Importance of Robotics and AI in India
Posted on October 5, 2025, 11:12 am
Introduction
India is entering a new era where robotics and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are not distant ideas but everyday tools. From farms in Punjab to hospitals in Delhi and factories in Chennai, robots and AI are solving problems that once required many human hours. In a nation with 1.4 billion people, these technologies boost efficiency, improve safety and create new opportunities for students and entrepreneurs.
What Are Robotics and AI?
Robotics focuses on designing and building robots to automate tasks. AI teaches machines to recognise patterns, learn, and make decisions. Together they enable machines to perform complex jobs like analyzing medical images, sorting warehouse goods, and spraying pesticide only where needed.
Why Robotics and AI Matter for India
- Boosting productivity: Robots standardize work, operate 24/7 and reduce defects in manufacturing.
- Enhancing safety: Robots take on dangerous tasks. This reduces workplace injuries and saves lives.
- Precision in healthcare: AI helps detect diseases faster and supports robotic-assisted surgeries.
- Supporting agriculture: AI-driven tools reduce chemical use and improve yield decisions.
- Education and skills: Robotics workshops prepare students for future jobs in automation and AI.
Indian Real-Life Examples
1. Warehousing and Logistics — GreyOrange
GreyOrange builds autonomous warehouse robots used by major e-commerce players in India. These robots move inventory quickly and reduce order fulfillment time during peak seasons like Diwali and Big Billion Days.
2. Manufacturing & Testing — Sastra Robotics
Sastra Robotics provides automation and testing robots that simulate human touch to test devices. Indian firms use such robots to ensure product durability and maintain global quality standards.
3. Sanitation — Bandicoot and Similar Robots
Robots designed for sewer cleaning replace manual scavenging in many cities. These machines reduce risk and address a serious social problem while protecting sanitation workers.
4. Agriculture — IIT Kharagpur Projects
Research groups in IIT Kharagpur developed agricultural robots and AI models that detect crop diseases. By spraying only infected spots, farmers save on pesticides and protect their health and yields.
5. Healthcare — Qure.ai, Niramai
Startups like Qure.ai analyze radiology images for tuberculosis and other conditions. Niramai provides AI-based, non-invasive breast screening using thermal imaging designed for affordability and privacy.
Challenges in Adoption
Adoption faces obstacles:
- Cost: Initial investments can be high for SMEs and small farms.
- Skill gap: Shortage of trained personnel for AI model building and robot maintenance.
- Infrastructure: Unreliable power and internet in rural areas limit deployment.
- Ethics and jobs: Fears of job loss exist. The realistic outcome is job transformation requiring reskilling.
Future Prospects and What Needs to Happen
For India to benefit at scale these elements are crucial.
- Policy and funding: Subsidies and incentives for local manufacturing and startups.
- Education: Hands-on robotics labs in schools and vocational training programmes.
- Infrastructure: Better connectivity and reliable power, especially in semi-urban and rural zones.
- Inclusive innovation: Low-cost solutions tailored for smallholder farmers and primary health centres.
Short Anecdote
A small farmer near Kolhapur used an AI app and a low-cost pest detector. The system flagged a fungal outbreak early. By treating only the infected rows the farmer saved money on chemicals and recovered more of the season’s yield. That practical impact captures why robotics and AI matter beyond headlines.
Summary
Robotics and AI are practical tools for solving India’s large-scale problems. They improve safety, increase efficiency, and open new career paths. With policy support, investment in skills, and focus on inclusive, low-cost solutions, these technologies will lift productivity across agriculture, healthcare, manufacturing and public services. The future is not about replacing humans but amplifying what people can achieve.
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