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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Vijaybhoomi University and the Nettur Technical Training Foundation (NTTF) have introduced a training programme that allows employees at Tata Motors to earn university-recognised diplomas while working.

The initiative, marked by a convocation at Tata Motors’ Pimpri-Chinchwad plant, aligns with the National Education Policy 2020 by integrating vocational skills with higher education frameworks.

Under this partnership, NTTF Mechatronics programme graduates receive a Technical Diploma aligned with the National Higher Education Qualification Framework. Learners may subsequently progress to an Advanced Technical Diploma and a B.Tech in Mechatronics without leaving their jobs.

Sanjay Padode, President, Vijaybhoomi University, said, "A university should recognise learning wherever it genuinely happens. Many of these learners have developed advanced technical capability on the shopfloor through structured training and disciplined practice. Our role is to connect that learning with nationally recognised higher education so that they can continue to grow academically without stepping away from their careers."

Ravi Tennety, Managing Director, NTTF, said, "For more than 60-years, NTTF has prepared young people for careers in manufacturing and technology. This partnership gives our learners an opportunity to build on that foundation through formal higher education while continuing to contribute to industry. It creates new possibilities for lifelong learning."

Prof Ravikesh Srivastava, Vice Chancellor, Vijaybhoomi University, said, "India has spoken for many years about integrating skills, industry and higher education. What we are seeing today is one working model of how that integration can happen in practice. It is built on academic quality, industry relevance and learner mobility."

Sitaram Kandi, Chief Human Resources Officer, Tata Motors, said, "Manufacturing is changing rapidly, and so must the way we develop our people. Technical skills acquired on the shopfloor deserve opportunities for continuous academic progression, without requiring employees to step away from work. This collaboration between Tata Motors, NTTF and Vijaybhoomi University creates a pathway where learning, work and career advancement reinforce one another. It recognises that capability is built not only in classrooms but also through disciplined practice, problem-solving and real production environments. By enabling our employees and apprentices to earn nationally recognised university qualifications while continuing to contribute on the shopfloor, we are investing not only in individual growth but also in building a future-ready manufacturing workforce for India."

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The Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA), the apex body representing automotive dealers in India, held its 5th Finance and Insurance (F&I) Summit in Mumbai. The event brought together representatives from the banking, finance, insurance and auto retail sectors to discuss vehicle ownership and dealership viability.

The summit focused on wholesale finance, retail finance and insurance. Guest of Honour Dr. Pankaj Kanchan Rajesh Bhoyar attended the event, which featured participation from leaders including Dr. Rajan Pental of Yes Bank, Raul Rebello of Mahindra Finance and Abhinav Garg of AU Small Finance Bank.

During the event, FADA released the 3rd edition of its Dealer Satisfaction Study for Finance and Insurance, which surveyed over 700 dealerships. The report indicated an increase in satisfaction regarding wholesale finance, retail finance and insurance disbursements. It also identified a requirement for training in the commercial vehicle segment and increased funding for the used-vehicle market.

C S Vigneshwar, President, FADA, said, "If an automobile dealership were a human body, the OEM is our heart, pumping the product lifeblood. Wholesale finance is the bloodstream - the working capital that must flow freely to keep the body energetic. Retail finance is our legs, allowing the customer to walk out with a vehicle, while insurance is our immune system, protecting us when the unexpected occurs. The dealer is the face the customer trusts, but you cannot have a healthy face on an unhealthy body. It takes all four of us - the OEM, the financier, the insurer and the dealer, working in a perfect relay to keep the customer."

Vigneshwar advised dealers to conduct monthly reconciliation of payouts and commissions and to invest in the training of F&I desks, stating, "F&I income is no longer just 'the icing' but a 'loadbearing wall of dealership viability. Our dealer partners have highlighted a few key areas for improvement across finance and insurance. In wholesale finance, they expect more transparent, demand-led funding and quicker transmission of interest rate reductions. In retail finance, there is a strong need for more robust used-vehicle funding solutions and smoother reconciliation processes. In insurance, faster claims settlement and stronger protection of dealer-led customer relationships remain critical priorities.”

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ZF Group has taken a prominent position at Prawaas 5.0, India’s premier multimodal transport exhibition, currently underway in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The event, hosted by the Bus and Car Operators Confederation of India (BOCI), runs from 9 to 11 July 2026 at the Helipad Exhibition Centre, gathering industry leaders, government officials and technology providers to deliberate on the future of mobility.

ZF Group is presenting an extensive array of Original Equipment and Aftermarket solutions aimed at accelerating India's shift towards safer roads and cleaner commercial transportation. The company's exhibit spans electrification, braking systems, chassis engineering, advanced safety features and digital connectivity, underscoring its strategic intent to equip the Indian market with innovations that enhance performance and environmental sustainability.

A standout feature is the AxTrax 2, an integrated electric axle for light and medium-duty buses that consolidates the electric motor, inverter, electronic control unit and transmission into a compact housing. This system delivers high efficiency and power output, making it suitable for battery-electric, fuel-cell and trolley bus applications, thereby facilitating local zero-emission public transport.

Complementing this is the RL82A front axle system for city buses, featuring a low-floor design with a wide centre aisle and steering angles up to 55 degrees for improved manoeuvrability in congested settings. The system also incorporates low-maintenance construction and internally ventilated disc brakes, enhancing passenger comfort and active safety in demanding urban environments.

Additional offerings include Door Control Solutions with clamping protection and emergency functions, along with advanced driver assistance systems, electronic braking and stability controls, tyre pressure monitoring and connected technologies like Bus Connect. The Aftermarket division presents fleet-oriented products including 360-degree camera systems, brake components and maintenance essentials to ensure vehicle uptime and lifecycle reliability.

ZF Group India’s leadership is also contributing to industry conversations – Paramjit Singh Chadha, Senior Vice President, ZF Group, will be a lead panellist at the session ‘Electrifying School Bus Transport for a Cleaner Future’, held on 10 July. Through its comprehensive presence at Prawaas 5.0, ZF is reinforcing its dedication to India’s public transport evolution, showcasing safer, cleaner and more connected mobility solutions at Booth 12 A6C.

Akash Passey, President, ZF Group India, said, "India's public transport ecosystem is undergoing a fundamental transformation, driven by rapid urbanisation, sustainability goals and an increasing focus on road safety and operational efficiency. At ZF, we are enabling this transition by bringing together globally proven technologies and local engineering expertise to support our customers across every stage of their mobility journey. Our participation at Prawaas 5.0 reflects our commitment to delivering integrated solutions that not only address today's transportation challenges but also lay the foundation for a connected, electrified and software-driven future for commercial vehicles in India."

Paramjit Singh Chadha, Senior Vice President, ZF CVS India,  said, "The future of bus mobility will be defined by intelligent systems that seamlessly integrate safety, electrification, connectivity and vehicle control. At ZF, we are developing scalable technologies that help OEMs and fleet operators improve vehicle performance, passenger safety, operational uptime and total cost of ownership while preparing for the next generation of commercial vehicles. Through our comprehensive portfolio showcased at Prawaas 5.0, we continue to support India's transition towards smarter and more sustainable public transportation."

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The Honda India Foundation (HIF) has held a ground-breaking ceremony for a Road Safety Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Viramgam, Gujarat.

The centre is designed to provide road safety education through training and simulation-based learning. It is scheduled to open in 2027 and is expected to provide safety programmes for 5,000 people each year.

The CoE will feature a Road Safety Education & Awareness Wing equipped with training tools for students, youth groups and local communities. Additionally, it will include an Accident Research & Data Analytics Unit to examine traffic patterns, identify risk locations and assist with safety audits.

Vinay Dhingra, Trustee, Honda India Foundation, said, “Road safety requires a combination of awareness, training and data-driven insights. Through this Centre of Excellence, we aim to create a practical platform that supports safer road behaviour, promotes road safety education and contributes to more informed safety interventions. This initiative reflects Honda India Foundation's continued commitment to strengthening road safety awareness and fostering safer road-use practices at the community level.”

Gyanender Singh Malik, Director General of Police, Gujarat State, said, “We appreciate Honda India Foundation’s support in setting up this Road Safety Centre of Excellence in Gujarat. The Centre will help strengthen structured road safety education and support data-led interventions for safer roads. Such collaborations add value to the state’s efforts towards improving road safety awareness and reducing road accident risks.”

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