Global automotive supplier Continental and IIT-Madras tied-up for advanced research in machine learning.

IIT-Madras, which has built some capability in machine learning and bio-inspired neural networks, will contribute to Continental’s ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) business that provides drivers and passengers with better safety and more comfort. A memorandum of understanding was signed on Friday.

Bio-inspired neural networks are becoming increasingly important for industries and businesses. They help solve problems on the basis of biological knowledge about how the human brain learns and processes information. The collaboration, code-named Project NeuroMotive, will aid Continental’s long-term strategy for ‘Vision Zero’ – a future with zero accidents – through innovations and ongoing improvement of components and systems making a decisive contribution to greater road safety. “We believe industry-academia partnerships nurture innovation, entrepreneurship and skills development, which are value addition not just for the two partners, but for the ecosystem at large,” said Prashanth Doreswamy, Market Head of Continental India, and Managing Director, Continental Automotive India.

“Our expertise and efforts, combined with the strengths of IIT-Madras, will pave the way for technological advancements that further reduce traffic casualties, and potentially even develop vehicles incapable of getting into an accident,” said Alexander Klotz, Continental’s Head of Technical Centre India (TCI), Continental’s in-house R&D centre.

Ravindra Gettu, Dean (Industrial Consultancy and Sponsored Research), IIT-M, pointed out that thanks to advancements in technology, IIT-M can use its knowledge in bio-inspired neural networks to improve the future of mobility.

Continental employs over 7,000 people across 15 locations in India, including eight plants and a technical centre that supports global R&D.

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