I F
NDUSTRY OCUS
and empowering them to work with
machines rather than be replaced by
them is central to a sustainable
industrial future.
The Rise of Industrial Automa-
tion in India: Key Trends and
Opportunities
India is standing on the brink of an
industrial revolution unlike any
before. As the world pivots toward
digitization and smart manufactur-
ing,
industrial
automation
has
emerged
as
a
cornerstone
of
economic progress. Once viewed as
a Western concept or a luxury
confined to multinational corpora-
tions, automation is now sweeping
across
Indian
industries,
from
automobile
manufacturing
and
pharmaceuticals to textiles and
FMCG sectors.
But this transition is not merely
about replacing manual labor with
machines. It's about transforming
the very fabric of production,
decision-making, and competitive-
ness in a digital-first world. The rise
of industrial automation in India is a
compelling story of convergence
where technology, policy, innova-
tion, and aspiration intersect.
This article explores the key trends
driving industrial automation in
India, the opportunities it opens up
across sectors, and the challenges
that lie ahead. Most importantly, it
captures the spirit of a nation recali-
brating its industrial ambitions for
the future.
Why India Is Embracing Automa-
tion
Several factors are converging to
accelerate the adoption of industrial
automation in India:
1. Global Competitiveness
India’s manufacturing sector is
under constant pressure to compete
globally, especially against automa-
tion-heavy economies like China,
Germany, and South Korea. Auto-
mation helps Indian manufacturers
boost quality, reduce costs, and
scale efficiently.
2. Labor Challenges
Contrary to perception, automation
in India is not just about replacing
labor. Rather, it's often necessitated
by skill shortages, rising wage bills
in certain segments, and safety
requirements in hazardous environ-
ments.
3. Government Push for Manufac-
turing
The “Make in India” initiative, PLI
(Production
Linked
Incentive)
schemes, and National Manufactur-
ing Policy are creating an ecosys-
tem that rewards productivity and
innovation both of which are rooted
in automation.
4. Digital India and Smart Infra-
structure
The push for digital infrastructure,
including 5G, smart cities, and
cloud adoption, is providing the
backbone for industrial automation
systems to thrive.
5. Pandemic-Driven Realizations
COVID-19 laid bare the vulnerabil-
ities of labor-intensive operations.
Companies now prioritize resil-
ience, and automation has emerged
as
a
strategic
imperative
for
business continuity.
Key Trends in India’s Industrial
Automation Landscape
1. Surge in Robotics and Cobots
India has witnessed a steady rise in
industrial robot installations, espe-
cially
in
the
automotive
and
electronics sectors. Collaborative
robots (cobots) which can safely
work alongside humans are becom-
ing popular in MSMEs due to their
cost-effectiveness and flexibility.
For instance, Bajaj Auto and Tata
Motors have invested heavily in
51 | June 2025 | www.industrialoutlook.in