The Status of Robotics in India and Global Trends
Over the last decade, the adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies has accelerated worldwide. According to the World Robotics 2025 report published by the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), the global robotics ecosystem is expanding at a record pace.
Global Robotics Trends (IFR 2025 Report)
- Record Installations: A record-high 542,000 industrial robots were installed globally in 2024, representing a doubling of demand over the last ten years.
- Asian Dominance: The market is heavily led by Asia, which accounts for 74% of the global share, with China alone making up 54%. The top global markets include China, Japan, South Korea, and Germany.
- Operational Stock: The total operational stock of robots worldwide has reached a massive 4.66 million units.
- Key Drivers: This massive growth is driven by the rapid integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI), global labor shortages, and heavy automation in the electronics and automotive sectors. In the service sector, transportation and logistics robots lead all applications, holding a 51% share.
India's Emerging Position
India is emerging as a rapid adopter of automation. While its growth was historically slower compared to developed economies, recent data shows a major shift:
- Global Ranking: As per the IFR 2025 report, India has risen to rank 6th globally in annual industrial installations (deploying 9,100 units in a single year) and maintains the 10th position in total operating stock.
- Key Driving Sector: This rapid adoption in India is heavily driven by the automotive industry, which requires highly precise and automated assembly lines.
To further bridge the gap with highly developed economies and boost domestic production, the Indian government has launched several major initiatives.
Government Initiatives and Research Centers
- ARTPARK (Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Technology Park): Established under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS) to boost innovation in AI and robotics.
- CAMRAS (Center for Advanced Manufacturing for Robotics and Autonomous Systems): Created specifically to help India design its own machines and reduce the heavy import of foreign robotics.
- IHFC (I-HUB Foundation for Cobotics): Located at IIT Delhi, this hub has launched major projects focusing on healthcare robotics, medical simulators, and drone applications.
- National Strategy for Robotics: A draft policy framework aimed at positioning India as a global leader in robotics by the year 2030.
- ISRO and DRDO: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is actively developing humanoid robots to assist astronauts. Meanwhile, multiple labs under the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), such as CAIR (Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics), are advancing autonomous navigation and combat vehicles for national security.
Capacity Building and Education
- FutureSkills Prime: An online platform by MeitY offering subsidized, certified courses in emerging technologies like AI and robotics.
- Atal Innovation Mission (AIM): Has established Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) in schools, providing students with dedicated workspaces and Do-It-Yourself (DIY) robotics kits.
- e-YANTRA: A robotics outreach program funded by the Ministry of Education to train young engineers to solve real-world problems in agriculture and manufacturing.
Famous "Make-in-India" Robots
- Vyommitra: A female-looking spacefaring humanoid robot developed by ISRO. She is designed to fly aboard unmanned test missions for the ambitious Gaganyaan space project.
- DAKSHA: An automated, remotely operated mobile platform primarily used by the Indian military and police for safely handling and defusing Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). It features special stair-climbing tracks.
- MANAV: India’s first 3D-printed humanoid robot. It has built-in vision and sound processing, allowing it to walk, talk, and dance in response to human voice commands.
