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Draft National Robotics Strategy Overview

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• GS 3: Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nano-technology, Biotechnology, and issues relating to Intellectual Property Rights.
• Tags: #RoboticsInIndia #NationalStrategyforRobotics #RoboticsPolicy #MakeInIndia #AIinIndia.

Why in the News?

The draft “National Strategy for Robotics” (NSR) outlines a policy framework aimed at making India a global leader in robotics by 2030. It addresses challenges and opportunities in various sectors and invites public input.

MeitY Seeks Input on Draft National Strategy for Robotics

• The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has invited public comments and stakeholder input on the draft “National Strategy for Robotics” (NSR) until October 31.
• The NSR aims to enhance all aspects of the robotic technology innovation cycle and establish a strong institutional framework for effective implementation.
• This initiative comes as India’s operational stock of industrial robots has more than doubled between 2016 and 2021, reaching 33,220 units, with an average annual growth rate of 16 percent.
• India currently ranks 10th globally for annual industrial robot installations, according to the World Robotics Report 2022.

What is Robotics?

Robotics is a multidisciplinary field of science and technology that focuses on the design, construction, operation, and use of robots.

• Robots are autonomous or semi-autonomous machines or mechanical devices that can be programmed to perform tasks with a high degree of precision, repeatability, and, in some cases, autonomy.

Key Components of India’s Draft Robotics Strategy

The draft “National Strategy for Robotics” (NSR) outlines several essential components:

Policy Framework

• The NSR proposes a policy framework to drive robotics adoption across sectors.
• The goal is to position India as a global robotics leader by 2030, aligning with the Make in India 2.0 plans to enhance India’s global integration.

Core Sectors

• The draft identifies manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, and national security as priority sectors for robotics automation.
• These sectors are where robotics technology can have a significant impact.

Nodal Agency

• The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) will be the nodal agency responsible for robotics initiatives.
• MeitY will establish a two-tier institutional framework for NSR implementation.

National Robotics Mission (NRM)

• MeitY’s ‘National Robotics Mission’ (NRM) will directly oversee the implementation of the NSR.

Promoting Robotics Innovation

• The draft proposes fiscal and non-fiscal interventions through the National Robotics Mission (NRM) to boost robotics innovation.
• These measures aim to fund robotics start-ups and encourage exports.

Key Recommendations of Draft National Strategy for Robotics (NFR)

• Robust Regulatory Framework: Establishment of an independent agency called the Robotics Innovation Unit (RIU) under MeitY to oversee the regulatory framework.
• Centres of Excellence (CoEs): Creation of CoEs in Robotics for both foundational and applied research, with private sector collaboration in priority sectors for prototyping and initial commercialization.
• Support for Start-ups: Providing advisory support to robotics start-ups and leveraging research capabilities of higher education institutions.
• Robotics Industrial Zones: Development of zones dedicated to robotics manufacturing and research.
• Public Procurement Policy for Robotics: The government acting as a demand aggregator for domestically manufactured robotic systems, encouraging local production through purchase preferences based on minimum local content requirements.

Need for the National Strategy for Robotics (NFR)

The NFR is essential due to several challenges in the adoption and growth of the robotics ecosystem in India.

• Import Dependence: India relies heavily on imports, especially from China and Japan, for robotics components, which poses risks to privacy and security.
• Costly Hardware: Robotics hardware components are expensive, making it difficult for widespread adoption, especially in sectors like manufacturing.
• Lack of Skilled Resources: The country faces a shortage of skilled resources and technical expertise required for assembling and utilizing robots effectively.
• Integration Challenges: Integrating robotics with India’s artificial intelligence program presents additional challenges and potential security risks.

Global Scenario for Robotics Regulation

China

• China has allocated a substantial investment of $43.5 million for its robotics policy until 2022.
• It encompasses various plans, such as the 14th Five-Year Strategy Plan to enhance innovation and product supply.
• The Key Special Programme on Intelligent Robots focusing on manufacturing industrial, service, and special robots
• The Robotics+ Application Action Plan to increase robot density.

United States of America

• The USA has invested $15.7 million in robotics for 2021-2022.
• The National Robotics Initiative 3.0 supports fundamental research, while the US Department of Defense (DoD) budget focuses on unmanned systems in defense.

Japan

• Japan leads in financial commitment with a remarkable $1,370.5 million allocated for the financial year 2020-2025.
• Its New Robot Strategy (2016-2020) emphasizes sectoral R&D projects, global standardization, regulatory reform, and robotics competitions.
• Japan also hosts the annual World Robotics Summit.

Germany and South Korea

• These economies have robust robotics development plans.
• South Korea has committed $451.23 million between 2019 and 2023 to advance its robotics industry.

Exploring Robotics in India: Applications and Opportunities

Agriculture Automation

• Example: Swagbot, an Australian agricultural robot, can herd cattle, monitor livestock, and perform various farm tasks, showcasing the potential for automation in Indian agriculture.

Healthcare Robotics

• Example: The Mitra robot, developed by Bengaluru-based Invento Robotics, assists in hospital settings by delivering medicines, taking vitals, and even engaging in conversations with patients.

Manufacturing and Industry

• Example: Tata Motors in Pune employs robotic arms for car manufacturing, demonstrating how automation can enhance production efficiency in the Indian manufacturing sector.

Education and STEM Learning

• Example: EdTech startups like WhiteHat Jr. offer online coding and robotics classes for Indian children, promoting STEM education through interactive learning.

Infrastructure and Construction

• Example: The usage of robotic bricklayers in constructing affordable housing projects, such as those by Chennai-based company “BrickBot,” illustrates advancements in construction robotics.

Environmental Conservation

• Example: The River Cleaning Robot developed by Indian startup Indrobotics is designed to remove plastic and debris from water bodies, contributing to environmental preservation.

Defense and Security

• Example: DRDO’s Daksh, a remote-controlled robot used for bomb disposal, showcases advancements in robotics technology for security applications.

Retail and Customer Service

• Example: Cafe X, a robotic cafe with branches in India, demonstrates how robots can serve customers by preparing and serving coffee orders.

Telemedicine and Remote Healthcare

• Example: The deployment of telerobotic systems in rural healthcare centers, like the “ROSE” robot, enables remote diagnosis and medical assistance.

Entertainment and Hospitality

• Example: The deployment of robot servers and entertainers in restaurants, such as the Robot Restaurant in Chennai, adds a unique and futuristic touch to the dining experience.

Waste Management and Cleaning

• Example: Startups like GenRobotics use robots like “Bandicoot” for manual scavenging, addressing sanitation challenges while ensuring worker safety.

The draft National Strategy for Robotics (NSR) presents a comprehensive framework for the integration of robotics into various sectors. It’s crucial to address import dependence and invest in research and development to ensure the successful implementation of the NSR.

Source: Business Standards

Mains Question

Discuss the key components of the draft “National Strategy for Robotics” (NSR) and its aim to make India a global leader in robotics by 2030. What are the core sectors prioritized for robotics automation in the draft?