‘Cybersecurity is a challenge in smart mobility’

Pune, 3rd February 2026: Cybersecurity has emerged as one of the key challenges in the development of smart mobility solutions during the discussions of the experts during the recently concluded Symposium on International Automotive Technology (SIAT 2026). This was informed by Dr Reji Mathai, Director of the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) during the closing ceremony of the Symposium on International Automotive Technology (SIAT 2026) held at PIECC, Moshi, Pune.

As SIAT 2026 concluded, Minister of State, Ministry Heavy Industries & Ministry of Steel BhupathiRaju Srinivasa Varma appreciated the successful organisation of SIAT 2026 and highlighted the importance of safer, cleaner and greener mobility as India advances towards a $5 trillion economy. He acknowledged ARAI’s vital role in Certification, Research and Technology enablement supporting key National initiatives.

Vikarm Kasbekar, Executive Director and CTO, Hero Motocorp Limited, Dr. G Nagrajan, President SAE India and Dr N H. Walke, Convenor, SIAT 2026 were also present on the occasion.

Dr Reji Mathai said, “The theme of this 19th edition of SIAT was the ‘Innovative Pathways to the Safe and Sustainable Mobility’ and Cyber security was identified as one of the many important challenges for developing the smart mobility solutions during the discussions of the experts held at SIAT.”

ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) validation through high level simulation techniques, charging infrastructure, range anxiety and affordability of such solutions for the smart mobility are some of the other challenges that we will need to address, Dr. Mathai added.

He further stated that emphasizing hybrids alongside full electric vehicle, smart grid integration to optimize charging time and reduce costs, V2X Communications that will enable vehicles to exchange data wirelessly with other networks facilitating road safety, traffic efficiency and autonomous driving by utilizing the 5G and dedicated radio techniques along with the policy collaborations for carbon neutrality by 2030.

Some other important takeaways from the SIAT 2026 stressed upon the need to have the ecosystem for the indigenous effort to develop technologies by Indians for Indians under the aegis of Atmanirbhar Bharat and maximizing the use of local resources.

Over 2500 delegates attended the SIAT 2026 and over 13000 visitors visited the expo at SIAT 2026. As many as 64 technical sessions, 8 plenary presentations and 2 panel discussions took place at the SIAT. About 248 technical papers were presented during the SIAT of which 33 were international papers. This happened in 64 concurrent sessions where 80 plus judges evaluated the papers. The best 3 papers in various categories were given the certificate. The Best paper award was given to Tata Motors.