The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has unveiled the Draft National Strategy on Robotics, outlining India”s commitment to promoting the responsible adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and building public trust in AI. This strategy builds upon previous efforts, such as the “AI for All” initiative, which has already led to the establishment of three centers of excellence (CoEs) dedicated to AI and robotics. The government plans to create approximately 20 additional CoEs to further bolster AI”s impact on manufacturing, healthtech, and agritech.
The draft highlights the role of “India AI,” an overarching program that encompasses various AI initiatives, including language model development (Digital India Bhashini) and skilling programs (YUVAi) aimed at equipping school students with AI knowledge. The overarching goal is to make AI a force for good within India, both by nurturing domestic AI capabilities and by making AI solutions tailored to Indian needs.
The draft emphasises that AI will have a significant impact on Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS), which involve the integration of physical and cyber components to perform complex tasks. Robotics, a key CPS technology, relies on AI algorithms for sensory data processing, decision-making, and physical actions.
India has already made substantial progress in the field of robotics, with a 54% increase in robot installations in 2021, ranking the country at 10th position globally. However, challenges persist, including the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical uncertainties, which have disrupted global supply chains and highlighted the need for India to achieve self-reliance in robotics.
The National Strategy of Robotics aims to position India as a global leader in robotics and further enhance its integration into the global value chain. It seeks to strengthen India”s industrial capabilities, promote domestic value addition, boost employability, and establish India as a “Robotics Hub” for the world, building upon the momentum of the government”s AI initiatives.
Industry 4.0 is seen as the gateway for implementing robotics across various sectors, and support will be provided to robotic startups. The strategy also includes a two-tier institutional framework, known as the “National Robotics Mission,” to facilitate its implementation.
The draft outlines key pillars of the robotics innovation cycle, including Research and Development, Demonstration and Testing, Commercialisation and Supply Chain Development, and Adoption and Awareness. It emphasizes the need for interventions in research and development, including funding availability, collaboration with CoEs for AI and Cyber Physical Systems, global partnerships, and support for skilled professionals and Moonshot Projects for research innovation.
To build public trust in technology and increase adoption, the draft underlines the importance of demonstration and testing. It also suggests demand-side interventions to enhance robot adoption and the development of a skilled workforce.
The National Strategy on Robotics aims to create an enabling environment for the growth of the robotics sector in India, fostering innovation, economic growth, and an improved quality of life for citizens. This strategy aligns with the broader India AI vision and advances India”s objectives in Cyber-Physical Systems.
