R&D in Indian Machine Tools

Research and Development (R&D) is crucial for innovation in the manufacturing industry. Investment in technology for bringing out new products, processes and services builds the industry’s competitive advantages and enhances its future capabilities.

The synergy created by the government, academia and industry helps build an ecosystem for innovation. Machine tool building nations in Asia, Europe and America have been working for long with premier academic institutions with the support from their respective governments to develop new-age technologies for addressing the needs of the manufacturing industry and supporting its overall development. The products are commercialized and put into use by various industries.

Ecosystem for Innovation

On a similar model, the Government of India, through its Department of Heavy Industry, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT-Madras) and Indian Machine Tool Manufacturers’ Association (IMTMA), has formed the Advanced Manufacturing Technology Development Centre (AMTDC). Various industries have come forward to partner with AMTDC to develop technologies.

Boosting Research in India

Indian companies such as Ace Designers, Chennai Metco, Interface Design Associates, Jyoti CNC, MTAB, Micromatic Grinding Technologies, etc. have given their projects to research engineers in AMTDC. The research primarily focuses on bringing products pertaining to machine tools, Industry 4.0, automation and mechatronics, motion control, and robotics.

The products, once fully developed, are expected to bring advanced technologies and lower the cost for the end-consumer, save foreign exchange, and reduce dependence on imports. Many engineering colleges in India are also undertaking such projects. Several of these have been displayed during IMTEX by academic institutions in i2 Academia Pavilion. This helps industry and academia to connect with each other and establish mutual cooperation for enhancing innovations and development in machine tools and manufacturing technologies. IMTMA through its III-C initiative has provided a significant opportunity for such collaborations to take place.