Automation is playing a key role in test & measurement industry: Sanjay Sangam

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Automation is playing a key role in test & measurement industry: Sanjay Sangam

Automation is playing a key role in test & measurement industry: Sanjay Sangam

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Aug 25,24

In this interview with Rakesh Rao, Sanjay Sangam, Head of Sales and Marketing, India, Renishaw Metrology Systems Ltd, highlights factors driving demand for advanced test & measurement solutions in India.

Automation is playing a key role in test & measurement industry: Sanjay Sangam

Smart manufacturing and Industry 4.0, which are gaining traction across industries, necessitate continuous monitoring and testing. This in turn is is encouraging the adoption of advanced test & measurement (T&M) solutions. According to Sanjay Sangam, Head of Sales and Marketing, India, Renishaw Metrology Systems Ltd, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) is revolutionising the T&M equipment industry. In this interview with Rakesh Rao, Sanjay Sangam highlights factors driving demand for advanced T&M solutions in India.

Globally, Renishaw has completed 50 years. How do you see Renishaw's journey in India?

Renishaw has spent 50 years engineering change globally, and its journey in India is a testament to this legacy. Established in 1973 by Sir David McMurtry, Executive Chairman, and John Deer, Non-Executive Deputy Chairman, Renishaw’s first product, the touch-trigger probe, revolutionised three-dimensional coordinate measurement. This innovation laid the foundation for accurate measurement of machined components and assemblies, which has been pivotal for various industries in India.

In India, Renishaw has made significant investments in manufacturing facility at Pune and technology centres, including major hubs in Pune, Bengaluru, Vadodara, Gurugram and Chennai. These centres are crucial for customer demonstrations, training, and application development, reflecting Renishaw’s commitment to supporting local industries.

Renishaw’s product offerings in India include advanced metrology equipment, spectroscopy products, and smart manufacturing software, catering to key industries such as automotive, aerospace, medical devices, and precision manufacturing. The company’s dedication to research and development (R&D), with around 13-18 per cent of annual sales invested in R&D, has enabled the delivery of solutions that provide unparalleled precision, control, and reliability.

Renishaw’s growth in India has been driven by the expanding machine tool industry and increasing demand in both domestic and export markets. Their strategic investments in people, product development, and production capacity are underpinned by a commitment to sustainability, ensuring we continue transforming tomorrow together.

For the company, what is the significance of the recently opened new technology hub in Chennai?

Since initiating operations in 2008 from a small office in Anna Nagar, Chennai, Renishaw India has grown significantly. The new office and technology centre - opened on 9 May 2024 at Unipunch Crown, Ambattur Industrial Estate, Chennai - encompasses a comprehensive office and a state-of-the-art technology centre designed to serve the burgeoning markets in Chennai, Coimbatore, and Trichy. India is currently experiencing a dynamic period of growth, making it an exciting time to be part of this market. The machine tool industry is expanding, new investments are flowing in from abroad, and both the domestic and export markets are seeing significant demand. Renishaw is at the heart of this growth, actively supporting the precision manufacturing sector.

We view Chennai as a critical market and believe this centre will significantly enhance the capabilities of our customers and OEMs, helping to drive their businesses forward. The establishment of new technology centre in Chennai was critical for Renishaw India. Chennai's strength in the automotive sector and its robust local supply chain ecosystem necessitated new investments. Post-pandemic, we have seen sectors such as electric vehicles and consumer electronics investing in Tamil Nadu, with the city growing in multiple dimensions.

The new facility is strategically designed to more effectively serve Renishaw’s customers and partners in the Tamil Nadu region. It provides a significant advantage for potential buyers to test their components using the latest technology before investment and serves as a training hub for students, OEMs, Customers, and the Renishaw staff, and channel partners. With a robust team and advanced technological solutions, Renishaw continues to strengthen its global presence and leadership in precision engineering.

How is Renishaw helping companies to increase their efficiency and productivity?

Renishaw is committed to enhancing efficiency and productivity for companies through several innovative approaches. One of the key areas is our process control solutions. We provide advanced systems that help remove sources of variation and uncertainty in machining processes. This not only increases throughput but also significantly reduces rework and minimises scrap, which are critical factors in boosting overall manufacturing efficiency.

At Renishaw, our mission has always been to enhance the productivity, capability, and efficiency of our customers’ manufacturing processes. This commitment is evident across a wide range of industries, from aerospace to orthopaedics, where our technologies are being successfully applied throughout the manufacturing process. By providing advanced metrology solutions and process control systems, we help these industries achieve higher precision, reduce waste, and improve overall operational efficiency.

How do you analyse the market for the test & measurement (T&M) equipment in India?

The market for test & measurement equipment in India is experiencing robust growth, driven by several key factors and industries. From Renishaw’s perspective, we see a significant demand coming from sectors such as automotive, aerospace, electronics, and telecommunications. The automotive industry is a major driver, especially with the push towards electric vehicles and the need for precise measurement and quality control in manufacturing processes. Similarly, the aerospace sector demands high-precision measurement solutions to ensure the safety and reliability of components. The electronics industry is another critical area, particularly with the rise of consumer electronics and the need for rigorous testing and measurement to maintain quality standards.

Additionally, the Indian government’s focus on smart manufacturing and Industry 4.0 is encouraging the adoption of advanced T&M solutions. This includes the integration of IoT and automation in manufacturing processes, which necessitates continuous monitoring and testing.

Overall, the combination of technological advancements, industry-specific demands, and government initiatives is driving the growth of the T&M equipment market in India. Renishaw is well-positioned to support this growth with our innovative solutions and commitment to enhancing manufacturing efficiency and productivity.

How is Renishaw meeting the requirements of auto and auto component companies with the auto industry undergoing transformation (such as EVs, increased usage of electronics, etc)?

Renishaw is at the forefront of supporting the automotive industry’s transformation, particularly with the shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) and the increasing integration of electronics. Our advanced metrology and process control solutions are crucial in this transition. For instance, our process control solutions help automotive manufacturers achieve higher precision and consistency in their production processes. This is especially important for EV components, which require stringent quality control to ensure reliability and performance.

We provide comprehensive training and support through our technology centres in Pune, Bengaluru and Chennai. These centres offer local industries access to cutting-edge metrology solutions and expertise, enabling them to fully leverage our technologies to improve their manufacturing processes. Overall, Renishaw’s solutions are designed to help automotive and auto component companies navigate the complexities of this transformation, ensuring they can produce high-quality, reliable components efficiently and cost-effectively.

How are non-auto sectors driving demand for Renishaw’s products & solutions?

Beyond the automotive sector, several non-auto industries are driving significant demand for Renishaw’s solutions. One of the key sectors is aerospace, where precision and reliability are paramount. The medical devices industry is another major area of growth. With the increasing demand for high-precision medical instruments and implants, our technologies help manufacturers achieve the necessary accuracy and consistency in their production processes.

Additionally, the electronics sector is rapidly expanding, driven by the proliferation of consumer electronics and the need for rigorous testing and measurement to maintain quality standards. Our solutions are crucial for ensuring the reliability and performance of electronic components. The energy sector, particularly in renewable energy, is also emerging as a significant demand driver. As the industry focuses on sustainability and efficiency, our measurement and calibration solutions play a vital role in optimising the performance of renewable energy systems.

What are some of the emerging trends to watch out for in the T&M equipment industry?

The integration of AI and machine learning is revolutionising the industry by enabling predictive analytics and anomaly detection, which enhance fault detection, predictive maintenance, and overall system reliability. The adoption of 5G and wireless technologies is unlocking new possibilities in wireless test and measurement, crucial for optimizing network performance and device testing. IoT integration is becoming increasingly prevalent, with IoT-enabled devices autonomously collecting and transmitting data, facilitating remote monitoring and real-time feedback. This connectivity allows for immediate adjustments and enhances overall efficiency.

Additionally, automation is playing a significant role in the T&M industry, streamlining processes and reducing human error. There is also a growing emphasis on sustainability and energy efficiency, with companies seeking solutions that enhance productivity while reducing environmental impact. Renishaw is committed to developing technologies that support these trends, ensuring we meet the evolving needs of our customers.

What are your growth plans for Renishaw in India?

Renishaw has ambitious growth plans for India, reflecting our commitment to this dynamic and rapidly growing market. We are focused on increasing market reach evidenced by our new technology centre in Chennai and Bengaluru, which opened in May 2024 and December 2022 respectively. These facilities enhance our ability to meet the rising demand for advanced metrology solutions. Innovation remains at the heart of Renishaw, and we are continually developing new products to cater to the evolving needs of our customers.

We are also targeting growth in various industrial segments beyond automotive, such as aerospace, medical devices, electronics, and renewable energy. These sectors are increasingly adopting our advanced measurement and process control solutions to improve their manufacturing processes. Additionally, we are committed to sustainability, integrating eco-friendly practices into our operations and developing energy-efficient products. Our growth strategy aligns with Prime Minister Modi’s vision of a Developed India by 2047, as we aim to contribute to the country’s industrial advancement and economic growth. To support this growth, we are actively hiring application and sales professionals, ensuring we have the right talent to drive our expansion and better serve our customers.

By expanding our capabilities, launching innovative products, and tapping into new industrial segments, Renishaw is well-positioned to support India’s journey towards becoming a global manufacturing powerhouse.ems.