The Monterrey Institute of Technology , State of Mexico campus, has launched a new automotive laboratory that marks a decisive step in its commitment to training engineers capable of facing the technological and environmental challenges of the automotive industry of the future, where the roar of an engine is not just noise: it is knowledge in motion .
According to Diego Ernesto Contreras Domínguez , director of the PhD program in Engineering Sciences at the campus, this space seeks not only to strengthen students’ technical skills, but also to promote applied research in strategic areas such as vehicle electrification, energy efficiency, and the reduction of polluting emissions .
“The laboratory is designed so that students can measure and analyze the performance of both internal combustion and electric engines using advanced instrumentation technology. This allows us to model their behavior, study thermal efficiency, and develop innovative proposals for the industry,” Contreras explained in an interview with T21.
The new laboratory features two dynamometers —one for the engine and one for the chassis— that allow for simulating real-life vehicle operating conditions.
In addition, it is equipped with temperature, pressure, and speed sensors, as well as a portable emissions analyzer, opening up the possibility of studying the environmental impact of different mechanical and technological configurations.
Talent that responds to the needs of the industry
Located in a region with a strong automotive presence, the campus maintains close ties with automakers such as Ford , as well as with industry suppliers. Thanks to this relationship, academic projects align with real market demands, preparing students for agile integration into industrial value chains .
“Our goal is for graduates to not only understand the technology, but also to be able to propose sustainable solutions. There is currently a strong demand for specialists in automotive software , electrification, and advanced materials. The laboratory and the projects we develop are designed to address precisely these areas,” he said.
Through this , students work on applied research projects in collaboration with companies, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges. One example is the project developed with Daimler , which focuses on the electrification of drive systems to reduce emissions and energy consumption in heavy-duty vehicles.
In addition to technical research, the Tec promotes comprehensive innovation through multidisciplinary teams . One of the most notable examples is the Tec Racing team , made up of students from different programs and campuses, which is developing an electric single-seater to compete in the Formula Student Concept Class category worldwide.
“We won first place in the concept competition, which demonstrates that our students have the ability to design and validate a high-performance electric vehicle. We are now working on a two-year plan to build the physical car and take it racing at Silverstone,” Contreras said.
The academic emphasized that the training promoted by Tec combines research, industrial engagement, and a sustainable vision , preparing future engineers to design solutions that balance efficiency, safety, and environmental stewardship.
“Automotive engineering is a field of balance: weight, power, safety, and emissions. Our job is to train those who know how to find that balance and transform it into real innovation for Mexico and the world,” he emphasized.
He also emphasized that this will be the first semester in which classes will officially begin in the new laboratory, with high expectations of continuing to serve as a breeding ground for talent for the Mexican automotive industry.
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