India-Japan joint R&D project launched at IIT

Hyderabad: The field-test bed system of the joint research project "Multi Modal Smart Transportation (M2Smart)" was launched at Indian Institute of Technology here. The India- Japan joint research project was designed collaboratively by Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) as a scheme of "Science Technology Partnership for Sustainable Development (SATREPS)". It has been jointly undertaken by IIT-H, Nagoya Electric works Co. Ltd., Nihon University and Tokyo Institute of Technology.

The aim of the joint research project is to establish a reliable and common approach for grasping the traffic situation in cities by building a system that effectively utilizes mobile devices, traffic sensing, big-data analysis and network technology. The team has launched the field test bed system in IIT-H campus and NH-65. The field test bed system comprises of several key components of traffic management system such as real time traffic flow monitoring cameras, speed detection safety system, traffic signal lights and remote environment gas sensing.

Speaking on the occasion, Katsuo Matsumoto, Chief Representative, JICA India, said, "Enhancing the academia-Industry network between Japan and India is one of the most important elements for both countries' long-term benefit. In this connection, JICA has been engaging in various initiatives with IIT-H, and IIT-H has become a very crucial platform for both countries. This joint research project is also one of the important joint projects between IIT-H and Japanese academia and industries, and is planned to last until March 2022.

It is hoped that by utilising the field test bed system, research teams of Japan and India will continue to work together to create reliable approach for grasping the traffic situation in the cities in India, which would contribute to the formation of suitable urban transportation system and facilitation of a modal shift." For the traffic flow analysis of this joint research project, the project team will implement deep learning AI recognition architecture, driving behaviour sensing, environment gas monitoring, and so on.

The traffic monitoring will be implemented not only at NH-65 in Hyderabad but also in Ahmedabad by joint collaboration with Ahmedabad city where project team will install traffic monitoring camera at several junctions. The project team will be able to compare traffic condition of these two cities. The project team will also utilize project analysis to generate hand-book for low carbon urban transportation that would be beneficial for the consideration of suitable urban transportation system in India.

JICA has been extending integrated support to IIT-H through ODA (Official Development Assistance) loan of 23,035 million Japanese yen (over INR 1,300 crore) for IIT-H campus development. JICA's support is facilitating the development of International Guesthouse, Sports & Cultural Complex, Technology and Incubation Part, Convention Centre, Research Centre Complex, and Knowledge Centre, procurement of high-end laboratory equipment in IIT-H campus.