As India’s manufacturing sector rapidly advances toward self-reliance and technological excellence, institutions like the Central Manufacturing Technology Institute (CMTI) continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of indigenous innovation. In this exclusive interview, Dr. Nagahanumaiah, Director of CMTI, speaks with Sushmita Das, Associate Editor of Gear Technology India, about the institute’s legacy, its evolving focus areas, and the strategic initiatives driving next-generation manufacturing technologies. From special-purpose machines to smart manufacturing and semiconductor equipment, Dr. Nagahanumaiah offers a deep dive into CMTI’s contributions to the nation’s industrial growth.

Q1: Please introduce yourself and tell us about CMTI.

Dr. Nagahanumaiah:
I am Dr. Nagahanumaiah, Director at Central Manufacturing Technology Institute (CMTI), a national R&D institute under the Ministry of Heavy Industry, Government of India. CMTI was established in March 1962. For the past 64 years, we have been focused on the design and development of advanced machines for various industrial applications.

Q2: What kind of technologies and services does CMTI offer?

Dr. Nagahanumaiah:
CMTI has developed more than 500 technologies so far. Our work is primarily applied research, and our solutions are industry-ready. We work closely with around 15 DRDO labs, BARC, ISRO, and many engineering industries.
Our work is broadly categorised into four areas:

1. Technology Gap Identification – We identify gaps in Indian manufacturing and develop solutions to fill those voids, often funded by the government or in collaboration with industry.
   
2. Sponsored Programs – We solve specific problems posed by customers by developing custom machines or processes.
   
3. TIC Services – These include Testing, Inspection, Calibration, and Consultancy across materials, manufacturing, metrology, noise/vibration, and aerospace applications. We deliver around 3,000 services annually to over 700 customers.
   
4. Training – We conduct around 50 short-term training programs each year, along with customised corporate training programs tailored to industry needs.
   

Q3: Could you elaborate on the key research and technology centres at CMTI?

Dr. Nagahanumaiah:
Yes, we have five major research centres:

1. Centre for Special Purpose Machines:
   We develop both small tabletop machines and large custom machines up to 12 square meters in footprint, used across defence, aerospace, and engineering industries.
   
2. Ultra Precision and Smart Manufacturing (SMPM):
   This group designs ultra-precision machines capable of micron to nanometre accuracy and develops Industry 4.0-enabled smart manufacturing solutions.
   
3. Micro-Nano Manufacturing & Precision Metrology:
   We offer NABL-accredited dimensional metrology services and provide access to high-end micro/nano precision manufacturing equipment that industries may not afford on their own.
   
4. Centre for Aerospace and Additive Manufacturing:
   Specialises in hydraulic and pneumatic LRU test rigs for aerospace giants like HAL, DRDO, GE, and Rolls-Royce. We test around 15 parametres and develop the protocols for designs.
   In additive manufacturing, we’re developing metal-based additive manufacturing machines.
   We also build another machine that is for printing frozen food and engineered medical nutrition foods. We even have a polymer 3D printer already built.
   
5. Sensor and Vision Technology Centre:
   Comprises two groups:
   
   • Sensor Technology Development Center (STDC): Focuses on Micro Electronic Metal-based System (MEMS-based) sensor design, fabrication, packaging, and associated electronics.
     
   • Vision Technology Group: Develops computer vision systems for measurement, inspection and defect detection, including AOI (Automatic Optical Inspection) machines for PCB manufacturing.
     
     

Q4: What challenges do you face while working with industry clients?

Dr. Nagahanumaiah:
A major challenge is that clients often cannot define their problems in engineering terms—they can only describe the application. Our scientists help translate that into engineering language.
We also assist in defining specifications, avoiding both over- and under-engineering. Many times, a well-designed product may be difficult to manufacture or may exceed customer needs. Our team balances all these aspects.

Q5: How do you approach problem-solving at CMTI?

Dr. Nagahanumaiah:
We follow a 4P approach:

1. Product – Help clients with the engineering design of the product.
   
2. Process – Develop cost-effective and productive manufacturing processes.
   
3. People – Focus on end-user training and usability.
   
4. Production – Our strength lies in machine development, automation systems, and manufacturing management, including Industry 4.0, quality control, and assurance.
   

Q6: Are CMTI’s products aligned with environmental sustainability goals?

Dr. Nagahanumaiah:
Yes, sustainability is a key focus. We ensure products are designed for longer life, with possibilities for reuse and reconditioning. These aspects are integrated from the early stages of product development.

Q7: What is the vision for CMTI over the next few years?

Dr. Nagahanumaiah:
We aim to develop machines that have not yet been engineered in India. While we began with basic workshop machines like lathes and grinders, we’ve moved into advanced areas:

• Metrology equipments

We aim to come up with:

• Battery manufacturing machinery
  
• Indigenous CNC controllers
  
• Microsystem and semiconductor fabrication equipment
  

We’ve identified 19 machines that we plan to develop over the next five years, many of which are currently being imported.

Q8: How is CMTI collaborating with industry on these developments?

Dr. Nagahanumaiah:
Under the Capital Goods Scheme, the industry contributes 20% funding while the government supports 80%. We’ve developed several machines in collaboration with companies like Inatech, Acumac and many more.
Currently, we’re working with 13 industry partners under our Industry Accelerator Program to develop 16 new machines not previously built in India. Ten of these were already developed and displayed during IMTEX 2025.

Q9: Any final thoughts you’d like to share?Dr. Nagahanumaiah:
CMTI continues to serve as a national centre of excellence in manufacturing technology. Through innovation, collaboration, and skill development, we aim to make India self-reliant in advanced manufacturing systems.