AMTDC inaugurated at IIT Madras

Advanced Manufacturing Technology Development Centre (AMTDC) was formally inaugurated today morning at IIT Madras Research Park, Chennai by Dr. A. R. Sihag, Secretary, Department of Heavy Industry (DHI), Ministry of Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises, Government of India in the presence of Prof. Bhaskar Ramamurthi, Director IIT-Madras and Chairman, AMTDC.

AMTDC is a unique model where industry association (IMTMA) leverages the support of an existing academic institution (academic / research facilities of IIT, Madras) and Government (financial support from DHI) to establish a much-needed facility for R&D and new product development.

The initial 11 projects (all connected to machine tools and related areas) only establish that such projects can be taken up successfully by our industry. The industry needs to come forward to take up more such projects to develop new capabilities and new products to strengthen the product range and offerings of our industry.

Highlights

Ribbon Cutting and Inauguration
Dr. A. R. Sihag, Secretary, Department of Heavy Industry, Government of India was the Chief Guest for the inauguration of AMTDC at IIT Madras Research Park, Chennai.

Walk-through of AMTDC Facilities
Delegates had a view of the indigenous technologies developed at AMTDC.
Development of drives for machine tool applications, low-cost machine tending robot, multi-tasking machine, orbital motion abrasive cutting machines, direct-drive abrasive cutting machines etc., were displayed.

Welcome Address
Giving the welcome address, Prof. Bhaskar Ramamurthi, Director, IIT-Madras and Chairman, AMTDC said that AMTDC was set up with a vision to constantly develop new technologies and some of the machines developed at the centre are already in commercial use.

Address by IMTMA President
Delivering his address, Mr. P. Ramadas, President, IMTMA said AMTDC will promote manufacturing technology development across all sectors.

Address by Chief Guest
Dr. A. R. Sihag, Secretary, Department of Heavy Industry, Govt. of India, delivering his address said that societies that want to develop in the long run will have to find ways of developing knowledge. AMTDC is the model that will help us address this.
During the product development stage, academia will have a large role while for commercialisation, the industry has to play a vital role.

Panel Discussion on Technology Development for Enhancing Competitiveness of Indian Capital Goods Sector
Panellists Prof. (Retired) V. Radhakrishnan, IITMadras, Mr. Srivats Ram, Managing Director, Wheels India Limited, Mr. L. Krishnan, Managing Director, TaeguTec and Past President, IMTMA, Ms. Shuba Kumar, Board Member and Director, Natesan Group and President, IIT Madras Alumni Association discussed about helping the industry to build process capability, focusing on building technologies for recycling, reusing and improving and developing a roadmap for future. The session was moderated by Mr. Thiru Srinivasan,
Vice President - Development, Ather Energy

Vote of Thanks
Prof. N. Ramesh Babu, Secretary, AMTDC delivered a vote of thanks. He acknowledged the support of DHI, IMTMA and industry partners and colleagues.