At a World Biofuel Day event in New Delhi, Ramakrishna YB, an expert at the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, highlighted the vast potential of India's biofuel sector, surpassing agriculture in scale. Biofuels, which offer a cleaner and sustainable alternative to traditional fuels, are central to India's energy transition towards net-zero emissions by 2070. In this week's ETAutoTech newsletter we have curated stories related to biofuels, ethanol, other tech innovations, humanoid robots and much more. Here it goes.
'Biofuel sector has immense potential, may pave way for a sustainable future in India'
Ethanol blend expansion
As India nears its goal of 20% ethanol blending in petrol, the government eyes a new target: 5% ethanol blending in diesel. Trials by the Automotive Research Association of India show promising results with BS-III and BS-VI buses, though concerns remain about potential deposits in fuel tanks. Read more to find out.
Government moves to ready ground for 5% ethanol mix in diesel
Green hydrogen acceleration
To realise the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, India is urged to accelerate green hydrogen and thorium-based molten salt reactor development. Professor Ganapati Myneni highlights the need for increased R&D investment, infrastructure, and public-private partnerships. This aligns with India's 2047 energy independence goal and reinforces its leadership in sustainable energy technologies. Here is the detailed article.
India must spend in green hydrogen R&D, infrastructure: Ganapati Myneni
AI diagnostics launch
Ki Mobility’s myTVS is set to launch ‘Drivenostics,’ an AI-led diagnostics platform for aftermarket vehicle care. This platform, which allows customers and technicians to diagnose vehicle issues and estimate repair costs, is currently free but will eventually be monetized. Pilots are underway in the UK and Turkey, targeting commercial fleets. Know more about the AI-led diagnostics platform.
Ki Mobility's myTVS to launch AI-led diagnostics platform for aftermarket car segment
Mapping dispute escalates
In a legal tussle, MapmyIndia CEO Rohan Verma challenges Ola's claim of developing an Indian navigation map, branding it a “gimmick.” Verma insists MapmyIndia’s expertise and investments make them leaders in mapping, while Ola defends its capabilities. The conflict intensifies with potential market and legal implications. Here is the complete report.
Ola Maps a gimmick, people should be careful of fly-by-night products: MapmyIndia CEO
Accenture launches academy
Accenture unveiled its Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV) Academy, aiming to skill professionals in the automotive industry for a USD 3.5 trillion digital mobility market by 2040. Featuring 40+ interactive modules, the academy promises hands-on learning with industry standards, preparing India’s automotive sector for a future of connected and electric vehicles. Read more in the following story.
Accenture launches LearnVantage Academy for software-defined vehicle
BMW tests humanoids
BMW Group tested the Figure 02 humanoid robot in its Spartanburg plant, successfully inserting sheet metal parts into chassis assembly fixtures. This marks BMW's step towards enhanced automation and efficiency in line with its iFACTORY strategy. The robot's advanced dexterity showcased the potential to improve workplace safety and reduce physically demanding tasks. Know more about the humanoids.
BMW utilises humanoid robots in Spartanburg plant for automotive manufacturing
Kerala pursues EV investments
Kerala is striving to transform Thiruvananthapuram into an automotive technology hub, seeking investments from domestic and international EV manufacturers. Industries Minister P. Rajeeve highlighted Kerala’s leading position in EV sales and e-charging infrastructure. He anticipates future collaborations with companies like Mahindra to bolster the state’s automotive technology sector. Read more here.
Kerala targets EV investments to build automotive tech hub
Robotaxis threaten drivers
Liu Yi, a 36-year-old ride-hailing driver in Wuhan, watches driverless taxis threaten his livelihood. As China's cities rapidly adopt robotaxis, traditional drivers worry about job loss. Despite concerns, companies like Baidu’s Apollo Go and Pony.ai expand their autonomous fleets, signaling a significant shift in transportation and job landscapes. Here is how these robotaxis getting popular.
China's drivers fret as robotaxis pick up pace - and passengers
Daegu Hosts FIX 2024
Daegu Metropolitan City gears up to host the 2024 Future Innovation Tech Expo (FIX 2024), an event under Mayor Hong Joon-pyo's leadership. This global showcase, merging multiple tech expos, will spotlight innovations in mobility, robotics, AI, and semiconductors. FIX 2024 aims to position Daegu as a central hub for new industries. Read the full report here.
Future Innovation Tech Expo 2024 to showcase next-gen tech at Daegu EXCO in South Korea
That’s all we have in this week’s edition of the ETAutoTech newsletter. We hope you found the content-mix useful. Please do share your feedback, suggestions on sumantra.barooah@timesinternet.in
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