In an interview, Milind Padole, Managing Director of ARAPL Ltd., spoke with TimesTech about the company’s transformative journey from design outsourcing to becoming a global robotics powerhouse. With breakthroughs in mobile robotics, AI-driven automation, and a bold 10-year vision, ARAPL is set to lead in smart logistics and manufacturing solutions across global markets.
Read the full interview here:
TimesTech: ARAPL has seen impressive growth over the years. What have been some key milestones in this journey?
Milind: While there was all brain drain and almost all my batchmates went abroad I decide to stay back. Many times, thinking whether the decision I made was right or wrong. In 2004 when I returned from Germany, we started a robotic design outsourcing company. Then pivoted to sourcing robotic child parts in 2005 and finally pivoted to supplying turnkey robotic supply in 2010. Few other Milestones were when we started a new vertical catering to Real estate through our automated parking in 2012, 2015 we attempted to make first mobile robot along with Chinese partner WECAN, 2016 we started ARAPL Shanghai, 2017 we attempted second time to make mobile robot in collaboration with Swedish partner, 2018 we got listed on BSE exchange, 2019 we started ARAPL Michigan, 2020 we made 3rd attempt to make mobile robot with Indian partner, 2021 started ARAPL RaaS India; it was a COVID baby, 2021 started ARAPL RaaS LLC US, 2022 we finally made our first commercial mobile robot and launched in US in Promat, 2024 we launched 3 model family of mobile robots with our own technology, 2025 our proprietary controller and our own tech I-ware, 2025 we will be launching 5 more model family, 2026 we will be launching in Europe all these products.
TimesTech: What is your vision for ARAPL over the next 5-10 years, especially in terms of sustainable growth and global reach?
Milind: In our journey of past 20 years ARAPL team has gained so much vast knowledge in DEEP Tech of Robotics building; that we wanted to productise our domain expertise and make some products which were ahead of value chain. We want to be a 10 B USD company in next 10 years with our robots being deployed in the whole world. We aspire to be first Indian mobile robotic deep tech brandon world map. Our vision of SAIL- Solution for autonomous inter connected logistics, which is the whole life cycle of a merchandize or SKU. It starts from Factory, port, warehouse and then last mile. All these four pillars will see use of autonomous vehicles which will be driven by our i-ware.
TimesTech: With rising demand for robotics in manufacturing and logistics, how is ARAPL meeting industry needs?
Milind: We have launched multiple products covering almost the whole bandwidth of warehouse and logistics industry. We are working on huge TAM of almost 150 B presently. Our focus is on developed market and on the niche products which are ahead of value chain.
TimesTech: How is ARAPL using technologies like AI, ML, and digital twins to enhance its robotics solutions?
Milind: All Robots have multiple layers of AI & ML. We do digital twins all the time to simulate or fast forward the development cycles. We are committed to Singularity in all dimensions of tech being used in warehouse. 2025 is the year when first time I have filed for patent on my name and I am really excited about it. All these years there were many patents filed by ARAPL. This patent is about Singularity of integration tech in warehouse. This will make the adoption almost instantly.
TimesTech: Can you share recent successes—like major order wins, contracts, or new dealership tie-ups—that reflect ARAPL’s momentum?
Milind: We have a very health traction, and we are at the cusp where we feel we will have radical growth. Few fast smart partnerships will only propel this growth faster and we are totally aligned and working towards it.
TimesTech: From in-house tech stacks to voice-command robots, innovation drives ARAPL. What’s coming next on this front?
Milind: We are making our stack more like product. It is having various layers which can be adopted by various type of warehouses. It has multiple layers of software, each is then powered by various ML and AI engines. With so much data our sensors and cameras on autonomous vehicle collects, we will pivot more like a data driven company. Next few years will see hiring of multiple C level positions in data category to name few Chief Data officer, Chief Data monetisation officer, chief Data compliance officer and more.
