Developing Power Train Control Units For India: Our Journey

“None of us should be satisfied with what has already been achieved, but should always endeavor to do better.” Robert Bosch

What does the end-user need when it comes to utility vehicles? More the manufacturers mull over this question, more the results point towards two major deciding factors: ‘enhanced drivability features’ and ‘affordable price’. With this realization, comes a growing need for extending many of the advanced features to the ultra-low price, last mile connectivity and farming sector vehicles.

Vehicle features, which were a fantasy to the Indian drivers a decade ago, have transformed into obvious expectations at a similar price-point. To keep the affordability levels in check while providing improved features, there is a rising need to replace ‘actual hardware’ components with ‘virtual software’ algorithms, using alternative machine learning and artificial intelligence solutions. This, in turn, ensures cost-effective solutions with acceptable accuracy for different segments.

Indian Automobile Industry: A Challenging Arena

The Indian vehicles market is quite diverse. At RBEI, we develop state-of-the-art Powertrain Control Units (PCUs) specifically designed for automobiles dominating the Indian market. In addition to engine management functions, the powertrain control unit provides a host of value added features to enhance the comprehensive driving experience.

But developing modules and units meant for the Indian market presented as huge a challenge as it an opportunity. Here’s how we navigated through the market:

• Extensive ideation workshops, design of experiments and rapid prototyping to understand the pulse of the users
• Accessing a strong local knowledge base with critical mass in all functional areas (Hardware, Software & Mechanics) supported by the availability of local infrastructure for Reliability Validation, Prototype ECU development and Mass Production to meet the highly challenging time-to-market requirements.
• Harnessing our extensive international development and production network, to engineer local solutions with enhanced driving features.
• Leveraging our decade long proven excellence with successful introduction of multiple ‘Electronic Control Units’ across diverse On-road and Off-road vehicle segments.

How did our PCUs fascinate the drivers?

Our PCUs bring a host of advanced features to some of the most popular automobile segments without drastically increasing their price-points. Here are some of the most loved features that helped augment the overall customer experience:

• Cruise Control (Basic and Adaptive) for increased driver comfort over long distances
• Idle Start-Stop and Intelligent alternator control features to aid in Fuel Economy
• Drive modes (Economy, Sport, Terrain etc.) for improved experience
• Remote start for enhanced connectivity and Push button start for convenience.
• Coordination with other control units for AMT (Automatic Manual Transmission) and AT (Automatic Transmission) which aids in hassle free of city driving
• GSI (Gear Shift Indicator) to enable seamless and efficient driving
• Climate control
• Electronic Protection against Vehicle Theft
• Early fault indication to drivers.
• Advanced features for accurate and faster diagnostics of component failures at service stations.

How did the Team do it?

Every individual matters – the journey of our team began with this realization. The goal was to create products with a "Wow" factor for the end user. It was important for the team to be able to visualize vehicles powered by Bosch products leading to a sense of ‘product ownership’ in its true spirit.

From complex interfacing between different mechatronic components to real-time coordination with multiple control units, the team took everything in its stride. Every expert involved worked beyond the frameworks of assigned roles and responsibilities with many travelling to every nook and corner of the country in order to understand the challenges and to provide relevant solutions.

Frugal innovation, entrepreneurial mindset and agile collaboration—these three became the cornerstones of our success story.

How are we enabling new technology?

The electric vehicle landscape in India is evolving. A major disruptive transformation is on its way and electrification of automobiles in India could soon be at par with global markets. RBEI is aggressively pursuing innovation in-sync with this transition.

RBEI played a lead role in the development of the next generation VCU (Vehicle Control Unit), with its unique integrated fast charging capability. This ambitious target was realized by early 2020, with a localized production strategy, to enable a faster time to market in an increasingly competitive segment.

Customer centricity is at the heart of everything we do at RBEI. As the market evolves, the needs of the end customers will change. Our job is to listen to the pulse of our audience and develop solutions that meet their existing as well as future needs.