India’s robot density in the automotive industry reached 148 robots in 2021, which is nascent as compared to 772 units in China
As per a recent report from the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), sales of industrial robots in India in 2021 witnessed a whopping hike of 54 per cent compared to the previous year. The installed numbers reached a new record of 4,945 units, while in 2020, only 3,215 units were installed. World’s fifth largest economy measured by manufacturing output now ranks in tenth position in terms of annual robots installations, noted IFR. However, India’s robot density (number of industrial robots per 10,000 employees) in the automotive industry reached 148 robots in 2021, which is nascent as compared to 772 units in China.
The report further pointed out that for the robotics industry in India, the automotive industry took up a share of 31% in 2021 and hence, remains its largest customer. Interestingly, the installations in this sector more than doubled to 1,547 units (+108%) in the said year. The metal industry leads the general industry in India with 308 units (-9%), the rubber and plastics industry with 246 units (+27%) and the electrical/electronics industry with 215 units (+98%), it added.
Analysing the policy efforts, IFR noted that the Indian government supports growth in the industrial sector as one of the vital figures that affect the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The outlook set by IFR expects the manufacturing sector to benefit from the government’s initiatives like the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme to boost its competitiveness and attractiveness for investors. It also said that new manufacturing capacities in India are an important step to providing adequate education and employment opportunities for its people.
Calling India one of the world’s fastest-growing industrial economies, the President of the International Federation of Robotics, Marina Bill remarked, “Within five years, the operational stock of industrial robots has more than doubled, to reach 33,220 units in 2021. This corresponds to an average annual growth rate of 16% since 2016.”
Bill further added, “As a result of the recent supply chain disruption, companies are rethinking their nearshoring strategies in Southeast Asia. India has traditionally been a popular destination for nearshoring in the manufacturing segment. The Indian government wants the country to be considered for new diversification options such as friend-shoring, which is partnering with countries that share similar values and interests.”
The IFR was established as a non-profit organization in 1987 with an aim to connect the world of robotics around the globe. It envisages promoting research, development, use and international cooperation in the entire field of robotics, to act as a focal point for organizations and governmental representatives in robotics-related activities.
