Adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies is imperative: Khushboo Doshi

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Adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies is imperative: Khushboo Doshi

Adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies is imperative: Khushboo Doshi

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Nov 29,24

In this exclusive interaction with Rakesh Rao, Khushboo Doshi, MD, Rajoo Engineers Ltd, discusses the importance of advanced automation for the Indian manufacturing sector.

Adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies is imperative: Khushboo Doshi

Rajoo Engineers Ltd, headquartered at Rajkot (Gujarat), is one of the leading manufacturers of plastic extrusion machines having installations in over 70 countries across the globe. These machines are used in industries such as agriculture, renewable energy, infrastructure, flexible packaging, semi rigid packaging, etc. In this exclusive interaction with Rakesh Rao, Khushboo Doshi, Managing Director, Rajoo Engineers Ltd, discusses the importance of advanced automation for the Indian manufacturing sector.

How have manufacturing processes undergone changes in the industry?

In the past, manufacturing processes relied heavily on conventional setups involving multiple stages, processes, and machining centers. This approach often led to extended lead times and a higher likelihood of inaccuracies due to significant human intervention at every stage.

Modern manufacturing has undergone a transformative evolution. Today, processes—from metallurgy and component design to machining and the final product—are largely automated, with minimal to no human involvement. This transition has resulted in a dramatic improvement in accuracy, achieving levels over a hundred times greater than those of traditional methods.

The reduction in manual intervention has also enhanced consistency and quality, enabling manufacturers to meet more stringent standards and deliver superior customer satisfaction. The industry is progressively moving away from traditional machining processes to fully automated and paperless shop floors. At Rajoo Engineers Ltd, we have embraced this transformation, implementing a completely paperless shop floor. This advancement has significantly reduced production lead times while simultaneously improving the precision and quality of our products, setting new benchmarks in efficiency and reliability.

How is Rajoo Engineers leveraging automation and robots to enhance manufacturing efficiency and product performance?

Automation has become essential in today’s manufacturing landscape, both in the products we offer, such as plastic extrusion machines, and within our own manufacturing processes. Incorporating automated features in our machines simplifies operations for our customers as well as ensures we stay at the forefront of technological advancements.

We integrate a wide range of automation solutions and features in our products. Customers are increasingly opting for high-end, automated machinery that requires minimal human intervention. These features help customers save on raw materials, electricity, and manpower costs.

Our machines are equipped with advanced automation to handle complex operations with minimal human intervention. For example, the integration of precision-driven control systems ensures consistent layer thickness, while real-time monitoring features in our machines allow for immediate adjustments to optimize output. These advancements not only enhance manufacturing efficiency but also result in precise, high-quality outputs that meet the stringent demands of our customers’ industries. Our focus remains on engineering innovations that address specific operational challenges and provide tangible value to our customers.

In our own production processes, we are adopting modern technologies to improve efficiency and accuracy. For example, we now use Coordinate Measuring Machines, automated metrology instruments—to precisely measure the geometric relationships and key dimensions of machined components. This ensures that parts meet design specifications and facilitate seamless assembly with highest quality standards.

Looking ahead, we plan to integrate robotics and other advanced technologies into our upcoming manufacturing facility.

How can a company prepare its employees for the transition towards automation?

To successfully navigate the transition towards automation, companies must first have a clear understanding of their expectations from both employees and automated machinery. Communicating the objectives of automation and emphasizing the importance of employees' roles in this transformation is crucial. Additionally, companies should focus on upgrading their employees' skills to align with the new technologies and changes introduced on the shop floor.

With the inevitability of AI, companies should embrace this opportunity by equipping their workforce with the knowledge and tools to adapt to evolving technologies. Change can be challenging, but it requires a proactive and adaptable mindset. It’s essential to foster a culture of continuous learning, encouraging employees to develop new skills in areas such as automation, robotics, AI, and machine learning. This approach supports employees' growth and drives the company’s overall progress and success.

With many connected devices (machines) on the shop floor, how grave is the concern about data and cyber security?

In today’s integrated manufacturing environment, where machines and devices are increasingly connected on the shop floor, cybersecurity has become a critical concern. The risks of cyber-attacks and data breaches have grown alongside the adoption of digital technologies, making it imperative for manufacturers to address these challenges with precision and foresight.

At Rajoo Engineers, cybersecurity is an integral part of our operations. To safeguard sensitive data and ensure uninterrupted operations, we have established a robust, in-house server infrastructure. Our internal IT team, equipped with specialised expertise, actively monitors and maintains our digital infrastructure to prevent vulnerabilities.

Such deliberate measures allow us to secure our data and also maintain the trust of our customers and stakeholders. By prioritising cybersecurity as a fundamental aspect of our manufacturing strategy, we ensure that our operations remain resilient and aligned with the demands of a highly digitalized industry.

How important will advanced automation and robotics be for India to scale up its manufacturing segment?

India stands at a pivotal juncture in its industrial journey, where the adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies, including automation and robotics, is no longer optional but imperative. The global shift, driven by multinational companies (MNCs), offers a unique opportunity for India to become a significant player in the global supply chain. However, to fully capitalise on this, India must address several critical challenges.

To meet these growing global expectations, Indian manufacturers must integrate automation, AI, and robotics into their operations. These technologies play a critical role in enhancing productivity, ensuring consistency in quality, and minimising errors—all essential factors for competing on a global scale. Robotics, for instance, can handle repetitive tasks with precision, reduce human intervention, and improve workplace safety by taking over hazardous operations.

To rise to global expectations and compete effectively, Indian manufacturers must prioritise the adoption of automation, AI, and robotics. These technologies are transformative, addressing key challenges and positioning manufacturers to scale operations while maintaining quality and cost efficiency.