SRM Technologies Launches Drive Next Automotive (DNA) Lab at SRM University
SRM Technologies and SRMIST launch the Drive Next Automotive (DNA) Lab in Chennai to advance automotive R&D and software-defined vehicle tech.
In a significant move to bridge the gap between academic learning and industrial application, SRM Technologies has officially inaugurated its Drive Next Automotive (DNA) Lab at the SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST) in Chennai. This specialized facility is designed to accelerate automotive Research and Development (R&D) through cutting-edge technology exploration and industry-led training.
As the automotive industry shifts toward software-defined vehicle architectures, the complexity of integrating and testing advanced systems has skyrocketed. The DNA Lab aims to address these challenges by providing a dedicated environment where students from engineering and AI disciplines can collaborate with industry experts to build prototypes and proofs of concept.
Advanced Technologies and Research Focus
The DNA Lab is not just a classroom; it is a high-tech R&D hub equipped to handle the rigorous demands of modern vehicle engineering. The facility will initially concentrate on several critical pillars of the automotive sector:
- Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
- AUTOSAR and Automotive Software
- Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) testing
- Verification and Validation (V&V)
To facilitate hands-on learning, the lab features high-performance ADAS systems and a HIL setup powered by sophisticated dSPACE and Vector toolchains, allowing for real-time automotive V&V in a controlled environment.
Bridging the Talent Gap for the Automotive Sector
The collaboration serves a dual purpose: advancing technological innovation and cultivating a skilled workforce. Anantharaman Prakash, CTO of the Mobility Business Unit at SRM Technologies, highlighted that the lab allows the company to invest in future capabilities while giving young engineers meaningful industry exposure before they even enter the workforce.
"DNA Lab gives us an opportunity to explore solutions beyond the immediate demands of customer programs and invest in capabilities we will need next. It also creates a closer connection with academia... building a stronger talent pipeline for the automotive sector," said Anantharaman Prakash.
Dr. Kamalakkannan K, Professor and Head of the Department of Automobile Engineering at SRMIST, echoed this sentiment, noting that the lab fulfills the university's commitment to complementing classroom education with real-world industrial experience.
A Future Center of Excellence
The impact of the DNA Lab is expected to extend far beyond student research. The initiative includes several academic enrichment programs, such as:
- Train-the-Trainer initiatives to keep faculty updated on emerging tech.
- Professional electives and certification courses for specialized learning.
- Minor specializations to provide students with deeper expertise.
Looking ahead, Sundar S, Head of the Mobility Business Unit at SRM Technologies, envisions the DNA Lab evolving into a Center of Excellence for advanced automotive engineering. The goal is to create a hub where Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and Tier-I suppliers can engage to deploy dependable innovations that drive the future of mainstream vehicle development.