuTr Hyperloop to collaborate on Linear Induction Motor-based propulsion systems, vacuum tube structures, pressure management systems, civil engineering works, electrical infrastructure, signalling and telecommunications integration.

Project-specific agreements will follow to define execution terms across freight logistics, port connectivity and industrial transit applications. The technical roadmap aims to progress from linear induction systems toward magnetic levitation and vacuum-based transportation networks.

The partnership combines L&T's engineering, procurement and construction capabilities with TuTr Hyperloop's electromagnetic propulsion research to assess commercial viability, conduct technical feasibility studies and engage prospective customers for hyperloop transit projects in India.

S V Desai, Whole-Time Director and Senior Executive VP of Infrastructure, L&T, said, "Hyperloop represents an exciting frontier in next-generation mobility, with the potential to redefine the movement of people and goods. Its innovative propulsion technology and low-friction environment enable faster transit, improved logistics efficiency, reduced energy consumption and lower emissions. Translating such technological innovation into practical deployment requires robust engineering, scalable infrastructure and close collaboration across the ecosystem. Our partnership with TuTr Hyperloop is a step in that direction."

Prof. Satya Chakravarthy, Professor, IIT Madras, said, "The transition of advanced mobility technologies from research and development to real-world deployment requires strong collaboration between academia, technology developers and industry. This partnership between TuTr Hyperloop and L&T brings together complementary strengths that can help address the engineering and infrastructure challenges involved in scaling next-generation transportation systems. It is an encouraging step towards translating indigenous innovation into practical, deployable solutions for India."

Dr Aravind S Bharadwaj, Co-Founder and CEO, TuTr Hyperloop, said, "At TuTr Hyperloop, our focus is on developing indigenous mobility technologies that can address real-world transportation and logistics challenges. Our collaboration with L&T brings together our capabilities in electromagnetic propulsion, advanced mobility systems and technology development with L&T’s extensive engineering and infrastructure execution expertise. Together, we aim to work on commercialisation these technologies."

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Coatings manufacturer Axalta Coating Systems has introduced Redefined, a ruby-red finish, as its 2027 Global Automotive Colour of the Year during the Automechanika exhibition in Frankfurt.

The finish incorporates pigment and effect technology designed to create depth and light reflection across vehicle body panels. Redefined marks an evolution of the red hue introduced with Radiant Red, Axalta's initial Colour of the Year selection 13 years ago. The development reflects market research into consumer preferences for vehicle personalisation and colour depth across global automotive markets.

Axalta's colour formulation teams utilise market trends and coating science to develop manufacturable formulations for global original equipment manufacturers and refinish networks. The 2027 selection is structured for application across multiple vehicle segments and production lines.

Matthew Boland, Vice-President of Global Refinish Technology, Axalta, said, "Redefined represents where we see automotive colour going, expressive and individual, but still refined and timeless. The deepness of the ruby tone combined with its luminosity and depth creates a colour that comes alive with the vehicle. It's a great example of how we can take a familiar colour and use the art and science of coatings to give it an entirely new perspective."

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