The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and Central Manufacturing Technology (CMTI) Institute has signed a pact with Siemens to set up first-of-its-kind digital transformation labs. As per the company's statement, the company has signed two separate MoUs (Memorandum of Understanding) with IISc and CMTI respectively.

The labs will be aimed at augmenting the researchers' expertise at IISc as well as the technical skills of professionals in the industry of machine tools, as notified by the company. The statement further added that the main focus of the MoUs will be on the industrial development of the Internet of Things and Industry 4.0 enabled technologies and products.

The statement also mentioned that this initiative will be hugely beneficial for students, research scholars and industry professionals across the machine tool industry and will continue to benefit for the duration of 03 years.

Special attention will be granted to furnish the labs with products, technologies, and prototypes of emerging digital technologies such as blockchain technology, digital twin, and automatic guided vehicles. This initiative will also encourage MSMEs of the manufacturing sector to adopt smart digital technologies.

MD and CEO of Siemens Sunil Mathur said, "With digital transformation now a priority for the industry, premier educational institutions such as IISc and CMTI have a crucial role to play in equipping researchers and professionals with cutting edge technology and expertise".

The SAMARTH (Smart Advanced Manufacturing and Rapid Transformation Hub) Udyog initiative under the Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises also includes Smart Manufacturing and Development Cell at CMTI and Smart Factory at IISc in five experimental and demonstration centers for Industry 4.0.