Emerging technologies like AI, IoT, automation, and advanced manufacturing have become essential for automotive companies aiming for better efficiency and competitiveness. In India’s automotive industry, companies are investing heavily in these technologies to streamline processes, optimize supply chains, and boost manufacturing productivity.
GCIO – Head IT,
Force Motors
Anand Deodhar, Group Chief Information Officer – Head IT, Force Motors, in a recent conversation with CIO&Leader, spoke about how his organization strategically uses AI, IoT, 5G, automation, and cybersecurity to transform automotive manufacturing. Anand highlighted the importance of adopting technology gradually and systematically.
He stresses that successful digital transformation depends on strong data governance, integrated cybersecurity, and a data-driven culture. His priorities include modernizing infrastructure, predictive maintenance, intelligent automation, and connected vehicle technology. Edited excerpts as below:
CIO&Leader: What emerging technologies are you most enthusiastic about, and how do you see them transforming the industry landscape in the coming years?
Anand Deodhar: Several emerging technologies are reshaping the automotive industry. First, artificial intelligence (AI) and generative AI (GenAI) are especially promising, with significant applications in predictive maintenance, quality control, and intelligent automation. The second critical technology is the Internet of Things (IoT) and smart sensors, which enable real-time equipment monitoring, predictive analytics, and digital twins for factories.
With the advent of 5G and edge computing, ultra-low latency applications, particularly in connected vehicles and factory automation, will become prevalent. Additionally, electric vehicle (EV) technology, particularly advancements in solid-state batteries, fast charging solutions, and AI-driven energy management systems, are poised to transform automotive manufacturing.
Furthermore, autonomous and connected vehicles leveraging AI, Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS), and Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) technologies will enhance safety and efficiency. Robotic Process Automation (RPA) will automate repetitive back-office tasks, eliminating person-dependency in routine processes. Lastly, the adoption of AI-driven energy management systems and sustainable, eco-friendly manufacturing materials will significantly shape future industry practices.
CIO&Leader: As a technology leader, which strategic technology initiatives do you anticipate will become critical beyond 2025?
Anand Deodhar: Historically, many industrial machines operated independently—what we called “dumb machines,” disconnected from larger systems. Today, we are moving towards smart factories powered by AI, IoT, and advanced automation technologies. Cybersecurity and a zero-trust framework will remain paramount, evolving constantly due to the increasing sophistication of threats. Robust security measures to safeguard data and connected systems will be vital.
Another critical initiative is leveraging real-time analytics for predictive maintenance, significantly reducing downtime, line stoppages, and improving demand forecasting and quality assurance processes. Digital supply chains, featuring integrated control towers powered by AI and IoT, will enable accurate inventory optimization, effective vendor lead-time management, and identification of critical components—particularly important given past semiconductor supply disruptions.
Lastly, cost optimization through digital transformation remains essential. Automating and digitally transforming processes across operations will significantly lower operational costs and enhance scalability.
CIO&Leader: What principles or frameworks should guide responsible AI deployment and data security? Additionally, how can evolving cybersecurity threats be proactively addressed?
Anand Deodhar: To effectively address cybersecurity threats, it is essential to adopt a zero-trust security architecture—assuming nothing can be implicitly trusted. Key measures include multi-layer authentication, network micro-segmentation, and continuous network monitoring via Managed Access Control (MAC) and Security Operations Centers (SOC).
AI implementation necessitates an ethics and compliance framework ensuring fairness, transparency, and bias mitigation. Establishing robust AI governance can prevent risks such as prompt poisoning. Compliance with global automotive cybersecurity standards, particularly the Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange (TISAX), is also essential to align with international best practices.
Furthermore, Managed Detection and Response (MDR) solutions are critical for proactively monitoring endpoints and mitigating cyber threats in real-time. A comprehensive cyber resilience strategy, encompassing disaster recovery plans, routine data backups, and periodic security drills, ensures uninterrupted business continuity. Continuous security awareness training is equally important, as vulnerabilities often start at the endpoint, with employees inadvertently falling victim to phishing attacks. Building a strong cybersecurity awareness culture among employees significantly strengthens overall security posture.
CIO&Leader: In your view, how can AI, IoT, automation, and advanced manufacturing processes accelerate digital transformation?
Anand Deodhar: Digital transformation initiatives should start small and scale gradually. Initially, companies can easily implement AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants to enhance customer service and automate support functions across organizational verticals.
Next, AI-driven predictive maintenance, utilizing thermal and vibration sensors, can proactively monitor machine health, alert maintenance teams, and minimize unexpected breakdowns and production stoppages. AI-driven quality control, particularly through computer vision systems, enables automatic detection of manufacturing defects, thereby reducing dependence on human inspection. This method is particularly effective in precise industries such as chip manufacturing, where AI systems reliably distinguish defective components without human intervention.
My recommendation is to adopt a phased approach, starting with manageable pilot projects and scaling gradually across operations.
CIO&Leader: What guidance would you offer technology leaders seeking effective adoption of AI and successful digital transformation?
Anand Deodhar: Begin with small-scale AI implementations, such as chatbots, across specific functions like HR. Success depends significantly on the quality of data; poor data quality leads directly to poor outcomes. It is critical to establish a strong data governance framework, ensuring accurate, consistent data to drive meaningful insights and results.
Encourage a robust, data-driven organizational culture, where decisions are consistently supported by high-quality data. The success of digital transformation initiatives hinges on achieving full organizational adoption and inter-departmental collaboration.
Cybersecurity and compliance frameworks must be integrated from the beginning of any AI initiative to mitigate potential vulnerabilities and risks. Equally important for IT leadership is talent acquisition, development, and retention; fostering engaging projects and investing in employee training are crucial for long-term success.
Finally, I would emphasize that India’s automotive industry is undergoing significant digital transformation. As a CIO, my role is to drive innovation, ensure robust security, and align technological advancements with overall business growth.
CIO&Leader: As a Group CIO, what will be your key focus areas in 2025?
Anand Deodhar: My key focus areas for 2025 will primarily include digital transformation, cybersecurity, AI implementation, and infrastructure upgrades. Specifically, I anticipate dedicating approximately 30–40% of my efforts towards digital transformation initiatives, 30% towards cybersecurity, around 25% to AI development and adoption, with the remaining effort dedicated to infrastructure improvements and upgrades. These areas collectively form the strategic foundation necessary for sustainable business advancement and competitiveness in the evolving digital landscape.