AI and ML are opening new vistas in robotics: Sameer Gandhi

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AI and ML are opening new vistas in robotics: Sameer Gandhi

AI and ML are opening new vistas in robotics: Sameer Gandhi

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Nov 29,24

In this interview with Rakesh Rao, Sameer Gandhi, MD, OMRON Automation, India, analyses India’s robot market and provides tips to companies to prepare their employees for automated working environment.

AI and ML are opening new vistas in robotics: Sameer Gandhi

OMRON, with its variety of industrial automation products, offers companies solutions to enhance efficiency and productivity of their manufacturing facilities. In this interview with Rakesh Rao, Sameer Gandhi, Managing Director, OMRON Automation, India, analyses India’s robot market and provides tips to companies to prepare their employees for automated working environment.

How is the robot market in India?

The robot market in India is experiencing significant growth. This market includes various types of robots such as industrial robots, collaborative robots (cobots), and mobile robots. One of the most important factors driving the demand is the rising industrial automation need to enhance productivity and efficiency in varied manufacturing sectors. Supportive government policies to boost domestic manufacturing are also contributing indirectly by fueling the rise in adoption of industrial automation and smart manufacturing. Innovations in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are also opening new vistas making progressive manufacturers explore more capabilities and versatility presented by robots.

Amongst the industries, the automotive sector is a major adopter of industrial robots for tasks such as welding, painting, and assembly. High demand for precision and efficiency in electronics manufacturing is also driving the use of robots. Mobile robots are gradually transforming logistics and warehousing by automating material handling and inventory management.

How is your company tapping the growing robot market in India?

OMRON is contributing significantly to this growth by enabling a solution partner network that can build solutions using the vast product range of robots, cobots and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) that OMRON has. Robots need to be integrated in the overall manufacturing process, and this requires tight integration with not only machine PLCs but also safety and Vision in many cases. Drawing upon OMRON’s extensive product range and application knowledge we’re able to build efficient and effective solutions for our customers. Besides, our training facilities help train customer as well as CP engineers to make the most of the robotics portfolio.

How is AI enhancing capabilities of robots?

AI is significantly enhancing the capabilities of robots, making them more intelligent, adaptable, and efficient. It delivers enhanced perception and sensing. AI enables robots to better understand and interpret their environment through advanced sensors and computer vision. This allows for more precise and autonomous navigation and interaction with objects and people.

AI algorithms also help robots make better decisions in real-time, allowing them to adapt to changing conditions and perform complex tasks with humans safely and efficiently, making them valuable partners in various industries. ML enables robots to learn from experience, improving their performance over time. This is particularly useful in dynamic environments where robots need to adapt to new tasks and conditions.

Some of the notable application examples are the way robots equipped with AI are improving production lines by performing tasks such as quality inspection, assembly, and material handling with greater accuracy and speed. Another example is the way they are transforming the logistics and supply chain sector by optimising warehouse operations, automating inventory management, and improving delivery efficiency.

What are the key hurdles in the growth of the robot market in India?

Some of the hurdles are:

High initial costs: The upfront investment required for purchasing and integrating robotic systems can be prohibitive for many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in India.
Lack of skilled workforce: There is a shortage of skilled professionals who can operate, maintain, and program robots, which hampers the adoption of advanced robotic technologies.
Limited awareness and understanding: Many manufacturers are not fully aware of the benefits and potential ROI of robotic automation, leading to slower adoption rates.
Infrastructure challenges: Inadequate infrastructure, such as inconsistent power supply and lack of advanced manufacturing facilities, can impede the effective deployment of robots.
Regulatory and policy barriers: Complex regulatory frameworks and lack of clear policies supporting automation and robotics can create uncertainties for manufacturers looking to invest in these technologies.

There are also some industry-specific challenges. For example, while the automotive sector is a major adopter, the high customisation and variability in production processes can make it challenging to implement standardised robotic solutions. Similarly, in electronics sector, the need for high precision and the rapid pace of technological change require continuous upgrades and investments in new robotic technologies.

How can companies prepare their workforce for the transition towards automation and robots?

OMRON emphasizes the importance of a balanced approach where technology and human skills complement each other, leading to a more innovative and productive workforce. While automation may reduce the need for certain manual and repetitive tasks, it also creates opportunities for new types of jobs that require different, advanced and creative thinking skill sets.

Automation is expected to reduce the number of low-skill jobs but increase the demand for high-skill roles in programming, maintenance, and management of automated systems. By automating routine tasks, companies can improve productivity and efficiency, potentially leading to business growth and the creation of new job opportunities. While some jobs may be displaced, new roles in AI, robotics, and data analysis will emerge, requiring a workforce with advanced technical skills.

For preparing the workforce, reskilling and upskilling is the way ahead. Companies should invest in training programs to help employees acquire new skills relevant to automation, robotics AI, and data analytics. Encouraging a culture of continuous learning and adaptability within the organisation can help employees stay relevant in a rapidly changing technological landscape. Partnering with universities and technical institutes to develop curricula that align with industry needs can ensure a steady pipeline of skilled workers.

What are the emerging trends in the robotics market?

We can estimate that the trend for cobots to work closely with humans will accelerate. Currently, cobots and AMRs can work closely with humans without requiring specific safety enclosures or paths. The next big step in this is expected to be cognitive robots. Cognitive robots are equipped with multiple sensors and AI and as the name suggests have a better cognition of their environment and thus work intuitively. OMRON has partnered with Neura robotics to bring these exciting next generation robots to the industry.

What is the outlook for the robot market in India?

The future of robotics in India looks promising, with significant growth expected across various sectors. The market is projected to reach $ 446.70 million in 2024 and continue growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.26 per centto reach $ 664.40 million by 2029, according to a Statista report. This growth is driven by advancements in AI, increasing automation needs, and supportive government policies. Also, India's thriving startup ecosystem is fostering innovation in robotics, with many new companies developing cutting-edge solutions.

SMEs in India can definitely take advantage of robots and collaborative robots (cobots). By automating repetitive and mundane tasks, SMEs can improve productivity and focus their human workforce on more complex and value-added activities. Cobots are generally more affordable, and can be easily reprogrammed, repurposed, and integrated than traditional industrial robots, making them suitable for SMEs with limited budgets. They are also designed to work alongside humans safely, reducing workplace accidents and improving overall safety standards.

By starting with small-scale automation projects with the right technology partners and gradually scaling up as the benefits become evident, SMEs in India can enhance their competitiveness and drive growth in an increasingly automated world.