Innovation, backed by meticulous R&D and design engineering, is one of our strategic priorities to remain ahead of the curve in a hyper-competitive market scenario.
WE ARE WORKING TOWARDS AN AUTONOMOUS, BETTER CONNECTED AND ELECTRIFIED FUTURE, IN WHICH CUSTOMERS HAVE THE BROADEST RANGE OF CHOICES, FROM ULTRA-CLEAN PETROL ENGINES TO HYBRIDS AND FULL ELECTRIC VEHICLES.
We believe, to gain market share and strengthen our financial position, we need to drive our innovation efforts more aggressively.
We have around 4500 engineers, scientists and technicians, who are driving innovation at Tata Motors. Aiming to be a global leader in the technology domain, our R&D centres span multiple geographies, including Pune (India), UK and South Korea. Under the TAMO brand, we are instituting Innovation Hubs in Europe and the US. We are also collaborating with international partners such as Vibracoustic, Bosch, Goodyear, Randle Engineering Services and ILJIN, among many others, for forward-looking technologies.
In India, we are investing significantly towards technology upgrades for meeting the upcoming BS VI requirements for all our products over the next two to three years.
FUTURISTIC TECHNOLOGY
Some of TML's futuristic technology programmes comprise:
M-Flex MMS Technology for modular car platform
Internet of Things (IoT) and associated technologies on connectivity such as apps, telematics, diagnostics, analytics, among many others
Adaptive Ride Control with Advanced Suspension Dual Stage Damper Technology with Electronics Switches for City and Power modes
Next generation infotainment system with 6.5" TFT touch screen with advanced features like Google Android Auto, Apple Car Play, in-car voice alerts, premium acoustic experience with 8 speakers has been delivered for the Osprey platform
Focusing on technology to combine automotive and consumer grade products. Wearable vehicle authentication key with health monitoring is an example
Selective ADAS technologies for market specific implementation like Forward Collision Warning with Camera - Pedestrian, 2-Wheeler, 4-Wheeler detection (day and night detection), seat belt reminder using ODS (occupant detection sensor) sensor, among others
Focus on vehicle level noise reduction to enhance customer comfort
Development of electro-viscous fan control on M&HCV trucks, which improve fuel economy by reduced fan duty cycle
Development of indigenous Li-Ion battery packs for hybrid and electric buses
Enhancing the effectiveness of regenerative braking by optimally blending it with conventional brake systems
Indigenous development of fuel cell systems and accessories
OUR CONCEPT CARS AND AWARD-WINNING ENGINES BEAR TESTIMONY TO OUR R&D EFFORTS.
JAGUAR LAND ROVER
A sharp focus on design, technology, research and engineering are key to JLR's product development. It also incorporates the evolving customer expectations.
JLR's innovation and research are targeted towards making cars:
Smarter
With the introduction of the InControl Touch Pro infotainment system, JLR is offering new levels of digital connectivity, which can be ailored to drivers' preferences; and is revolutionising the way in which customers interact with their vehicles. The Company is focusing on next-gen technologies, based on machine-learning techniques, thereby learning drivers' preferences and developing vehicle intelligence, as cars become part of the connected digital ecosystems.
Safer
Keeping customer safety at the forefront, the cars transmit location and vehicle diagnostic data to accelerate recovery services at the time of break-downs. In case of serious incidents, the cars have in-built SOS systems, which transmit messages to emergency services. In the external environment too, drivers can use tablets or phones to check fuel levels, record journeys and remotely ensure doors and windows are locked. The InControl Touch Pro system is also aiding the in-car control systems, ensuring customer safety.
With its advanced Driver Assistance Systems, including autonomous emergency braking and park assist, the Company is aiming to be a global leader in Complete Autonomous Systems.
Cleaner
To reduce environmental impact at every possible stage of a vehicle's life cycle, the Company is focusing on both, its operations and the fleet average tailpipe CO2 emissions.
Through a series of initiatives including the Real Car project and the innovative closed loop process, the Company aims to make its manufacturing operations carbon neutral by 2020 and reduce its European fleet average tailpipe CO2 emissions by a further 25% by 2020.
Stylish
Focusing on futuristic designs, the Company has been collaborating with students from the Royal College of Art, since 2000, to get insights into Generation Y's preference for future cars.
JLR is opening the National Automotive Innovation Centre (NAIC) in Spring 2018.
A sum of GBP 150 million is being invested in building the NAIC capital and its research initiatives.
SOME OF OUR RESEARCH PROJECTS
Cooperative Adaptive Cruise Control
JLR is using the latest vehicle-to-vehicle communications technology to develop ways for future connected cars to work together autonomously to make lane changing and crossing junctions easier and safer.
Mind Sense
A research project to see if a car could effectively read the brainwaves that indicate a driver is beginning to daydream, or feeling sleepy, while driving.
Driver Wellness Monitoring
JLR is assessing how a vehicle could monitor the well-being of the driver using a medical-grade sensor embedded in the seat of a Jaguar XJ.
Predictive Infotainment Screen Prototype
Cameras embedded in the car are used to track the driver's hand movements, enabling the system to predict which button the driver intends to press, allowing button selection in mid-air and less time with eyes off the road.
Haptic Accelerator Pedal
JLR is exploring the use of haptics (applying touch sensation to interactions with computer applications) to help the driver increase the speed of their response and take the correct action.
Over the Horizon Warning
This is part of a research project testing in-vehicle communication devices that can transmit data from vehicle in order to warn drivers of hazards and obstacles over the horizon or around blind bends.
Roadwork Assist
Currently investigating advanced driver assistance to guide the vehicle to the centre of narrow roadwork lanes, reducing driver workload and stress.
Safe Pullaway
The use of stereo camera technology to scan the area immediately in front of the vehicle. If objects such as vehicles or walls are detected, the brakes are automatically applied and the driver receives an audible warning.
