Dharini Joshi, Director of Finance and Technology, TRIO Motion Technology India Pvt Ltd.

With over 21 years of experience in motion control, automation, and system integration, what inspired you to specialise in this field and take on leadership roles?

Around 2001, as a student, I aspired to be an Air Force pilot and soar through the skies. However, due to my spectacles, that dream was not meant to be. Despite this, I never let go of the idea of aiming high in my career. I’ve always believed that whatever I do, it must be done to the best of my ability, with perfection in mind.

My professional journey began as a trainee engineer, and through determination and a relentless pursuit of excellence, I was able to work at the international level. Throughout my global experience, I kept in mind that I wasn’t just representing myself but also my country—India. I strived to make a mark and stand tall amidst all the competition.

After gaining valuable global exposure for more than six years, I felt a strong desire to give back to my country and contribute to India’s growth, particularly in the field of automation. That led me to make the decision to return and focus on the development of automation solutions in India. I worked toward making contributions in improving the speed and accuracy of machines within the FMCG sector. I am proud to say that my work, even in its early stages, has played a part in advancing automation and efficiency in the industry. I look forward to continuing to grow and contribute to India’s technological development.

As the Director of Technology at Trio Motion Technology, how do you balance innovation with customer-centricity in your approach to driving organisational growth?

In the automation field, I’ve seen a gap in R&D, which often results in traditional solutions and limited innovation. At Trio Motion Technology, we decided to address this by investing heavily in in-house R&D and creating proofs of concept. This allows us to explore cutting-edge technologies while developing customised solutions that meet our customers' specific needs. By giving our engineers the freedom to innovate, we focus on delivering high-quality, efficient solutions that boost client confidence. Balancing continuous innovation with a customer-centric approach helps us stay ahead in an evolving market and exceed customer expectations."

You’ve successfully implemented tailored automation solutions that reduced production downtime by 30% and increased throughput for clients. Could you share the most challenging aspect of these projects and how you overcame it?

Programming is a crucial part of machine functioning, yet programming engineers often have limited time during the manufacturing process. To address this, I developed the Motion Template Program. This program allows engineers to focus on the core aspects of the machine while significantly reducing the time spent on repetitive tasks. By simply feeding in the required values, the template takes care of the rest. This solution not only saves valuable time but also enables engineers to optimise the programming, ultimately leading to improved throughput and more efficient machine performance.

Your initiatives have led to a 70% year-over-year growth in customer retention. What strategies have been key in building and maintaining strong customer partnerships?

At Trio Motion Technology India, we emphasise building strong customer partnerships and taking ownership of the results. We don't work as mere vendors; we collaborate closely with our customers, sharing expertise and insights throughout the development process. This approach fosters trust and encourages our customers to value our advice, ultimately leading to the creation of better machines. Our goal is to be a true partner in their success.

You’ve expanded market presence and driven revenue growth through innovative projects. Could you provide an example of a project that significantly contributed to this success?

As mentioned, we work as true partners with our customers, but this can sometimes be challenging as their development process may take longer to reach production. A prime example is the Milkbot programming I worked on. The system automates the process of taking milk pouches, aligning, and filling them in crates for shipment. Previously manual, this process in a chilled milk plant was difficult to manage for 8 hours. Our customer invested 3-4 years in R&D to find the right solution, with us supporting concept changes. I’m proud to say that today it operates fully automated and manless, running 24 hours a day.

Hands-on training and continuous support are central to your customer-focused strategy. How have these efforts enhanced customer outcomes and strengthened partnerships?

I focus on delivering robust, high-quality solutions, ensuring long-term value and building a collaborative relationship with customers. This approach fosters trust and mutual respect. We also offer 24x7 OEM support to accommodate different time zones and work schedules, further demonstrating our commitment to customer success. This ensures a lasting partnership, where both parties are invested in achieving the best outcomes.

As a leader in automation, what trends or technologies do you believe will shape the future of motion control and system integration?

In today’s fast-paced world, where information is readily accessible, I believe the future will be shaped by Artificial Intelligence and Virtual Reality. These technologies will revolutionise how we work, making processes more efficient and accessible. AI will drive automation and smarter decision-making, while VR will enhance learning and collaboration. Together, they’ll create a more productive, flexible, and innovative work culture, enabling us to adapt and thrive in a rapidly evolving environment.

What advice would you give to young professionals aspiring to excel in automation and technology leadership roles?

Automation is key to societal progress, and young professionals must build deep knowledge in this transformative industry. Just as the British Industrial Revolution made Britain a global power, we need to harness automation to strengthen our nation. In a country with a large population, it's crucial to develop strong technological foundations now, ensuring that future generations benefit from the advancements we make today. By embracing automation, we can pave the way for sustainable growth and prosperity.

What is your opinion on the role of Industrial Automation magazine in showcasing industry trends and empowering women in technology and automation?

I feel truly positive and motivated by Industrial Automation magazine’s promotion of women in the field. This initiative will inspire more women to pursue careers in automation, helping to build a diverse and strong foundation for the industry. It’s an important step toward ensuring the future of automation is shaped by a wide range of perspectives and talents.

What are the three words that best describe how it feels to be a finalist in the Women in Tech 2025 competition?

3Ps – Persistence. Passion. Prestigious.

(The views expressed in this interview are personal, not necessarily of the organisation represented)

Dharini Joshi in her own words: Accomplished Automation Engineer with over 20 years of in-depth engineering experience in industrial automation, I bring a robust background in both machine and process automation across diverse sectors including Oil & Gas, Automobile, Pharmaceutical, Packaging, Printing, Textile, and CNC. My expertise extends to real-time deterministic multitasking operating systems for PLCs and motion controllers, and I am adept in advanced machine automation technologies, including servo and stepper drives. My proficiency includes multi-axis servo drive synchronisation, CAM profiles and master/slave configurations. My comprehensive skill set also includes hardware and software development for closed-loop control systems, addressing temperature, tension, and print mark controls, further enhancing my capability to deliver sophisticated automation solutions across various industries.