Advanced Robotics!!!!! Indian industry pushes for advanced robotics, but question of jobs remains

NEWDELHI: Indian companies feel that advanced robotics is one way forward for the government’s signature Make in India campaign, a survey has found.

The survey, by industry lobby group Ficci and Tata Strategic Management Group, says that it is crucial to adopt futuristic manufacturing trends such as greater use of advanced robotics.

This could also help Indian industry leapfrog past China, which is at least 8-10 years ahead of the country in adopting conventional robotics.

“Advanced robotics can dramatically improve productivity and safety. Its adoption along with other advanced technologies can help Indian manufacturing successfully ‘make in India’ for India and the world,” said Shripad Ranade, practice head – automotive & engineering, Tata Strategic Management Group.

Advanced robotics is used in a variety of fields ranging from manufacturing, nuclear power, construction, space and underwater exploration, healthcare and especially engineering.

The survey found that about 17% of the respondents were prepared togo ahead with investment in advance robotics right away, and commit 15-30% of their capex outlay for the same.

Advance robotics can help companies cut cost and time taken in setting up assembly lines, said K Sreekumar, vice-president at engineering giant Larsen & Toubro. “This will enable companies to respond to market demand quicker and reduce inventory carrying cost,” he said.

The downside, especially for a labour-intensive country like India, is that automation will not generate employment figures that the government is eyeing from Make in India. And therein lies the challenge. “Automation does not mean that manual labour jobs will dry up, traditional sectors will continue to be labour intensive, so we need not worry,” said a senior government official.

“It may not be possible to substitute manual labour for manufacturing advanced products, which need high levels of precision and speed,” said Keval Doshi, partner, Make in India, at EY.

By sticking to manual jobs, the country may be forced to let go of technological advancements that are happening in the west, industry sources said. This would run contrary to the Make in India philosophy that foreign partners bring in technology into the country along while setting up manufacturing facilities.

Source | Hindustan Times | 31 August 2016

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