Volvo Group India, in partnership with BMS College of Engineering (BMSCE), has inaugurated the ‘BMSCE and Volvo Group Centre for Flexible Material Research’ in Bengaluru. This advanced research facility marks a significant milestone in the realm of material testing, underscoring a commitment to innovation and academic collaboration.
The centre represents the culmination of two years of joint research between Volvo Group India and BMSCE, focusing on the testing and simulation of flexible materials. This initiative aligns with Volvo Group’s broader strategy of leveraging academic partnerships to drive technological advancements and digital transformation in material testing.
The partnership originated from a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed in 2023, which laid the groundwork for the development of state-of-the-art Flexible Material Testing Rigs. These rigs are designed to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of testing flexible materials such as cables and hoses, including high-voltage electric vehicle (EV) cables and safety-critical hoses.
Kamal Bali, President of Volvo Group India, emphasized the significance of this collaboration in advancing both innovation and sustainability. “The establishment of this research hub reflects our commitment to pioneering new solutions and driving advancements in material science,” said Bali. “Our partnership with BMSCE is a testament to the power of industry-academia collaborations in achieving these goals.”
The research hub is equipped with cutting-edge testing machines that will enable comprehensive evaluation of material behavior under various conditions. This includes rigorous testing of high-voltage EV cables and hoses critical to safety and performance. By improving the precision of material testing, the centre aims to contribute to the development of more reliable and durable components, ultimately enhancing the overall quality and safety of automotive and other flexible materials applications.
Maria Ebbesson, Chairperson of Volvo Group Technology, highlighted the integral role of such partnerships in driving material science innovations. “Industry-academia collaboration is pivotal in pushing the boundaries of what is possible in material science,” Ebbesson noted. “This centre will serve as a key enabler in advancing our understanding and development of flexible materials, paving the way for breakthroughs that will benefit various industries.”
Volvo Group will utilize the research facility for internal research purposes, while BMSCE will act as the academic research partner, contributing to the academic and research dimensions of the collaboration. The synergy between Volvo’s industry expertise and BMSCE’s academic acumen is expected to foster a conducive environment for pioneering research and development in flexible materials.
This initiative not only reinforces Volvo Group’s dedication to innovation but also exemplifies the value of strategic partnerships in achieving significant advancements in technology and research. As the centre begins its operations, it stands poised to make substantial contributions to the field of material science, benefiting both the automotive industry and other sectors reliant on flexible materials.
The inauguration of the BMSCE and Volvo Group Centre for Flexible Material Research marks a new chapter in the collaboration between industry and academia, setting a precedent for future endeavors in material research and innovation.
