Inauguration of MAHE-Schneider Electric Centre for Industrial Research in Intelligent Technologies

By Richard D’Souza
Bellevision Media Network

Manipal, 02 Feb 2024: The Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), through Dr. TMA Pai Endowment Chair (Intelligent Technologies, Industry – 4.0 and Sustainability) in a landmark collaboration with Schneider Electric, Bengaluru, proudly inaugurated the MAHE-Schneider Electric Centre for Industrial Research in Intelligent Technologies. This state-of-the-art centre, featuring advanced industrial automation equipment and computing technology, was unveiled on January 29, 2024, by a host of esteemed guests. In a significant recognition, Schneider Electric has acknowledged MAHE/MIT as one of the only two institutes in India with which it has such a collaboration. This partnership allows Schneider Electric staff from across the globe to study at MAHE, further strengthening the educational and research bond between academia and industry.

 

Arti Sharma, Vice President of Human Resources and Head of India R&D and Digital at Schneider Electric India, and Jayanth Lakavalli, Software Director of R&D at Schneider Electric’s Industrial Automation BU, graced the occasion with their presence. They were joined by Dr. Narayana Sabhahit, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Technology and Science) of MAHE, who also played a pivotal role in the inauguration.

 

The new facility is designed to simulate and emulate end-to-end automation for a variety of industrial infrastructures, including refineries, cement plants, airports, and water treatment facilities. The inauguration also marked the beginning of a three-day workshop on "Event-Driven Programming for Industrial Automation using IEC61499 Standards," featuring Schneider Electric experts Mr. Vivek Khandelwal, Mr. Nithin, and Mr. Dhigambar as resource persons. Dr. Manohara Pai M M, Professor and Dr. TMA Pai Endowment Chair at MIT, MAHE, has been a driving force behind this long-standing research association with Schneider Electric R&D, Bengaluru. The centre’s establishment is a testament to this fruitful partnership, which extends to multiple research projects involving faculty and research interns from departments like ICT, ICE, DSCA Mechatronics, and Chemistry at MIT, Manipal.

 

 

The event was enriched by the insights of Mr. Jayanth Lakavalli, Guest of Honour, who shared his perspectives on contemporary industry trends. Following him, Ms. Arti Sharma, the Chief Guest, emphasized the transformative power of intelligent technologies. Dr. Narayana Sabhahit, offering presidential remarks, underlined the significance of research and technological collaborations in academia. Dr. (Cdr.) Anil Rana, discussing the MAHE-Schneider Electric collaboration, highlighted its potential impact on industrial research and technological advancements.

 

This collaborative venture not only marks a significant milestone in industrial research and education but also paves the way for future technological advancements and innovations.

 

Dr. Manohara Pai M. M., convener of the event, expressed his gratitude towards the participants and emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in research and development. Dr. Shreesha C, Head of ICE, proposed the vote of thanks. The workshop was efficiently organized by Dr. Nikhil Pachauri and Dr. Vijay Mohan of the Mechatronics Department, along with Chenchu Saibabu and Nevin Augustine of the ICE Department, who served as co-conveners.