Author – Ritesh Ranjan: New research centre at the Goa campus will connect students, faculty and industry experts to develop intelligent, connected and sustainable commercial vehicles
The future of commercial mobility is increasingly being shaped by software, artificial intelligence and advanced engineering. Recognising this shift, BITS Pilani and Daimler Truck Innovation Center India (DTICI) have entered a strategic partnership to establish the Software, Product, AI Research & Knowledge (SPARK) Lab at the BITS Pilani, K K Birla Goa Campus.
The collaboration aims to bring academic research and industry expertise closer together to solve complex challenges in the commercial vehicle sector. The partnership will focus on innovation, talent development, interdisciplinary research and technologies that can support the next generation of trucks and buses.
MoU signed at BITS Goa
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed on 10 August 2026 at the BITS Pilani Goa campus. The agreement was signed by Prof. V. Ramgopal Rao, Group Vice Chancellor, BITS Pilani; Prof. Suman Kundu, Director, BITS Pilani, K K Birla Goa Campus; and Mr. Radhakrishnan Kodakkal, Managing Director and CEO, DTICI.
The SPARK Lab will serve as a platform for collaborative research in areas including artificial intelligence, software development, digital validation, propulsion technologies and vehicle engineering. It will also create opportunities for students and researchers to work directly with industry experts on real-world mobility challenges.
Software-defined trucks
Commercial vehicles are undergoing a major transformation. Modern trucks are no longer defined only by mechanical systems and engine performance. They increasingly depend on embedded software, connected sensors, intelligent safety systems, automated diagnostics, digital fleet management and data-driven decision-making.
Industry analysts expect software-defined vehicles to become a major part of the global automotive market. Daimler Truck is investing in software and AI to develop advanced products for its global commercial vehicle portfolio, with DTICI serving as one of its important innovation and engineering centres.
The SPARK Lab will help bring this transition into the academic environment. Students and faculty can explore new ideas in artificial intelligence, vehicle connectivity, predictive maintenance, autonomous functions and energy-efficient transportation.
Industry and academic collaboration
Mr. Radhakrishnan Kodakkal, MD and CEO, DTICI, said the future of trucks would be shaped as much by software and AI as by engineering excellence. He described the SPARK Lab as a platform where academia and industry can collaborate to create intelligent, connected and sustainable commercial vehicles.
At BITS Pilani, Prof. V. Ramgopal Rao said industry partnerships are essential for converting academic research into real-world impact. He noted that the SPARK Lab would act as a catalyst for interdisciplinary research, innovation and technology development.
Prof. Suman Kundu highlighted the opportunity for faculty and students to work alongside industry experts directly on campus. Such collaboration can help transform early research ideas into validated technologies and deployable products.
Opportunities for students and researchers
The new lab is expected to support joint projects, internships, mentorship, technical workshops and industry-led research. Students may gain exposure to practical challenges involving commercial vehicle design, AI algorithms, software platforms, electric mobility and vehicle testing.
Faculty members and researchers can also benefit from access to industry datasets, engineering expertise and opportunities for technology transfer. The partnership could lead to new intellectual property, publications, prototypes and solutions with commercial potential.
Building the future of mobility
The BITS Pilani-DTICI partnership comes at a time when the transport sector is moving toward cleaner, safer and more connected vehicles. AI-enabled trucks can support improved route planning, predictive maintenance, driver assistance and fleet efficiency, while software-defined architectures can make vehicles easier to upgrade throughout their working life.
By establishing the SPARK Lab at the Goa campus, BITS Pilani and DTICI are creating an innovation ecosystem that combines education, research and industrial application. The initiative could help develop the talent and technologies required to shape the future of India’s commercial vehicle industry.
Conclusion
The launch of the SPARK Lab at the BITS Pilani, K K Birla Goa Campus marks an important step in strengthening collaboration between academia and the commercial vehicle industry. By combining BITS Pilani’s research capabilities with Daimler Truck Innovation Center India’s engineering expertise, the initiative will give students and researchers opportunities to work on real-world challenges involving AI, software-defined vehicles, propulsion systems, connectivity and sustainable mobility.
Beyond research, the partnership can help create industry-ready talent, accelerate technology development and encourage the transition of academic ideas into practical automotive solutions. As commercial vehicles become increasingly software-driven, connected and intelligent, initiatives such as the SPARK Lab could play a significant role in shaping the technologies and professionals behind the future of mobility in India and globally.
FAQs
1. What is the BITS Pilani-Daimler Truck SPARK Lab?
The SPARK Lab, or Software, Product, AI Research & Knowledge Lab, is a collaborative research centre established by BITS Pilani and Daimler Truck Innovation Center India (DTICI) at the BITS Pilani, K K Birla Goa Campus. It will focus on research and innovation related to commercial vehicle technologies.
2. When was the MoU for the SPARK Lab signed?
The Memorandum of Understanding for the SPARK Lab was signed on 10 August 2026 at the BITS Pilani Goa campus.
3. What research areas will the SPARK Lab focus on?
The lab will work on areas including artificial intelligence, software development, digital validation, vehicle engineering and propulsion technologies. Research may also cover connected vehicles, predictive maintenance, autonomous functions and energy-efficient transportation.
4. How will BITS Pilani students benefit from the SPARK Lab?
Students are expected to gain opportunities through joint research projects, internships, industry mentorship, technical workshops and hands-on work with Daimler Truck experts. This can provide practical exposure to AI, software platforms, electric mobility, vehicle testing and commercial vehicle engineering.
5. Why is the SPARK Lab important for the future of commercial vehicles?
Commercial vehicles are increasingly becoming software-defined and connected. The SPARK Lab can support research into technologies such as intelligent safety systems, AI-powered diagnostics, vehicle connectivity, predictive maintenance and fleet optimisation, helping develop solutions for safer, cleaner and more efficient trucks and buses.