MC Explains: MeitY for separate agency to promote robotics

The ministry said in the draft paper that since 2016, the operational stock of industrial robots more than doubled in India to 33,220 units in 2021.

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) recently came out with the draft of the National Strategy on Robotics, which is aimed at improving the availability of funding in the ecosystem, enhancing R&D and funding ‘moonshot projects’ for innovation.

The draft paper highlighted the “limited governance mechanisms” for robotics in India and points out the absence of a separate robotics legislation. It recommends setting up an independent agency under the ministry called the Robotics Innovation Unit to lead implementation of the draft strategy.

The draft, for which public comments have been sought by October 31, has provisions on the usage of AI-based surveillance robots, which has raised the eyebrows of digital rights groups.

But before going into why there are provisions for surveillance, which on paper aim to further the robotics ecosystem, here is all you need to know about the National Strategy on Robotics.

What is the mission and objective?

The mission of the National Strategy on Robotics ambitiously aims to establish India as a global robotics hub, focusing on research, design, development, and manufacturing, along with promoting widespread adoption. It seeks to nurture a sustainable innovation ecosystem, ensuring competitiveness, fostering the creation of intellectual property rights, and developing a skilled workforce within the country.

Its objectives include making India a global leader in manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture, and security within a decade. It focuses on enhancing industrial competitiveness, fostering innovation, expanding robot applications, and collaborating globally to set high-quality standards.

What is the current status of robotics in India?

The ministry said in the draft paper that since 2016, the operational stock of industrial robots more than doubled in India to 33,220 units in 2021.

“In terms of annual industrial installations, India ranks 10th globally,” the draft said, citing the World Robotics Report, 2022.

What are the challenges for robotics in India?

The current challenges include inadequate skilled human resources and heavy reliance on imports.

“Given the limited robotic automation in India and the lack of anchor units, the supply chain for robotics has been disaggregated and unable to scale thereby limiting value addition in the country… While indigenous manufacturing of these components is picking up in India, a significant section of the supply chain is yet to be localised,” according to the draft.

What does the draft say about the regulatory framework for robotics?

The draft paper categorises the limited governance mechanisms for robotics as a challenge.

“The absence of separate robotics legislation or legislation for allied technologies like AI, exacerbates privacy and security risks, thereby limiting the adoption of robotic technology. Further, a robust regulatory landscape that also addresses intellectual property protection as well as the protection of robotic systems from cyber threats is currently lacking,” it added.

What are the focus areas for robotics in India?

The ministry recognised manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture and national security as the four priority sectors with “maximum potential of creating large-scale socio-economic impact through robotics adoption.”

What does the draft say about using robotics for national security?

The paper highlights that it's a challenge for armed personnel to man the 15,000 km of international borders and that there is a need for real-time intelligence collection, analysis and appraisal. The draft paper proposes robotic automation to tackle these challenges.

Robotics can be used to detect mines and monitor borders and they can be deployed for remotely operated vehicles.

How can robots be used for surveillance?

“India’s Defence Research and Development organisation is developing Silent Sentry, a fully 3D-printed rail-mounted robot that slides on a rail that can be installed on fences and AIOS. The robot can be controlled from computers/tablets and Android applications as well as function autonomously within set limits. The robot enables AI-based object detection, autonomous and full-time patrolling, and automatic intrusion detection,” according to the draft.

Apart from that, surveillance finds a mention when the ministry describes the various types of robots classified by the Bureau of Indian Standards including service robots used for inspection, surveillance and other personal uses.

What are the recommendations for furthering the robotics ecosystem?

The establishment of the Robotics Innovation Unit, an independent agency under the ministry, has been proposed as part of the IndiaAI initiative to lead implementation of the robotics strategy. The unit will have a team of technical experts and innovation specialists to undertake implementation.

Other recommendations include setting up demonstration centres for citizens to view the latest developments in robotics; robotic innovation testbeds to support innovators; regulatory sandboxes and standards and certification; centres of excellence in robotics, and taking up moonshot projects.