The Autonomous BAJA SAEINDIA 2024 (aBAJA) kicked off with great fanfare, marking the first day of the one-of-a-kind student competition centred on autonomous all-terrain vehicles (AATV).

This 3-day competition (from 4 to 6 October 2024) is hosted by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), Pune, and marks a milestone for BAJA SAEINDIA as autonomous vehicle technology was introduced to the engineering competition. Five teams from throughout the country compete in the event, each of which must complete a unique set of tasks meant to evaluate the performance of their vehicles and teamwork.

Pre-event preparation tests were carried out at ARAI, Kothrud, Pune, from 30 September to 3 October, in the run-up to the tournament. Among these were comprehensive technical examinations, in which vehicles' electrical, mechanical and autonomous systems were carefully assessed to make sure they complied with competition regulations. Assessments of team preparedness and safety briefings were also conducted. To help teams test and improve their autonomous vehicles and make sure they matched the competition's rigorous requirements, trial run tracks were built up for the dynamic events such as Object Detection, Classification and Tracking (ODCT) and Remote Driving System (RDS).

On the first day, static events like the design evaluation and business presentation took main stage. These occasions gave the teams a chance to showcase their creative approaches and intricate designs, emphasising the intricacy and foresight required to create autonomous systems. Teams will test their vehicles' capabilities in real-world scenarios on the second day, which is expected to feature exciting activities that highlight engineering ingenuity and expertise.

Highlighting the significance of hosting the event at ARAI during the welcome address on behalf of ARAI, Ujjwala Karle, Joint Convener, Phase 3 of aBAJA SAEINDIA 2024 & Deputy Director, Technology Group, ARAI, said, “It is an honour for ARAI to host Phase 3 of aBAJA SAEINDIA 2024. This event highlights our commitment to bridging academia and industry. It is inspiring to witness students exhibit the passion and boldness necessary to tackle the complexities of the automotive landscape. BAJA SAEINDIA serves as a vital ‘Introduction to Industry’ (i2i), providing hands-on experience with real-world challenges. Furthermore, initiatives like the iNTELLIMOBILITY Ideathon empower participants to address pressing mobility issues with innovative solutions. We at ARAI are proud to support BAJA SAEINDIA and wish all participants great success in this year’s event.”

Emphasising the importance of technological innovation in shaping the future of mobility, the Chief Guest for the event, Umesh Shah, Managing Director, Autoliv, said, “aBAJA represents a confluence of creativity, engineering, and technology. It is through such initiatives that we inspire the next generation to think beyond conventional solutions and tackle real-world problems with courage and a spirit of innovation. I congratulate the participants for taking up this challenge and encourage them to bring forward their passion and ideas that will shape the mobility landscape in India and beyond. The efforts of the organising committee and all those involved in this competition are commendable. Their dedication ensures that aBAJA continues to be a platform where emerging engineers are not only tested but also encouraged to innovate and grow. I wish all the participants the very best in their endeavours and extend my best wishes to BAJA SAEINDIA as they continue to break new ground with aBAJA SAEINDIA 2025."

Shahkar Abidi, Assistant Editor at Autocar, graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour. Stressing the importance of continuous learning and practical exposure for engineering students, he said, “Autonomous driving and intelligent mobility are no longer just concepts; they are the future. BAJA SAEINDIA has always been ahead of the curve in providing hands-on experiences to students, and aBAJA is a testament to this vision. The passion and drive I see among these students will surely propel them to become future leaders in the automotive industry.”

The grand inaugural ceremony also saw the presence of esteemed dignitaries from both industry and academia, including Ganesh Rao, Director of R&D at Continental; Shantanu Sonar, DGM at Daimler Truck Innovation Centre India (DTICI); Dr P Rajalakshmi from TiHAN, IIT Hyderabad; Balraj Subramaniam, Chairman of the Organising Committee of BAJA SAEINDIA and Saurabh Chitnavis, Joint Convener of aBAJA SAEINDIA 2024.

Comments (1)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

• 

  - Dr Kamal Vora October 06, 2024 06:55 AM

  Autonomous BAJA SAEINDIA 2024 is a great initiative of SAEINDIA and I would like to congratulate BAJA Committee members, ARAI, Ajeenkya DY Patil University and all the sponsors & supporters for this initiative. The registration of BAJA SAEINDIA 2024 with early bird incentive starts on 6th Oct 2024 from 8 to 10 pm. For sponsorship or registration, please contact vorakc04@gmail.com

  Reply

Dell Technologies and McLaren Racing have extended their partnership, continuing Dell’s role as the Official Innovation Partner for the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team. The collaboration focuses on the use of AI infrastructure and hardware to support car development and trackside operations.

The partnership, which began in 2018, has integrated Dell’s technology into McLaren’s design, engineering and race-day decision-making processes. This infrastructure supported McLaren during its Constructors’ Championship titles in 2024 and 2025, as well as its Drivers’ Championship win in 2025.

McLaren utilises the Dell AI Factory, including PowerEdge servers, to process 1.5 terabytes of data during a race weekend. This setup allows the team to run simulations and maintain digital twins of the cars to refine race strategies. The system monitors variables such as hydraulic changes and track conditions in real time.

To manage data-intensive workloads, including Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and modelling, the team employs PowerStore and PowerScale storage solutions. This allows for the scaling of data infrastructure to meet the demands of high-performance computing.

Dell PCs are used across the organisation for collaboration and data access between the factory and the racetrack. Engineers and strategists use AI-optimised PCs to manage workflows and support driving simulation systems used for driver training. Additionally, Alienware systems power the McLaren F1 Sim Racing Team.

Zak Brown, chief executive officer, McLaren Racing, said, “Our work with Dell Technologies has become a natural part of how we operate as a Formula 1 team. Their support strengthens the way we work across the organisation, helping us stay agile and competitive in a sport where every detail matters. Extending this relationship reflects the confidence we have in what we can achieve together.”

Gerri Tunnell, Chief Marketing Officer, Dell Technologies, said, “The relationship between Dell Technologies and McLaren Racing showcases what’s possible when two organisations are dedicated to pushing boundaries. Dell’s solutions are a catalyst for human progress. With McLaren, we’re demonstrating how the combination of powerful technology and human ingenuity can deliver real competitive advantages in high-stakes environments - an approach that inspires innovation across industries worldwide.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Dassault Systemes has announced that Bernard Charles has stepped down as Executive Chairman and member of the Board of Directors for personal reasons, effective immediately.

The Board has unanimously appointed Pascal Daloz, the company’s current Chief Executive Officer, to the dual role of Chairman and CEO. The transition, effective from 21 February 2026, follows the recommendation of the Compensation and Nomination Committee.

Charles, a Co-Founder who has been with the company for 40 years, led Dassault Systemes through six generations of industry transformation. While stepping down from his formal duties, Charles will remain available to the company to assist in the adoption of ‘3D UNIV+RSES’ powered by artificial intelligence.

Daloz, who has worked with Charles for 25 years, will now lead the company's ‘Gen7’ strategy. This phase focuses on industrial AI and generative economy solutions within the 3DEXPERIENCE platform.

Key Strategic Focus Areas:

Industrial AI: Integration of artificial intelligence into 3D design and simulation.

Generative Economy: Redefining industry innovation and competition.

Product Lifecycle Management (PLM): Maintaining market leadership in digital twin and PLM technologies.

Pascal Daloz, said, “I am honored to succeed Bernard Charles as Chairman of Dassault Systemes, in addition to my mission as CEO. I would like to thank Bernard for his trust, his unwavering support and his inspiration. We share the same vision: pushing the boundaries of science and imagination to change the lives of consumers, patients and citizens - bringing "virtual worlds to real life". We also share a common conviction about the plan required to turn that vision into reality. As Co-Founder and CEO, Bernard guided our company from a startup to a world leader. The inspiration behind Dassault Systemes' leading technologies, he has instilled a culture of ongoing innovation within our organization. He has helped transform industries for a more sustainable world. I thank Bernard for his offer to remain available to help us accelerate the adoption of 3D UNIV+RSES powered by AI. Our ambition is clear: to lead the transformation powered by Industrial AI through 3D UNIV+RSES. This is a long-term commitment to further redefine how industries innovate, operate and compete in the Generative Economy. I am committed to ensuring that Dassault Systemes retains the freedom needed to remain a game-changer and to accelerating growth.”

Bernard Charles, commented, “I have requested to be released, for personal reasons, from my duties as Executive Chairman of the Board of Dassault Systemes. As Co-Founder of our company, alongside Charles Edelstenne, I am truly pleased that Pascal Daloz succeeds me in this role. Pascal and I have worked side by side for 25 years, and he has my full confidence to both lead the company and organize the Board's work. This decision reflects the enduring continuity of the company’s governance, which is a major source of trust for our large clients around the world. I am firmly convinced that this new configuration creates the strongest conditions for the continued and successful development of Dassault Systemes. I love and am deeply proud of Dassault Systemes - its people, its teams, its customers, its purpose and values and what we build together. I am, at heart, a product and technology leader; this is my passion. I will remain fully available to the company to accelerate the adoption of 3D UNIV+RSES. Over the past 40 years, I have driven six generations of industry transformations, leading cutting-edge product innovation. “Gen7” is now well defined and architected. Pascal and his remarkable team will drive further this tremendous heritage for the success of our clients, partners and shareholders.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

VI-grade has announced the installation of its HyperDock cockpit at Multimatic’s Vehicle Dynamics Centre in Novi, Michigan. This deployment marks the first instance of HyperDock technology in North America. The system upgrades an existing DiM250 driving simulator, installed in 2020, into a platform capable of simultaneous vehicle dynamics and NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) development.

The HyperDock consists of a carbon-fibre cockpit designed to increase stiffness and reduce inertia. By removing the traditional top disk in favour of a direct actuator interface and integrated vibro-acoustic feedback, the system allows engineers to assess ride, handling and acoustics within a single environment.

The upgrade introduces ‘full-spectrum’ simulation, which bridges the gap between high-frequency vibration testing and low-frequency motion cues.

• Construction: Lightweight carbon-fibre frame.
• Interface: Direct actuator connection to minimise signal delay and mechanical loss.
• Feedback: Integrated tactile and audio systems for vibro-acoustic realism.
• Application: Simultaneous tuning of vehicle handling and interior cabin noise.

Peter Gibbons, Technical Director – Vehicle Dynamics, Multimatic, said, “After evaluating the VI-grade HyperDock Full Spectrum Simulator cockpit at the SimCenter Udine over a year ago, Multimatic quickly realized that it would provide a significant step forward in the fidelity of all DiM applications, from road car ride tuning to race car limit handling. The overwhelmingly positive responses from Murray White, Technical Director of Vehicle Development at Multimatic, and Dirk Müller, professional race car driver, affirmed Multimatic’s decision to upgrade to HyperDock. The added immersion, superior tactile feedback, and audio advancements have moved the goalposts well beyond our expectations. Multimatic looks forward to continuing to leverage the impressive capabilities of HyperDock over the coming years.”

Alessio Lombardi, Global Sales Director – Simulation, VI-grade, added, “With the addition of HyperDock, Multimatic now benefits from full-spectrum simulation capability, expanding the scope of development activities that can be performed on an already well-established simulator platform. This installation represents an important milestone for VI-grade, as it brings HyperDock technology to North America for the first time.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Postponed from December 2025 to February 2026, the ADAS Show 2026 by Aayera was a combination of stalls where diverse players from the field of ADAS or autonomous driving highlighted their latest developments. There were live demo sessions that saw the use of passenger vehicles, trucks and dummies to highlight the technological prowess in the field.

Held at ARAI’s newest testing and certification facility for ADAS and other modern automotive technologies at Takwe (Pune), the show saw experts speak about the autonomous future in panel discussions, presentations etc. Live demos highlighted progress on the computing and vision front; on the software front, underlining certain zest.

In his inaugural address, Dr Reji Mathai, Director, ARAI, spoke about the motive behind setting up an ADAS testing facility at Takwe. Observing that tracks never give returns to draw attention to the decision of setting up an ADAS testing track at Takwe (the newest yet by ARAI), Dr Mathai informed that ARAI participates at the UN level in regulation forming.

Dr Mathai; Elie Luskin, Vice President – India and China, Mobil Eye, and Nina Roeck, Vice President – Software Engineering (Drive & Comfort), Ampere (Renault Group), were united in their expression about India’s unique traffic and driving conditions. The trio stressed on localisation of ADAS system parts such as sensors; on local engineering and development, and on local testing and validation.

“In India, the conditions are different and the effort therefore is to focus on perception, alerts and interventions that consider the local driving condition,” said Roeck.

Asserting that India’s expanding auto market has disproportionately low ADAS. Luskin explained, “ADAS would become mainstream as India’s GDP per capita grows.

Apurbo Kirty, Head – Electrical & Electronics, ERC, Tata Motors, focused on advanced driver assistance in CVs in his address. He referred to road challenges in India, road accident statistics and the challenges for ADAS implementation in terms of SAE autonomy levels, regulations like GSR 834 and how ADAS is a necessity rather than just a tech upgrade.  

Touching on the complexity of landscape of Indian road conditions, Abijit Sengupta, Head of Business – SAE and India, HERE Technologies, spoke about vehicle safety trends such as connected vehicles, autonomous, shared services and electrification.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!