SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, January 24: Strengthening industry–academia collaboration in advanced engineering, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad signed two major Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) on fluid power research and indigenous technology development during the inauguration of the International Conference on Innovations in Fluid Power (IFP 2026) on Saturday.
The international conference is being organised by the Department of Mechanical Engineering, IIT (ISM) in association with the Fluid Power Society of India (FPSI).
MoUs to Boost Research and Indigenous Technology
During the inaugural ceremony, the first MoU was signed with Minimac Systems Private Limited for setting up Minimac’s Centre of Excellence in Fluid Testing, Research and Analytics at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad. The centre aims to enhance advanced testing facilities and promote applied research in fluid power systems.
The second MoU was signed with Navier Drives Private Limited to jointly work on the development of indigenous hydraulic technologies specifically for the mining and mineral exploration sectors.
Conference Inaugurated by DGMS Official
The conference was formally inaugurated by Ajay Singh, Deputy Director General (Electrical), Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS), Headquarters, who attended the event as the chief guest.
Speaking on the occasion, Singh emphasised the need for a multidisciplinary approach in modern engineering, highlighting the growing integration of electrical, electronics and digital technologies with hydraulic systems, particularly in safety-critical sectors like mining.
Industry–Academia Collaboration Highlighted
Dr. Alexander Flaig, Senior Vice President (EMS), Bosch Rexroth AG, described hydraulics as a key source of motive power across diverse industrial applications. He stressed the importance of strong industry–academia partnerships and said that IIT (ISM) Dhanbad has the potential to emerge as a national hub for fluid power research in India.
Academic Leaders Speak on Innovation and Mining
Prof. Sukumar Mishra, Director, IIT (ISM), highlighted the role of innovation in hydraulic technologies in shaping modern engineering solutions. Prof. Dheeraj Kumar, Deputy Director of the institute, underlined the critical importance of fluid power systems in advancing mining technologies.
Prof. Somnath Chattopadhyaya, Head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, along with Prof. Ajit Kumar, Convenor of IFP 2026, and Prof. Niranjan Kumar, Co-Convenor, were also present at the inaugural session.
Prof. Ajit Kumar described fluid power as the “muscle behind modern civilisation,” enabling motion, control and power across sectors such as manufacturing, mobile machinery, mining, aerospace and renewable energy.
Global Experts Address Technical Sessions
The conference also featured technical sessions addressed by leading national and international experts, including Prof. Andrea Vacca, Director of the Maha Fluid Power Research Centre and Professor at Purdue University, USA; Dimitrov Krishna, Managing Director, Volvo CE; Dr Emma Frosina from Italy; Dr. Alexander Flaig from Germany; and Dr. Biju Prasad from ISRO.
The multi-day conference is expected to provide a platform for researchers, industry professionals and students to exchange ideas and explore innovations in fluid power technologies with a strong focus on mining and industrial applications.