IIT Madras, Caterpillar Inc. sign agreement for joint research in technology; focus on advanced manufacturing

Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) and Caterpillar Inc., an American multinational manufacturing firm, have signed an agreement to undertake joint research in selected technology areas.

The collaboration will focus on areas including Advanced Manufacturing, Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, Mechanical Engineering, Autonomous Mining Equipment, Gas Turbines and Engines, Energy, Batteries, Fuel Cells, and Electrification.

As per the institute, the activities under the agreement include research and development in the identified technology areas, continuing education programmes, talent development initiatives such as sponsorship of innovation clubs and technical events, and opportunities for IIT Madras students to participate in internships and full-time employment with Caterpillar.

The agreement was signed on the IIT Madras campus by Bhuvan Anandakrishnan, Vice President – Engineering and Country Manager, Caterpillar Inc., India, along with V Kamakoti, director of IIT Madras; Manu Santhanam, Dean (ICSR), IIT Madras; and Shaikh Faruque Ali from the Department of Applied Mechanics and Biomedical Engineering. Key personnel from Caterpillar’s US offices attended virtually.

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IIT Madras highlights multidisciplinary relevance

Speaking about the collaboration, V Kamakoti said: “Caterpillar Inc. is a multidisciplinary company with relevance to multiple departments of IIT Madras. I have no doubt that the collaboration will lead to several exciting products that will be of global standards.”

Further, Bhuvan Anandakrishnan said, “We are proud to enter into an extended Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM), further strengthening our long-standing partnership. This collaboration aims to enhance joint research, consultation, as well as talent development in the engineering and technology space, aligning with Caterpillar’s Global University Collaboration Model.”