Ajay Gurjar, COO & Director, Robotics Division, Yaskawa India Pvt Ltd.

How has the adoption of robots and cobots evolved in the manufacturing sector over the past decade?

Over the past decade, industrial robots have moved from being a specialised solution to a central part of modern manufacturing, especially in high-volume and precision-driven sectors like automotive, metal fabrication, and electronics. In India, robot installations have seen a steady surge post-2020, driven by the push for automation and quality consistency. Alongside this, cobot have gained momentum – particularly in SMEs – due to their user-friendly operation, built-in safety features, and adaptability for tasks requiring human-robot collaboration.

Which industries or manufacturing processes are seeing the most significant adoption of robotic automation?

The automotive industry continues to lead the way, especially with the rapid rise of electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing. Beyond automotive, there is notable growth in sectors such as electronics, FMCG, furniture, logistics, pharmaceuticals, construction and metal fabrication.

Key applications driving this adoption include arc and laser welding, palletizing, pick-and-place, machine tending, and inspection. The push for higher productivity, quality, and labour optimisation is accelerating robotic integration across a wide spectrum of industries.

What are the key factors driving the increased use of collaborative robots (cobots) over traditional industrial robots?

Industrial robots continue to be the backbone of high-speed, high-precision manufacturing, especially in sectors like automotive (including EVs), electronics, and heavy metal fabrication. Their strength, accuracy, and ability to handle repetitive, large-scale production make them indispensable in such industries.

At the same time, collaborative robots are gaining ground in areas that demand flexibility and human-robot interaction. Sectors like Automotive, FMCG, furniture, logistics, and healthcare are adopting cobots for tasks such as assembly, inspection, and packaging. Their safe operation near humans, ease of programming, and adaptability to high-mix, low-volume production environments make them a smart complement to traditional robotics.

How do AI, machine learning, and vision systems enhance the capabilities of robots in manufacturing?

They allow robots to adapt, self-correct, and make intelligent decisions. With 3D vision and AI, robots can handle complex tasks like bin picking, quality checks, and path optimisation more efficiently.

Are there concerns about job displacement, and how can companies address workforce transition challenges?

Automation shifts roles rather than eliminates them. Companies can focus on upskilling workers for supervision, programming, and maintenance roles. Robotics creates safer, higher-value jobs when managed well.

Where do you see the biggest innovations in robotics for manufacturing in the next 5–10 years?

Key areas include AI-integrated cobots, mobile manipulators, energy-efficient robots, real-time edge computing, and no-code programming. The future is flexible, intelligent, and collaborative. Yaskawa’s MOTOMAN NEXT robot is already paving the way—combining precision, adaptability, and advanced motion control to meet the evolving demands of modern manufacturing. With continued innovation, MOTOMAN NEXT aims to lead the next era of smart, connected, and human-friendly automation.

(The views expressed in interviews are personal, not necessarily of the organisations represented)