Hydraulics sector will find its use in the rail and defence sector, and the fluid power business organisations will be greatly benefited from the sector’s potential. Pneumatics has been finding its place in design for varieties of machines with automation. According to Victor Edward D’Souza, Managing Director, Neumatica Technologies Pvt Ltd, automation requirements of the industry is rapidly growing, and it calls for the skilled manpower. More and more mechatronics engineers and technical manpower is required for designs, assembly and maintenance of the automation-based machines.

 

What type of products and services do you offer in the hydraulics & pneumatics space?

Neumatica manufactures special purpose machines for press applications and assembly line automations. It offers assembly solutions as well as press solutions to automotive, aerospace and powder metallurgy. We have special machines for fastener insertion application and presses for clinching applications for sheet metal industry. We use pneumatics extensively for automation solutions.

 

How is the hydraulics & pneumatics industry in India at present?

At present there has been increased thrust in usage of the pneumatics and hydraulics in the industry. However, lot more could be done by finding new applications for simple low-cost automation and its usage. Pneumatics has been finding its place in design for varieties of machines with automation. With the increase in use of electronic sensors, controls and programming solutions, the machines have become very efficient and compact and could be deployed for various applications in material handling, packaging assembly automation, etc. Further, there is a growth in the use of robotic arms in automation. Hence, pneumatics industry is rapidly growing in India.

 

How is adoption of automation helping the hydraulics & pneumatics industry?

Automation requirements of the industry is rapidly growing, and it calls for the skilled manpower. More and more mechatronics engineers and technical manpower is required for designs, assembly and maintenance of the automation-based machines.  Further, with the advent of industrial internet of things (IIoT), it becomes even more essential to develop the new products to match the industry applications requirements and integrations. The demand for new products in hydraulics and pneumatics is certainly on the rise, which will be a business opportunity.

 

Will opening of the rail and defence sectors offer new business opportunities for the industry in India?

Rail and defence sectors are going to play a major thrust area specially for the hydraulics sector, particularly when the ‘Make in India’ movement gathers momentum. With the potential they carry, it would be a great business opportunity for all the fluid power business organisations.

 

What are the emerging trends in this industry?

Right now, we know that oil is used in hydraulics. But in future, the trend will be toward water hydraulics. The technology for it is expensive, hence it is not viable right now. But in due course of time, it will become affordable, maybe in a decade’s time. Another trend is servo hydraulics, which is already existent in the industry. This particular type is beneficial for a lot of things which include speed accuracy, compactness in terms of size, energy efficiency and better performance characteristics.

 

What are the growth plans for your company?

Neumatica has been focused on pressing solutions and assembly lines. It has been growing rapidly in the last few years. It is expected to continue in the same pace for the next few years. Due to its brand image ‘Press-o-matic’, it is recognised by its valued customers for its gen-next technology with innovations that enhance the productivity, quality and safety. We are investing on quality manpower for designs and also in the latest 3D design software and hardware for productivity. Overall, it is expected to grow by three times in the next three to five years.