IIT Bombay has joined hands with ABB India to set up a state-of-the-art laboratory for electrical machines and drives at its Department of Energy Science and Engineering. This new facility aims to give both undergraduate and postgraduate students hands-on experience with cutting-edge industrial equipment, preparing them for key roles in the rapidly changing energy and industrial sectors while focusing on sustainability.
The lab will be equipped with energy-efficient electrical machine sets, variable frequency drives (VFDs), and programmable logic controllers (PLCs). It will simulate real-world industrial applications, such as wind turbine generators and electric vehicle drivetrains, offering students a comprehensive understanding of modern energy systems. Supported by ABB India, this lab will help cultivate future engineers with the knowledge to contribute to sustainable innovations in the industry.
Sanjeev Arora, President of Motion Business at ABB India, expressed pride in partnering with IIT Bombay, stating, “We are proud to collaborate with IIT Bombay to nurture the next generation of engineers. The lab’s advanced technologies ensure that students learn to prioritize energy efficiency and sustainability as they step into the industrial world.”
Electrical machines and drives play a crucial role across various industries. With advancements in power electronics and control technologies, modern electrical machines are designed to meet specific application needs. As industries increasingly adopt energy-efficient technologies, it’s essential for engineering students to be well-versed in these innovations.
Professor Shireesh Kedare, Director of IIT Bombay, emphasized the importance of this collaboration, saying, “This partnership is a major step toward equipping our students with advanced technical skills and a deeper understanding of sustainable energy systems. The lab will provide immersive, hands-on training with technologies that mirror real-world industrial applications. We aim to shape engineers who are not only skilled but also advocates for energy efficiency and environmental responsibility.”
In addition to this collaboration, ABB India has a strong history of partnerships with other educational institutions. Previously, ABB India partnered with IIT Roorkee to establish a smart electricity distribution network and management system on its campus. They also collaborated with NITTTR Chandigarh to launch a multi-physics digital simulation center and have been involved in several skill development programs across the country, including the Community Information Technology and Skill Center in Faridabad.
Established in 1958, IIT Bombay is recognized globally as a leader in engineering education and research. The institute was declared an ‘Institution of Eminence’ by the Ministry of Education in 2018. With over 70,000 graduates and a faculty of 715, IIT Bombay has consistently been ranked among the top institutions worldwide. It recently secured 45th place in the QS World University Rankings for Engineering and Technology in 2024.
ABB is a global leader in electrification and automation, committed to driving innovation for a sustainable and resource-efficient future. With over 140 years of expertise and 105,000 employees, ABB delivers solutions that optimize how industries are powered, operated, and transformed.
