Tata Elxsi and Suzuki Strengthen Partnership with New Cloud HIL Center in India
Tata Elxsi Limited, a leading global design and technology services provider headquartered in Bangalore, India, has announced the launch of the “SUZUKI–TATA ELXSI Cloud HIL Center” in India. The center represents a significant milestone in the ongoing collaboration between Tata Elxsi and Suzuki Motor Corporation of Japan, marking their second major development base together after the establishment of the “SUZUKI–TATA ELXSI Offshore Development Center.”
This new Cloud HIL (Hardware-in-the-Loop) Center has been set up in Trivandrum, Kerala, and aims to accelerate Suzuki’s digital and virtual development efforts, particularly in the growing domain of software-defined vehicles (SDVs). By leveraging cloud-based capabilities, the facility is expected to strengthen Suzuki’s development ecosystem while also positioning Tata Elxsi as a key partner in advanced automotive R&D.
Supporting Suzuki’s SDV Development Goals
The automotive industry is undergoing rapid transformation, with software-defined vehicles emerging as a cornerstone of next-generation mobility. Suzuki has been actively working to advance its capabilities in this area through virtualized development processes. The establishment of the Cloud HIL Center is a direct response to this shift, designed to support evaluation, testing, and validation of automotive systems in a highly efficient and sustainable way.
At the new facility, Suzuki will outsource the development of a specialized evaluation platform to Tata Elxsi. This platform, built using Hardware-in-the-Loop technology, enables engineers to simulate real-world automotive scenarios in a controlled environment without the need for physical prototypes. In addition, the center will carry out evaluations on behalf of Suzuki, ensuring faster iterations, higher precision, and lower costs compared to traditional testing methods.
Harnessing the Power of Cloud-Based Remote Operations
One of the unique features of the center is its cloud-enabled remote management system. This setup will allow Suzuki engineers and managers based at the company’s headquarters in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan, to remotely operate and oversee testing activities conducted in India. By integrating cloud technology into the process, Suzuki can maintain seamless control and collaboration across borders, while also significantly reducing development timelines.
This approach is not only expected to enhance efficiency and accelerate product readiness but also aligns with broader industry goals of reducing physical testing, conserving resources, and lowering energy consumption.
Understanding Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL)
Hardware-in-the-Loop testing is increasingly being adopted in automotive R&D as vehicles become more complex and dependent on electronics and software. HIL involves connecting on-board electronic control units (ECUs) to a simulation environment that mimics real-world driving conditions. This allows engineers to evaluate the performance of ECUs in various scenarios without moving or even building an actual vehicle.
For a company like Suzuki, which continues to expand its global portfolio of compact and efficient vehicles, HIL testing provides the flexibility to validate a wide range of functions—from powertrain control to safety systems—in a faster, scalable, and safer manner.
Inauguration and Leadership Comments
The opening ceremony of the SUZUKI–TATA ELXSI Cloud HIL Center was held in Trivandrum, Kerala, with senior executives from both companies in attendance. Among the dignitaries present were Manoj Raghavan, Managing Director and CEO of Tata Elxsi, and Katsuhiro Kato, Director and Executive Vice President of Suzuki Motor Corporation.
Speaking at the event, Executive Vice President Kato emphasized the importance of this collaboration:
Manoj Raghavan also highlighted the significance of the partnership, stating that Tata Elxsi is proud to deepen its long-standing relationship with Suzuki and contribute to advancing digital engineering for the automotive industry.
Strengthening Indo-Japanese Collaboration
The launch of this center not only showcases the growing collaboration between Tata Elxsi and Suzuki but also reflects the broader trend of Indo-Japanese partnerships in automotive innovation. With India emerging as a hub for technology talent and digital development, Japanese manufacturers like Suzuki are increasingly leveraging Indian expertise to strengthen their global competitiveness.
For Tata Elxsi, the partnership underscores its position as a trusted engineering partner for global automotive brands, capable of delivering cutting-edge solutions that integrate cloud, simulation, and AI-driven engineering.
