{"id":77856,"date":"2026-06-26T18:29:50","date_gmt":"2026-06-26T12:59:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/?p=77856"},"modified":"2026-06-26T18:31:40","modified_gmt":"2026-06-26T13:01:40","slug":"robotics-revolution-india","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/current-affairs\/26-06-2026\/robotics-revolution-india","title":{"rendered":"India Needs to Drive the Robotics Revolution"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>Syllabus: GS3\/Science and Technology<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Context<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The rise of advanced robotics and AI-powered &#8220;embodied intelligence&#8221; could <strong>fundamentally change India&#8217;s economic advantage.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>India\u2019s Traditional Advantage<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>For decades, India has benefited from an <strong>abundant supply of low-cost labour.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Many industries chose India because wages were lower than in developed countries.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>However, <strong>if factories increasingly rely on robots <\/strong>rather than human workers, <strong>labour-cost advantages become less important.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What is Robotics?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Robotic technology<\/strong> encompasses the <strong>design, construction, operation, and use of robots.\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning <\/strong>have led to the <strong>development of more advanced robots<\/strong> that can perform tasks that were previously thought to be exclusive to humans, such as visual perception, speech recognition, and decision-making.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img data-dominant-color=\"d4e8f1\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"906\" height=\"537\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/ca\/uploads\/2026\/06\/image-221.png\" alt=\"robotics\" class=\"not-transparent wp-image-77857\" style=\"--dominant-color: #d4e8f1; aspect-ratio:1.687170474516696;width:544px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/ca\/uploads\/2026\/06\/image-221.png 906w, https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/ca\/uploads\/2026\/06\/image-221-300x178.png 300w, https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/ca\/uploads\/2026\/06\/image-221-768x455.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 906px) 100vw, 906px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Global Scenario in Robotics<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>China dominates the global humanoid robot market, <\/strong>producing roughly 85 per cent of all humanoids worldwide.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>China<\/strong> has built an<strong> industrial ecosystem to mass-produce the body.\u00a0<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>According to the International Federation of Robotics, China accounted for <strong>54% of all industrial robot installations worldwide in 2024.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>China is fast becoming a leader in robotics as it is <strong>already leading in solar panels, batteries, and rare-earth processing.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The<strong> U.S. <\/strong>leads in<strong> frontier artificial intelligence, advanced chip design, and the software architecture<\/strong> that will eventually serve as the brain of any humanoid robot.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>India\u2019s Position:&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>India installed 9,100 industrial robots in 2024, a 7% rise on the previous year.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>It places it only <strong>sixth in the world by annual installations, <\/strong>well behind the <strong>United States, Japan, China, South Korea and Germany.\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>India\u2019s overall robot density of around 10 continues to trail the global average of 132 robots per 10,000 manufacturing workers.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>SSI Mantra is India\u2019s first indigenous surgical robotic system,<\/strong> it has already conducted telesurgeries across thousands of kilometres.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Several other companies, like GreyOrange, are pressing ahead with robotics development. The challenge lies in building industrial-scale robotics.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>As per the Draft National Policy on Robotics 2023,<\/strong> India aims to Position itself as a global leader in robotics for manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture, and national security sectors, by 2030.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Challenges Faced by India<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Inadequate Skilled Human Resources: <\/strong>India faces a shortage of engineers, technicians, and robotics specialists.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>There is a weak industry-ready training infrastructure in ITIs and polytechnics.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Heavy Reliance on Imports: <\/strong>Dependence on imported sensors, chipsets, magnets, batteries, actuators, and motors.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The domestic robotics supply chain remains underdeveloped and there is a lack of economies of scale compared to countries like China and Japan.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>High Costs: <\/strong>The high cost of imported components increases robot prices.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Robotics solutions often require customization, limiting mass production.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Installation, integration, maintenance, and servicing are expensive.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Low affordability discourages adoption, especially among MSMEs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Technological Limitations: <\/strong>Foundational research in core robotics technologies is still nascent.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>There is a lack of advanced manufacturing, prototyping, and testing facilities.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Limited Governance Mechanisms: <\/strong>Absence of a comprehensive robotics-specific regulatory framework. There are concerns regarding privacy, cybersecurity, safety, and liability.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ethical and Social Concerns: <\/strong>Fear of job displacement due to automation.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Concerns over transparency in autonomous decision-making.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Government Initiatives<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>FutureSkills Prime: <\/strong>Under this initiative, a robust online platform has been created to encourage remote and self-paced learning in the field of emerging technologies.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>This program aims to offer subsidised access to certified courses to interested participants in any of the 10 identified emerging technologies.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Atal Innovation Mission<\/strong> is establishing Atal Tinkering Laboratories (ATLs) in schools across India.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>ATLs have dedicated innovation workspaces where Do-It-Yourself (DIY) kits on emerging technologies like robotics, IoT, etc. have been installed to enable students to get hands-on exposure to these technologies.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>e-YANTRA:<\/strong> It is a robotics outreach program funded by the Ministry of Education and hosted at IIT Bombay.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The goal is to harness the talent of young engineers to solve problems using technology across a variety of domains.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Make-in-India Robots<\/strong>: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), under the Ministry of Defence, developed the remotely operated vehicle (ROV) \u2013 <strong>\u2018Daksha\u2019, an automated mobile platform for multi-purpose payloads.\u00a0<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Vyommitra<\/strong> is a spacefaring humanoid robot developed by the<strong> Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) <\/strong>to function onboard the Gaganyaan, a crewed orbital spacecraft.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Manav <\/strong>is India\u2019s <strong>first 3D-printed humanoid robot. <\/strong>It has an inbuilt vision and sound processing capability which allows it to walk, talk and dance just in response to human commands.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Way Ahead<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Strengthen Human Capital: <\/strong>Expand robotics, AI, and automation training through ITIs, polytechnics, engineering institutions, and industry-led skilling programs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Promote Indigenous Manufacturing:<\/strong> Develop domestic production of critical robotics components such as sensors, semiconductors, motors, and batteries to reduce import dependence.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Boost R&amp;D and Innovation: <\/strong>Increase investment in robotics research, support startups, and foster industry-academia collaboration for cutting-edge technological development.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Create an Enabling Ecosystem: <\/strong>Establish robust regulatory frameworks, technical standards, reliable digital infrastructure, and ethical guidelines for safe and responsible deployment of robotics.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>India&#8217;s robotics ecosystem faces challenges related to<strong> skills, imports, costs, technology, governance, and infrastructure.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A combination o<strong>f skilled manpower, indigenous innovation, supportive policies, and strong infrastructure<\/strong> can help India emerge as a global leader in robotics and automation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Source: IE<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p><strong> Context <\/strong><\/p>\n<li class=\"ms-5\"> The rise of advanced robotics and AI-powered &#8220;embodied intelligence&#8221; could fundamentally change India&#8217;s economic advantage. <\/li>\n<p><\/p>\n<p><strong> India\u2019s Traditional Advantage <\/strong><\/p>\n<li class=\"ms-5\"> For decades, India has benefited from an abundant supply of low-cost labour. <\/li>\n<li class=\"ms-5\"> Many industries chose India because wages were lower than in developed countries. <\/li>\n<p><a href=\" https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/current-affairs\/26-06-2026\/robotics-revolution-india \" class=\"btn btn-primary btn-sm float-end\">Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[21],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-77856","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-current-affairs"],"acf":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/77856","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/15"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=77856"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/77856\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":77860,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/77856\/revisions\/77860"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=77856"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=77856"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=77856"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}