Dr. Sanjeev Srivastava, Head Industrial Automation Business, Delta Electronics India.

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

Over the past decade, the manufacturing sector has witnessed a significant shift towards automation, with an increasing emphasis on integrating robots and cobots. Initially dominated by large-scale industries, the adoption of robotics has expanded to include small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Delta Electronics has actively contributed to this evolution by offering a range of robotic solutions tailored to diverse industrial needs. The company has observed a growing interest from micro-industries, driven by the realisation that automation enhances efficiency, productivity, and product quality. To support this transition, Delta has engaged in awareness programs and collaborations, to demonstrate the transformative potential of robotics to smaller enterprises. ​

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

The automotive industry remains a leading adopter of robotic automation, leveraging robots for tasks like assembly, welding, and painting to achieve high precision and efficiency. Beyond automotive, sectors such as electronics, food and beverages, and pharmaceuticals are increasingly integrating robots into their operations. Delta Electronics has responded to this trend by offering solutions like four-axis SCARA robots for low payload applications and six-axis articulated robots for complex tasks, including inspection, assembling, and packaging. The company has also observed a rising interest from small shops and micro-industries, indicating a broadening scope of robotic applications across various manufacturing processes.

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

Several factors contribute to the growing preference for cobots over traditional industrial robots:​

• Safety Enhancement: Cobots are designed to work alongside humans, equipped with sensors and technologies that detect human presence and prevent accidents, thereby ensuring a safer work environment. ​
• Flexibility and Adaptability: Cobots can be easily programmed and reprogrammed for various tasks, making them suitable for small-batch production and frequent product changes. This adaptability allows manufacturers to respond swiftly to market demands. ​
• Cost-Effectiveness: The total cost of ownership for cobots is often lower due to reduced setup times and the ability to operate without extensive safety barriers, making them accessible to a wider range of industries, including SMEs. ​

Delta Electronics has recognised these advantages and we have introduced our D-Bot series of cobots to the Indian market, aiming to empower industries with smarter, more efficient production processes. ​

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

The integration of AI, machine learning, and vision systems significantly amplifies robotic capabilities:​

• Advanced Sensors and Machine Vision: Cobots equipped with advanced sensors and machine vision can perform tasks requiring high precision and adaptability, such as assembly and inspection.
• Adaptive Learning: AI enables robots to learn from data, allowing them to adjust to variations in tasks and environments, thereby improving efficiency and reducing errors. ​
• Predictive Maintenance: Machine learning algorithms can predict equipment failures before they occur, facilitating proactive maintenance and minimising downtime.​

Delta Electronics has embraced these technologies, utilising AI-assisted Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) to accelerate inspection processes and detect defects early, thereby reducing

the need for manual intervention.

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

While automation raises concerns about job displacement, it also creates opportunities for new roles and skill development. Delta Electronics acknowledges the importance of addressing these challenges and has initiated several measures:​

• Educational Partnerships: Engagement with universities and engineering colleges to develop curricula that equip students with the skills required for a robotic-integrated manufacturing environment.
• Awareness Campaigns: Efforts to change the perception of robotics as job eliminators by highlighting how they can enhance job roles and create new opportunities within the industry.

By focusing on upskilling and reskilling the workforce, companies can facilitate a smoother transition and ensure that employees are prepared for the evolving manufacturing landscape.​

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

The next decade is poised to witness significant innovations in robotics, including:​

• Enhanced Human-Robot Collaboration: Advancements in sensor technology and AI will lead to more intuitive and safer interactions between humans and robots, expanding the scope of collaborative applications.​
• Integration with Industry 4.0: Robots will become integral components of interconnected manufacturing ecosystems, facilitating real-time data exchange and adaptive manufacturing processes.​
• Mobile and Autonomous Robots: Development of autonomous mobile robots capable of navigating dynamic environments will revolutionise material handling and logistics within manufacturing facilities.​

Delta Electronics is committed to staying at the cutting edge of these innovations, as evidenced by its ongoing investments in R&D and the introduction of advanced robotic solutions like the D-Bot series cobots.

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

Sanjeev Srivastava, Head of Automation Business, Delta Electronics India, is an industry veteran of more than 30 years, having worked on automation, energy, and industrial solutions. Currently serving as the Head of Automation Business at Delta Electronics India, he has played a critical role in driving growth and innovation since he joined the organisation in 2016. Prior to this, he held the position of Global Strategic Account Director, where he effectively managed customer relationships and achieved significant business growth.

As the Head of Automation Business at Delta Electronics India, Sanjeev champions sustainable and energy-efficient automation solutions, demonstrating dynamic leadership and a capability to navigate complex challenges, which positions him as a thought leader in the automation industry.