New Delhi: In an era where sustainability meets sophistication, this startup’s smart instrument cluster stands as a testament to India’s prowess in shaping the future of electric mobility. Against the backdrop of EVangelise ’23, organised by iCreate, Ahmedabad, an Indian startup, the Bengaluru-based Auklr Technologies, introduced an intelligent instrument cluster poised to redefine the driving experience for electric vehicles.The innovative technology not only addresses the current challenges in EV instrumentation but also points to a new era of connected, data-driven driving interfaces.
Auklr, with its digital instrument cluster, is trying to change the landscape of the automotive industry, particularly in the context of electric vehicles (EV). This technology provides a straightforward and efficient presentation of key vehicle parameters to the driver in real-time, aiming to minimize distractions and enhance the overall driving experience.
The brand’s mission is to become one among the Top 5 Automotive AI companies globally and to eventually be a successful multinational technology conglomerate and build technology products with commitment and success. Auklr aims to create disruptive technology solutions at affordable prices.
In an exclusive interaction with ETAuto at EVangelise ’23, Ashok Babu, founder and CEO, and Rakesh Naveen, co-founder and CBO, said that the instrument cluster can be customised and made available for any electric vehicle but for now they are focussing on small and medium vehicles because automotive infotainment was lacking in this segment.
“It turns out there’s a simple explanation. The Digital Cluster industry is dominated by a single company that has been able to keep prices artificially high while reaping huge profits from emerging EV startups who have no other options. Auklr aims to create an alternative. By circumventing traditional channels, designing digital clusters in-house, and engaging with EV Startups directly, we’re able to provide higher-quality, better-performing rich features which are affordable and can be installed in all-segment vehicles for the majority of the automobile industry.”
The founders said they believe Clusters are evolving from analog meters and gauges to all-digital clusters that provide the information you need for a safe, convenient and stress-free drive. They strive to offer an intuitive user interface to present this information in an ergonomic and easy-to-consume manner, making the user’s journey a relaxed and pleasant experience to every vehicle on this planet.
Naveen highlighted the distinctive features of their product, emphasizing the gap in the market left by competitors who predominantly offer solutions on Linux. Unlike its counterparts, the startup’s digital instrument cluster provides a dynamic and customizable interface, allowing users to change themes, access dynamic over-the-air updates, and install applications from an App Store—a core competitive advantage in Android
They boasts of being the first Indian company to venture into this space, competing with established giants like Bosch and Continental. Despite their short two-year timeline, the company has achieved significant milestones. From developing the initial prototype to securing a production order from their first customer, they have demonstrated agility and proficiency in both hardware and software development.
One of their key differentiators is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI). Their proprietary Auklr OS processes data from various vehicle parameters, such as the Battery Management System (BMS), offering real-time insights into battery temperature—a feature unmatched by competitors. Moreover, they have collaborated with Odysse’s electric motorcycle, integrating their smart BMS into the instrument cluster.
The Auklr founders said their expertise in both hardware and software sets the startup apart from other companies that often focus on one aspect. It maintains control over its intellectual property, from hardware design to its own operating system (OS). This comprehensive approach enables it to offer unique features and stay ahead of the competition, they said.
The AI integration goes beyond providing real-time data; it extends to a cloud platform that offers live tracking, trip analysis, and driver behavior insights. Users can access information about their driving patterns, compare them with other users, and even receive a driving score. This wealth of data serves not only to enhance the user experience but also to aid in predictive maintenance and insurance-related decisions.
