AI Accelerates Innovation at India’s Engineering Hubs, Says Daimler Truck Executive

Artificial intelligence is helping India’s engineering centers generate intellectual property faster and improve supply chain planning, according to Radhakrishnan Kodakkal, head of the Daimler Truck Innovation Center India. Speaking at a Reuters event in Bengaluru, Kodakkal said global companies are increasingly relying on Indian engineering hubs not just for technical support, but also for product innovation and advanced engineering work.

Kodakkal noted that the contribution of India’s Global Capability Centers (GCCs) to intellectual property development has been steadily rising, and AI is expected to further accelerate this trend. He explained that manufacturers are using AI and advanced data analysis to predict raw material costs, monitor supply chains, and respond to global challenges such as tariffs, trade tensions, and changing sourcing strategies. Materials like steel and copper are now being tracked more closely as companies work to manage risks and costs.

The growing focus on AI-driven innovation is also reshaping hiring needs in India’s technology and engineering sector. Daimler Truck’s Bengaluru center, which handles areas including software, simulations, connectivity, and analytics, is partnering with universities and training recruits internally to build specialized talent. Kodakkal said demand is especially high for experts in AI, cybersecurity, and digital technologies as India continues evolving into a global product innovation hub.