IIT-H, Army’s Simulator Development Division inks pact to set up CoE for research and development 

The Indian Institute of Technology - Hyderabad (IIT-H) and the Army Training Command, Shimla, represented by Simulator Development Division (SDD) of Secunderabad, on Saturday, signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish ‘Vigraha’, a Centre of Excellence (CoE) for research and development for the Armed Forces.

Virtual, intelligent, ground-breaking research in AR/VR and high-tech applications for the Army, abbreviated as ‘Vigraha’, also aims in advancing research in robotics, unmanned systems and other emerging technologies.

The collaboration fulfills joint academic programmes, research and development projects, innovation initiatives, and capacity-building exercises, including training and certification programmes, internship opportunities, and joint innovation and incubation programmes.

SDD, established in 1991, is the Indian Army’s nodal organisation for design and development of simulators to enhance training. It is also the nominated centre of expertise for AR/VR technologies, and develops capabilities in Artificial Intelligence, robotics and drones.

According to IIT-H Director B.S. Murty, the partnership is an example of synergy between academia and the armed forces in encouraging innovation and advancing the nation’s technological capabilities.

Vigraha will be a significant step towards realising India’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence technology, he observed.