In an era where collaborate INDIA 2024: Robots Charting the Future of Collaborative Automation in India robots (cobots) and artificial intelligence are revolutionizing the industrial landscape, the potential for transforming traditional manufacturing processes has never been greater. INDIA 2024 Collaborate in Automation These technologies are at the forefront of enhancing productivity, efficiency, and competitiveness across various sectors. Cobots, designed to work alongside human operators, bring flexibility and precision to tasks, while AI optimizes processes and decision-making. Together, they are driving a new wave of industrial automation that promises to reshape industries and economies worldwide.
“India has an unparalleled opportunity to become the global leader in advanced automation”. said Kim Povlsen, President of Universal Robots. “With a young, tech-savvy population, a thriving IT and automation sector, and strong government support, the foundation is set. It’s time to make a decisive move towards modern technology and advanced automation to ensure India doesn’t get left behind. The future of manufacturing will be defined by those who choose to innovate now.”
The industrial automation landscape of India took a giant leap forward with the successful conclusion of Collaborate INDIA 2024, the largest cobot conference in the region. Organized by Universal Robots, the event brought together over 700 industry professionals, thought leaders, and automation enthusiasts to explore the transformative potential of collaborative automation in the manufacturing sector.
Held at The Westin Pune Koregaon Park, the one-day event featured 30 speakers, 20 exhibition booths, and numerous networking opportunities. Themed “Collaborative Automation: INDIA 2024 Collaborate in Automation The Future of Industry” the conference provided a comprehensive overview of the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the realm of industrial automation, with a particular focus on collaborative robots.
Discussing the role of cobots in India’s manufacturing sector, Anuj Bhiani, Founder, Impaqt Robotics, said,“In the next five years, we anticipate significant growth in the role of cobots within India’s manufacturing sector. We’ve already witnessed a remarkable transformation where cobots seamlessly collaborate with human workers. INDIA 2024 Collaborate in Automation This trend is set to continue, driven by advancements in cobot capabilities such as increased payload and reach, alongside enhanced technical sophistication. With applications leveraging machine learning and AI, cobots are becoming more intuitive and adaptable to human actions, promising a future of enhanced productivity and safety.”
The conference opened with compelling keynote addresses from notable industry figures, including Kim Povlsen, President of Universal Robots, Sunil Patel, Deep Learning Data Scientist at NVIDIA, and Pratik Goyal, Partner at McKinsey & Company. INDIA 2024 Collaborate in Automation They delved into pivotal topics such as the future of automation, the integration of AI & robotics, and the progression towards Industry 5.0. Kim Povlsen highlighted Universal Robots’ unwavering commitment to innovation and the development of next generation cobots, unveiling the newly launched UR20 and UR30 models. These models exemplify the advanced capabilities and enhanced performance that define the future of cobots.
Mr. Chinmoy Kolita, Country Manager at Mech Mind, said on envisioning the collaboration between workers and cobots, “The collaboration between workers and cobots holds immense potential for driving productivity and innovation in the manufacturing industry. INDIA 2024 Collaborate in Automation As cobots handle routine tasks, human workers can focus on higher-value activities, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement. Cobots have ushered in a new era in India’s manufacturing landscape, driving efficiency and innovation across various industries. INDIA 2024 Collaborate in Automation Cobots have made workplaces safer and more efficient by interacting seamlessly with humans. From automotive assembly lines to semiconductor testing, the benefits of cobot integration are evident in improved operational efficiency and flexibility. The manufacturing industry can unleash fresh avenues for growth and competitiveness by embracing collaboration and investing in employee growth.”
A standout feature of the event was the dynamic panel discussion moderated by Dr. Yeong Che Fai, Associate Professor at the University of Technology Malaysia. Panelists included Pratik Goyal, Raj K Sharma (President, All India Council of Robotics Automation), Rashmi Ranjan Mohapatra (CEO, Parry Enterprises, Murugappa Group), and Sachin Parekh (Assistant General Manager, Schaeffler India). They engaged in a robust dialogue about the impact of collaborative automation on industries in the APAC region and its critical role in advancing towards Industry 5.0. This insightful discussion illuminated the challenges and opportunities presented by the adoption of cobots and the evolving landscape of industrial automation.
The exhibition floor was a hive of activity as attendees explored cutting-edge cobot applications from Universal Robots and its ecosystem partners. INDIA 2024 Collaborate in Automation Exhibitors showcased innovative solutions aimed at enhancing productivity and business performance, including applications in welding, material handling, palletizing, and quality inspection. INDIA 2024 Collaborate in Automation The integration of AI, vision systems, and advanced safety features in cobots was a focal point, highlighting their adaptability and efficiency in diverse manufacturing environments. The debut of UR’s next generation cobots, the UR20 and UR30, was a highlight, demonstrating the advancements in technology and capabilities that these new models bring to the market.
Speaking on preparing the Indian manufacturing workforce for cobot collaboration, Abhinimesh Kumar, General Manager – Indian Subsidiary at Lorch Schweißtechnik GmbH said, “Preparing the Indian manufacturing workforce for effective collaboration with cobots requires a strategic focus on skills development and training. Essential skills such as programming and familiarity with automation technologies are crucial for workers to adapt to this paradigm shift. Training programs should focus on empowering workers to interact with cobots seamlessly and leverage their capabilities to optimize productivity. By investing in workforce development initiatives, we can ensure a smooth transition to a collaborative manufacturing environment.”
Collaborate INDIA 2024 provided an invaluable platform for attendees to engage with engineers, innovators, and partners from Universal Robots. INDIA 2024 Collaborate in Automation The event facilitated knowledge sharing and fostered collaborations that are expected to drive future advancements in the field of automation. INDIA 2024 Collaborate in Automation Participants had the opportunity to discuss unique production environments and explore application possibilities, enhancing their understanding of how collaborative automation can be tailored to meet specific needs.
Speaking on the transformation brought by cobots in India’s manufacturing landscape, Shantanu Kulkarni, Head of Sales, North & West India, Ewellix, a company of Schaeffler, said,“Cobots have transformed India’s manufacturing landscape in profound ways, revolutionizing traditional production methods. INDIA 2024 Collaborate in Automation Cobots have improved operational efficiency and safety across various industries by working alongside human counterparts. From automotive assembly lines to semiconductor testing, cobots are driving innovation and streamlining processes. The incorporation of machine vision technology further enhances their capabilities, enabling them to perform complex tasks with precision and accuracy.”
The success of Collaborate INDIA 2024 underscores the growing interest and adoption of collaborative automation in India’s manufacturing sector. As the country strives to become a global manufacturing powerhouse, events like these play a crucial role in driving innovation, fostering industry collaboration, and shaping the future of automation. INDIA 2024 Collaborate in Automation By bringing together industry pioneers and automation enthusiasts, Collaborate INDIA 2024 has set the stage for a new era of industrial excellence in India.
