Robot System Products (RSP), a Swedish manufacturer of industrial robots and a subsidiary of the automation giant ABB, is establishing a new branch in Chennai with plans to commence manufacturing operations in the city next year.

The Indian subsidiary, named Scandinavian Robot Systems India Private Limited, has been officially registered in Chennai. Initially, the company will import industrial robot accessories from Sweden to supply customers in India. However, RSP aims to localise production by manufacturing "at least two products" in India by the coming year.

The company is presently undergoing validation processes at multiple locations in India in collaboration with automotive customers. RSP envisions establishing a production unit in Chennai, employing approximately 100 individuals, within the next two years.

Eddie Eriksson, President and CEO of Robot System Products AB, expressed optimism about entering the Indian market, citing favorable developments in the country. Arvind Vasu, Managing Director of RSP's Indian subsidiary, emphasised the planning phase of manufacturing operations in Chennai, with the initial objective of gaining approval as a supplier to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and robotics integrators.

RSP specialises in offerings like automatic tool changers, allowing robots to seamlessly switch between different tools or end-effectors (e.g., grippers, welders, drills) with minimal downtime. This capability enables robots to perform various tasks without requiring manual tool changes.

Despite India's significant growth in the installation of industrial robots in 2021 and 2022, making it the 11th largest market globally, the country still lags behind China, a major global manufacturing player. According to the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), China boasts 187 robots per 10,000 employees, while India has only four robots for the same employee count.

Source: Indiatimes