Collaborates with VKTR, ITB Presents Innovative Electric Bus and Truck Designs
By Adi Permana
Editor Adi Permana
BANDUNG, itb.ac.id— Institut Teknologi Bandung has always been keen to initiate partnerships that could produce sophisticated innovations for the nation’s development. Most recently, ITB collaborated with PT VKTR Teknologi Mobilitas Tbk. through signing their partnership agreement at the Science and Techno Park (STP) Building, Ganesha, Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), Bandung, West Java, on Friday (7/14/2023).
The document was signed by the Managing Director of VKTR, Gilarsi W. Setijono and the Rector of ITB represented by the Vice Rector for Finance, Planning, and Development Ir. Muhamad Abduh, M.T., Ph.D.
Ir. Muhamad Abduh, M.T., Ph.D. explained that the collaboration’s objective is to develop electric vehicles in Indonesia through partnership between the academic and industrial field. The collaboration also involved designs by the Faculty of Art and Design (FRSD) ITB to ensure the electric vehicle product’s aesthetic value in the eye of industrial needs.
He is grateful for and enthusiastic to collaborate with each party who is interested in the creation of local innovations. He also showed optimism that each innovation will be the solution that contributes towards the advancement of the Indonesian automotive industry in achieving sustainable living.
Meanwhile, the Managing Director of VKTR, Gilarsi W. Setijono expressed how electric vehicles, especially electric buses and trucks, will become a part of an environmentally-oriented future. A modern, dynamic, and futuristic design is important, but the safety and comfortability aspect will stay an utmost priority. “We are confident that we can actualize it with ITB,” remarked Gilarsi.
Gilarsi also highlighted the importance of proper research and planning as well as intensive communication with various parties, including coach-builders. As an example, electric buses have heavier battery weight, therefore an accommodating design is necessary for the vehicle’s body-making process.
“We hope that the House of Design will not only produce designs with aesthetic value, but also adopt high-level aerodynamic technology, which allows the vehicle body to have better energy efficiency,” added Gilarsi.
House of Design is a joint co-working space between VKTR and the Faculty of Arts and Design (FSRD) ITB. The team involved in this project included alumni of FRSD ITB who are also experienced in electric vehicle designing. The body will also serve as a laboratory for students of related study programs in FRSD ITB.
Reporter: Bashravie Thamrin (Management, 2024)
Translator: Firzana Aisya (Bioengineering, 2021)
Editor: Ayesha Lativa Mafaza (Post-harvest Technology, 2021)
