Synopsys - 3D Engineering

Synopsys, in association with 3D Engineering (an Ansys Elite Channel Partner), has inaugurated a new Design Center for Engineering Simulation at the MCCIA Electronic Cluster Foundation (MECF) in Pune.

The facility aims to accelerate access to advanced simulation technologies for MSMEs and be a catalyst for industrial R&D in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, industry-academia collaboration and student training.

The Design Center will enhance simulation-led innovation and adoption in electronic product design engineering for MSMEs in automotive, aerospace and defence, electronics and healthcare.

The facility will provide hands-on access to engineering tools in structural analysis, thermal modelling, electromagnetics and digital twin technologies. It is equipped with licensed Ansys (now part of Synopsys) simulation platforms and a high-performance computing (HPC) infrastructure.

The MECF facility is one of the Common Facility Centers (CFCs) approved by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), valued at INR 710 million. MECF is promoted by the Mahratta Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture (MCCIA).

This initiative aligns with India's goals under 'Make in India' and 'Skill India' by enabling simulation-led R&D, accelerating time-to-market for local manufacturing innovations and building a talent pipeline trained in engineering challenges.

It will serve as a dual-purpose hub for skill development and industry consultancy, offering design, simulation services and hands-on training. It will also bridge the cost and resource gap for smaller enterprises by offering discounted access to design tools and expert support.

Mike Yeager, Area Vice-President, Synopsys, said, “Simulation is a foundation of modern engineering, and we believe in making these powerful tools accessible everywhere in India. Our collaboration with 3D Engineering and MECF, supported by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), will empower students, startups, and SMEs to leapfrog into next-generation design and innovation.”

Murali Pullela, Area Sales Director, Synopsys, said, “Our collaboration with MECF reflects the company's commitment to empower innovation from silicon-to-systems. By equipping the design center with advanced engineering tools, India’s electronics ecosystem can be strengthened, accelerating product development aligned with global standards.”

Shrikrishna Gadgil, CEO, MECF, said, “MECF helps the industry in their product development cycle from design to certification, which will support the electronics ecosystem in the region. Our vision is to make the region vibrant with innovation, fostering new products and technologies, and establishing it as a hub for futuristic products and a center of technology excellence. We’re committed to bringing world-class technology and infrastructure closer to grassroots engineering talent. For us, this Design Center by 3D Engineering with Synopsys, as the principal partner is not just an investment in infrastructure, but also an investment in people, capability-building, and future innovation.”

Ajay Deshkar, Managing Partner, 3D Engineering, said, “As a long-standing Ansys Channel Partner, we at 3D Engineering are proud to enable this ecosystem where cutting-edge simulation technology meets local ingenuity. This Design Center is a model for how industry partnerships can meaningfully drive regional innovation and contribute to India’s technological self-reliance.”

Sterling Tools Partners China’s MINIEYE To Introduce ADAS Solutions In India

Sterling Tools - MINIEYE

Sterling Tools has entered into a partnership with MINIEYE, a Hong Kong-listed developer of intelligent driving and in-cabin solutions. The collaboration focuses on the deployment of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and Driver Monitoring Systems (DMS) tailored specifically for the Indian automotive market.

As per the agreement, Sterling Tools will lead application engineering and on-ground adaptation. This involves tuning perception algorithms to account for Indian road scenarios, traffic patterns, and environmental conditions. The project aims to ensure that safety technologies, such as Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) and Lane Departure Warning Systems (LDWS), function reliably in local settings rather than relying on global configurations.

The partnership is positioned to meet upcoming Indian safety mandates. Effective 1 January 2027, regulations will require the fitment of ADAS and Driver Drowsiness and Attention Warning Systems (DDAWS) in new vehicle models. The scope of the collaboration covers both commercial and passenger vehicles, including technologies for Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Blind Spot Monitoring.

MINIEYE provides technology that complies with EU General Safety Regulations and holds Automotive SPICE V4.0 CL3 certification. Sterling Tools is supporting this transition as part of a broader expansion into electronics and safety-critical components, which includes electric vehicle power electronics and motor solutions.

Anish Agarwal, Director, Sterling Tools, said, “Road safety and regulatory compliance are becoming increasingly important across both commercial and passenger vehicle segments in India. This collaboration allows us to work with a global technology partner to address the growing need for driver assistance and monitoring systems that are engineered for Indian operating conditions. At Sterling Tools, our focus remains on supporting OEMs with engineered, safety critical technologies aligned with upcoming regulatory requirements.”

Dr Liu Guoqing, Founder and Chairman, MINIEYE, added, “Partnering with Sterling Tools marks a vital step in bringing intelligent driving to India, leveraging Sterling Tools local expertise to translate technology into production-ready applications that enhance vehicle safety.”

Faraday Future Details F.A.C.E AI Front Grille System For FX Super One

Faraday Future - FACE AI

Faraday Future Intelligent Electric Inc. has released technical details regarding the Front AI Communication Ecosystem (F.A.C.E.), a system featured on the electric version of its FX Super One MPV.

The technology replaces the traditional front grille with a display and an AI avatar designed to act as a co-pilot and communication interface.

The system utilises multimodal interaction, including voice, gesture and touch, to respond to user needs. It is controlled via a smartphone application, allowing for the display of custom graphics, logos and streaming video while the vehicle is stationary. The hardware incorporates sensors that enable the AI agent to perceive its surroundings and interact with individuals outside the vehicle.

The F.A.C.E. system uses a Large Language Model (LLM) reasoning layer to interpret user intent and execute actions. Its functionality includes role-awareness personalisation, which distinguishes between owners, family members and unknown persons to provide appropriate responses.

The system supports proactive communication, such as initiating responses when someone approaches the vehicle to improve safety. Users can also interact with the vehicle’s voice assistant from the exterior to check status or request access. The FX Super One platform is engineered to support both battery electric and AI hybrid extended range (AIHER) powertrains.

The FX Super One is positioned as a mass-market MPV for the United States. Faraday Future has established a three-stage delivery structure for the model:

  • Phase One: Deliveries to FX Partners are expected to begin in the second quarter of this year.
  • Phase Two: B2B partner deliveries and production ramp-up are scheduled for the third quarter.
  • Phase Three: Full-scale consumer market deliveries are targeted for the final quarter of this year or the first quarter of 2027.

Max Ma, Global CEO, FX, said, “Offering technology like our unique F.A.C.E system in a new category of vehicle will be a game changer in the marketplace. It will allow users to connect with the world in a totally new way. It can express itself and communicate to the world in a way never seen before in a vehicle. The FX Super One is not just a new MPV, it is the first mass-market, first-class Embodied AI MPV designed for the U.S. market, where intelligent space, AI interaction, sensing, computing and power and extended-range capability come together in a single platform.”

Schaeffler Leads ReDriveS Project For Electric Axle Drive Recycling

Schaeffler

German component supplier Schaeffler is leading the ReDriveS research project, an initiative funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action. The project, which includes 25 partners from industry and academia, aims to develop an automated and scalable recycling concept for electric axle drive systems.

The project has a volume of over EUR 25 million, with funding exceeding EUR 16 million over a 36-month period. The technical focus is on robot-guided disassembly to recover materials such as rare earths, copper, aluminium and steel. This approach is intended to support the repair of drives, the reuse of subcomponents, or the recycling of materials to meet statutory requirements and secure supply chains.

A central component of the project is the development of a digital twin that processes data throughout the lifecycle of an axle drive. This digital model assesses the condition and geometry of units to determine whether they should be dismantled into main components – such as the motor, inverter, or transmission – or broken down further for material recycling.

The system is designed to be manufacturer-independent, allowing the technology to be used as an industry solution for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and recyclers. The project also explores data-based business models for axle drives enabled by this digital ecosystem.

Prof. Dr. Tim Hosenfeldt, Head of Central Technologies at Schaeffler, said, “With ReDriveS, we are launching a key project for the circular economy in electric mobility as consortium leader, together with the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy and strong partners. Our goal is to make electric axle drives significantly more resource-efficient through digital twins, automated disassembly and high-quality recycling – thereby securing raw materials and supply chains, reducing CO2 emissions, and strengthening Germany as a location overall.”

BYD Extends Blade Battery Warranty To 8 Years Or 250,000km

BYD Atto 2

BYD has updated its warranty terms for the Blade Battery in Europe, increasing the mileage limit to 250,000km while maintaining the 8-year duration. The extension applies to both battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and Super Hybrids and includes a guaranteed State of Health (SOH) of at least 70 percent. This change is retroactive, covering existing owners alongside new customers.

The Blade Battery utilises lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry, which avoids the use of nickel and cobalt. Its design allows cells to act as structural elements, increasing the vehicle's torsional rigidity. This configuration reduces the volume occupied by the battery by 50 percent compared to traditional designs, intended to optimise interior space.

The battery has undergone testing, including nail penetration, where surface temperatures remained below 60deg Celsius. It has also been subjected to overcharge tests, oven tests at 300deg Celsius, and crush evaluations. According to BYD, the battery can exceed 3,000 charge and discharge cycles, indicating a service life of approximately 1.2 million kilometres.

Current models utilising this technology include the BYD SEAL, which reports a range of 570km on the combined cycle and the BYD SEALION 7, capable of DC charging from 30 percent to 80 percent in 18 minutes at a power of 230 kW.

Under the new terms, the specific battery cover sits alongside the standard vehicle warranty of six years or 150,000km. The electric drive unit remains covered for eight years or 150,000km, while the anti-perforation warranty continues at 12 years with unlimited mileage. The extension is designed to address user confidence regarding the longevity of energy storage systems in the European market.