India’s First Home-Grown All-Terrain Vehicle Showcased at International Autoshow 2024

Bengaluru: India’s first home-grown All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV), developed by Bengaluru-based A-Thon in collaboration with the AI and Robotics Technology Park (Artpark) at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), was unveiled at the International Autoshow 2024. The prestigious event, held at Palace Grounds, Bengaluru, began on September 13 and will conclude on Monday, September 18. The introduction of this ATV represents India’s growing strides towards autonomous technology, especially in the agriculture sector.

A-Thon’s Contribution to Farming
The ATV, named Ashva 4×4, has been specifically designed for agricultural applications in challenging terrains. A-Thon, the company behind the ATV, partnered with Artpark, a public-private initiative backed by the Department of Science and Technology and the Government of Karnataka, to develop autonomous systems that cater to India’s agriculture industry.

Anurag Srivatsa, Chief Operations Officer at Artpark, spoke at the unveiling of the Ashva 4×4, highlighting its potential in revolutionising farming. He explained that the collaboration between A-Thon and Artpark was focused on addressing the dwindling farming knowledge in rural India, where many people are migrating to urban areas. “Our goal is to transform the agricultural economy by introducing autonomous systems,” Srivatsa stated, adding that the technological shift could be pivotal in addressing labour shortages and improving productivity on small-scale farms.

Srivatsa pointed out that the majority of Indian farms, approximately 85%, are small in scale, which often limits their ability to adopt advanced technologies. “Currently, we are showcasing the Ashva 4×4, which is primarily designed for large farms situated in hilly areas or regions with extreme climatic conditions,” he said. However, recognising the importance of small farms in India’s agricultural landscape, Srivatsa revealed that A-Thon is working on a new model that will cater to the needs of smaller farms, ensuring that technological benefits are accessible to all.

Technological Advancements on Display
The International Autoshow 2024 provided the perfect platform for A-Thon to display its cutting-edge technologies. The Ashva 4×4, designed for rugged agricultural environments, is one of many innovations the company is working on. During the event, Srivatsa also unveiled A-Thon’s development of a 6×6 assisted autonomous vehicle named Adbhut, which comes equipped with a tethered drone, robotic arm, and sensors capable of collecting real-time agricultural data.

The integration of these technologies into farming practices aims to refine various processes, improving efficiency and sustainability. Srivatsa elaborated on the advanced features of the Adbhut vehicle, noting that the sensors can gather essential agricultural data that can be used to improve farming practices. “The Adbhut is not just limited to farming,” he added. “It even has potential applications in adventure sports, demonstrating its versatility and strength.”

The Impact of Autonomous Systems on Agriculture
Autonomous systems like Ashva and Adbhut are expected to significantly impact farming efficiency and productivity in India. Aditya Hegade, Director of Finance at A-Thon, detailed the numerous benefits that assisted autonomous systems could bring to the farming community. He emphasised that the introduction of these technologies would not only make farming more efficient but also increase job opportunities in rural areas.

“Assisted autonomous systems will help farmers perform essential tasks such as pruning, early-stage disease detection, harvesting, and crop maintenance more effectively. Timely interventions are crucial in reducing crop losses and maximising yield,” Hegade explained.

He also highlighted that by adopting autonomous farming systems, India could expect to create up to three times more jobs in rural areas. These jobs would come in the form of bot operation, maintenance, and data analysis roles, in addition to the increased demand for labour in crop processing, packaging, and transportation due to higher yields. “The introduction of autonomous systems will rejuvenate farming and ensure that both rural and urban areas benefit from the progress in technology,” Hegade noted.

A Vision for the Future
The focus on autonomous farming technology reflects the Indian government’s broader commitment to integrating AI and robotics into various sectors. Artpark, a public-private venture at IISc, plays a key role in this vision, supported by the Department of Science and Technology and the Karnataka government. The overarching goal is to address the emerging job market shaped by AI and robotics, with a specific focus on agriculture, an industry that forms the backbone of the Indian economy.

The collaboration between A-Thon and Artpark demonstrates the potential of combining research, technology, and practical application. With autonomous vehicles like Ashva 4×4 and Adbhut, Indian farmers will have access to tools that can make farming more efficient, precise, and productive. The introduction of these systems is not just about automating existing processes but also about refining agricultural practices through the collection and analysis of data, enabling smarter decision-making.

Srivatsa mentioned that the initiative will help reverse the urban migration trend by making rural jobs more appealing to young people who are already familiar with technology. “Young people arriving in cities are already familiar with technology, which positions them perfectly to use autonomous systems like ours to rejuvenate agriculture,” he said.

India’s Growing Role in Autonomous Technologies
The development and showcasing of India’s first home-grown ATV at an international event like the Autoshow 2024 underscore the country’s growing presence in the global autonomous technology landscape. While other countries have already made significant strides in autonomous systems for agriculture, India’s unique challenges—such as small-scale farming and diverse climatic conditions—necessitate home-grown solutions.

The Ashva 4×4 and Adbhut vehicles represent India’s answer to these challenges. By integrating AI, robotics, and data-driven decision-making into the agricultural process, A-Thon and Artpark are paving the way for a future where technology plays a central role in the nation’s food security and rural development.

The International Autoshow 2024, with its display of innovative technologies, highlights the importance of developing systems that are tailored to India’s unique agricultural needs. As these autonomous vehicles prepare to enter the market, their impact on the future of farming in India promises to be profound.