IIT Delhi, TCL collaborate to develop smart protective clothing for Indian security forces

NEW DELHI: The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi and Troop Comforts Limited (TCL) signed an agreement to develop smart protective clothing for Indian security forces.

Under the agreement, IIT Delhi and TCL will work in the area of research and development of garments and equipment for the security personnel deployed in the high-altitude areas like Siachen Glacier, clothing for protection from ballistic weapons and development of sensor fitted garments.

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The TCL Group produces Troop Comfort Items for defence and paramilitary forces. The Group has four factories - Ordnance Equipment Factory, Kanpur, UP; Ordnance Clothing Factory, Shahjahanpur, UP; Ordnance Clothing Factory, Avadi, TN and Ordnance Equipment Factory, Hazratpur, UP.

IIT Delhi, TCL collaboration

All the four TCL factories depending upon their requirements will assign projects to IIT Delhi for research and innovation. The scope of the collaboration will cover all the new fields including application of smart textiles to defence applications, integration of artificial intelligence in Troop Comfort Items and development of futuristic infantry soldier as a system (Integration of Telecommunication and Health Monitoring Device).

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Both organisations will constitute a Joint Working Group (JWG) to facilitate the initiation of the collaborative projects.

Professor Sunil Kumar Khare, Dean R&D, IIT Delhi said, “IIT Delhi’s Textile and Fibre Engineering Department is well-known for innovations in the area of smart textiles. It’s privilege for us to support our security forces through this MoU with TCL.”

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“Under the self-reliant India mission, this MoU with IIT Delhi will prove to be a milestone in the direction of making the country’s security forces empowered and modern,” said SK Sinha, CMD, TCL.

Earlier, an IIT Delhi startup designed fabric for monumental national flags that are stronger than ordinary fabric and can withstand harsh climatic conditions in India.