The future promises fully autonomous warehouses: Manpreet Sachdev

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The future promises fully autonomous warehouses: Manpreet Sachdev

The future promises fully autonomous warehouses: Manpreet Sachdev

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Jun 26,25

In this interview, Manpreet Sachdev, Founder & CEO, Elite Material Handling Co, shares his views on growth, AI, and the future of India’s material handling industry.

The future promises fully autonomous warehouses: Manpreet Sachdev

Elite Material Handling Co—established by Manpreet Sachdev— provides logistics solution in material handling related to transportation, storage loading/unloading palletisation and package. In this interaction, Sachdev elaborates on emerging trends in the Material Handling Equipment (MHE) industry and how Elite is tapping into these opportunities.

How did Elite Material Handling Co. begin its journey, and what have been its major milestones?

Elite Material Handling Co was founded in 1959 with a clear and ambitious vision to elevate India’s material handling standards to a global level. At the time, the industry was largely unorganised and highly dependent on manual labour. Elite stepped into this gap with a commitment to delivering reliable, efficient, and safe material handling solutions tailored to Indian needs.

Over the decades, the company has steadily expanded its product portfolio. Today, it offers a comprehensive range of solutions including dock levellers, high-speed doors, hydraulic pallet trucks, electric stackers, scissor lifts, and more. Each innovation was guided by one principle—simplifying operations while boosting productivity.

Elite has also embraced technological change proactively. Sensor-based automation, real-time monitoring systems, and IoT-enabled devices have been integrated into its offerings, helping warehouses and factories streamline operations with higher precision. With more than 60 years of continuous innovation, Elite has emerged as a preferred partner across sectors such as aerospace, defence, automotive, and textile manufacturing.

What are the key challenges currently facing India’s MHE industry?

India’s material handling equipment industry stands at a crossroads, facing challenges that are both structural and regulatory in nature. The 2025 implementation of Construction Equipment Vehicle (CEV) Stage V emission norms has ushered in stricter environmental regulations for equipment manufacturers. While these are welcome from a sustainability standpoint, they pose significant compliance challenges—especially for smaller or unorganised players lacking the necessary R&D infrastructure.

Infrastructure remains another major bottleneck. Although warehousing has expanded rapidly in metro regions, rural and semi-urban areas still lack the physical and digital infrastructure required for efficient logistics. Poor road connectivity, lack of cold storage, and manual warehousing practices limit the deployment of advanced MHE in these regions.

On the technological front, while global markets are embracing automation, robotics, and artificial intelligence, India is moving at a slower pace. The initial investment required for deploying advanced MHE is high, and there is a noticeable shortage of skilled professionals capable of operating, maintaining, and optimising these systems. This skill gap threatens to delay the industry’s transition to Industry 4.0 practices.

How can manufacturers overcome these hurdles and tap into emerging opportunities?

Manufacturers need to take a multipronged approach to thrive in this evolving environment. First and foremost is sustainability. There is a growing shift towards electric and hybrid MHE, which aligns with both cost-efficiency and environmental mandates. Exploring alternative fuels such as hydrogen could further future-proof operations.

Second, infrastructure development should not be left solely to public institutions. Manufacturers must collaborate with logistics parks, private warehousing operators, and state agencies to promote smart warehousing solutions and expand into tier-2 and tier-3 markets.

Third, digital transformation is non-negotiable. The integration of IoT sensors, AI-driven analytics, and telematics can dramatically enhance uptime, reduce operational costs, and improve predictive maintenance. However, these technologies will only bear fruit if accompanied by workforce training. Investing in training programmes that equip workers with the skills to operate modern equipment is key to bridging the talent gap.

Finally, strengthening domestic manufacturing and supply chains is crucial. Relying heavily on imported components increases lead time and cost, especially during global disruptions. Supporting local vendors and setting up component manufacturing units domestically can offer both economic and strategic benefits.

How are automation and AI transforming the MHE industry?

Automation and artificial intelligence (AI) are rapidly reshaping the MHE landscape. One of the most striking developments is the integration of Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) and Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) in warehouses. These robots can navigate complex environments, transport loads, and work seamlessly with human teams, thus reducing errors and labour fatigue.

Robotic arms, equipped with advanced computer vision, are now capable of executing intricate tasks like sorting, picking, and packing with precision and speed. This is especially valuable in high-throughput industries like e-commerce and pharmaceuticals.

In terms of maintenance, AI-powered predictive algorithms can monitor data from sensors embedded in forklifts, conveyors, and stackers. These algorithms can anticipate breakdowns, schedule servicing, and help minimise downtime—resulting in greater operational efficiency and lower maintenance costs.

Smart warehousing is another game-changer. Digital twins—virtual replicas of physical operations—allow real-time monitoring, scenario modelling, and workflow optimisation. Heat maps generated from AI systems help identify bottlenecks, improve material flow, and even forecast equipment life expectancy.

What does the future of AI in material handling look like?

The future promises fully autonomous warehouses, where AI-driven robots handle everything from receiving to dispatch. These robots will not only execute tasks but also learn and adapt based on their environment, enabling dynamic decision-making.

AI in logistics will soon enable end-to-end visibility in real time. Algorithms will optimise delivery routes, minimise idle time, and track inventory across geographies. This will enhance supply chain resilience and responsiveness.

Safety innovations are also on the horizon. AI-based collision avoidance systems will drastically reduce accidents by predicting risky interactions in real time. Meanwhile, ergonomic assessments conducted by AI will guide optimal human movement patterns, reducing workplace injuries and fatigue.

With the integration of AI, IoT, and edge computing, decisions will be made at the device level, significantly reducing latency and increasing system responsiveness—a crucial advantage in time-sensitive operations.

What role does the 'Make in India' initiative play in supporting the MHE sector?

The 'Make in India' campaign has significantly bolstered the domestic manufacturing ecosystem. For the MHE sector, it has opened doors to indigenous R&D, allowing companies to build solutions customised for India’s unique requirements—from monsoon-resilient equipment to compact machinery suitable for narrow urban layouts.

It has also encouraged companies to develop energy-efficient and AI-powered solutions that not only reduce operational costs but also align with India’s environmental goals. From electric forklifts to solar-powered logistics hubs, sustainability is now a competitive advantage.

Moreover, the growth of industrial corridors, smart cities, and logistics parks has created enormous demand for advanced MHE. As the government prioritises ease of doing business, faster approvals, and infrastructure upgrades, the sector is becoming a vital enabler of India's economic growth story.

What are the company’s strategic goals in the coming years?

Elite Material Handling Co is entering an exciting phase of strategic growth. Over the next 3 to 5 years, the company aims to modernise its manufacturing units by incorporating Industry 4.0 technologies—AI, IoT, and robotics. This will not only improve product quality but also help meet the surging demand from sectors like logistics, FMCG, e-commerce, and defence.

Domestically, Elite plans to expand its reach in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, where the next wave of warehousing and industrial activity is emerging. It is also focusing on building stronger relationships with sector leaders in aerospace, automotive, and government infrastructure projects.

On the sustainability front, the company is committed to promoting eco-friendly equipment, including electric and hybrid models. Additionally, Elite is actively exploring export opportunities in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Europe, aligning itself with global logistics trends.

Participation in international trade expos, R&D collaborations, and brand-building initiatives will further help the company solidify its presence as a global innovator in material handling.