In a rapidly transforming industrial landscape, the role of automation and advanced robotics is becoming increasingly vital. Tech Achieve Media had the opportunity to speak with Dr. Sanjeev Srivastava, Head of Industrial Automation at Delta Electronics India, to explore the transformative potential of collaborative robots, the challenges of Industry 4.0 adoption, and how innovations like the recently launched D-Bot series are redefining manufacturing. In this exclusive interview, Dr. Srivastava sheds light on how Delta Electronics’ ‘Design in India, Manufacture in India’ strategy is driving localized innovation, addressing labor shortages, and empowering Indian manufacturers to compete on a global scale.
TAM: How do you envision the role of collaborative robots evolving in the Indian manufacturing sector, particularly in addressing labor shortages and improving operational efficiency?
Dr. Sanjeev Srivastava: Collaborative robots (cobots) are poised to transform India’s manufacturing sector by addressing labor shortages and boosting operational efficiency. With India’s manufacturing workforce facing skill gaps and migration challenges, cobots like Delta Electronics’ D-Bot series offer a solution by automating repetitive tasks while working alongside humans. These robots enhance productivity in industries like electronics, automotive, and textiles, where precision and speed are critical. For instance, cobots can handle assembly or packaging, reducing dependency on manual labor and mitigating shortages, especially in MSMEs, which employ 110 million workers. By integrating AI-driven features, cobots optimize workflows, minimize errors, and enable 24/7 operations, improving output by up to 30% in some cases. Their flexibility suits India’s diverse manufacturing needs, from small-scale units to large factories. Moreover, cobots lower training costs, as they are user-friendly and require minimal programming expertise. As India aims for a $1 trillion manufacturing economy by 2030, cobots will drive efficiency, reduce costs, and bridge labor gaps, fostering a human-robot collaborative ecosystem that aligns with global Industry 4.0 standards.
TAM: What are the key challenges Indian manufacturers face in adopting Industry 4.0 technologies, and how can companies like Delta Electronics help bridge this gap?
Dr. Sanjeev Srivastava: Indian manufacturers face significant hurdles in adopting Industry 4.0 technologies, including high capital costs, lack of skilled talent, and inadequate digital infrastructure. MSMEs, often lack funds to invest in IoT, AI, or automation. Additionally, a small number of India’s workforce is trained in advanced digital skills, creating a talent gap. Poor internet connectivity in rural industrial clusters further hampers IoT integration. Legacy systems and resistance to change also slow adoption. Companies like Delta Electronics can bridge this gap by offering cost-effective, scalable solutions like the D-Bot series, tailored for Indian MSMEs. Delta’s training programs, such as those at its Krishnagiri facility, upskill workers in automation and AI. Its ‘Design in India, Manufacture in India’ strategy ensures affordable, locally relevant products, reducing import costs. Partnerships with government initiatives like ‘Make in India’ and PLI schemes can further subsidize adoption. By providing end-to-end solutions—hardware, software, and support—Delta empowers manufacturers to transition to smart factories, enhancing competitiveness.
TAM: How do you foresee the integration of AI and machine learning shaping the future of smart manufacturing?
Dr. Sanjeev Srivastava: AI and machine learning (ML) are set to revolutionize smart manufacturing by enabling predictive, adaptive, and efficient production systems. In India, where manufacturing contributes 17% to GDP, AI can optimize processes like predictive maintenance, reducing downtime by 20–30% through real-time equipment monitoring. ML algorithms analyze vast datasets from IoT sensors to forecast demand, streamline supply chains, and minimize waste, across sectors like automotive and electronics. AI-driven quality control, as seen in Delta Electronics’ solutions, detects defects enhancing product reliability. Furthermore, AI enables flexible automation, allowing factories to adapt to changing market needs, crucial for India’s diverse manufacturing base. However, challenges like data privacy and high initial costs must be addressed. By integrating AI with collaborative robots, such as Delta’s D-Bot series, manufacturers can achieve human-robot synergy, boosting productivity.
TAM: With the launch of the D-Bot series Collaborative Robots at ELECRAMA 2025, what specific innovations set this product apart in the competitive landscape of industrial automation?
Dr. Sanjeev Srivastava: The D-Bot series, launched by Delta Electronics at ELECRAMA 2025, stands out in industrial automation due to its innovative features tailored for flexibility and efficiency. Unlike traditional robots, the D-Bot series offers advanced AI integration, enabling real-time decision-making and adaptive task handling, ideal for dynamic production lines. Its plug-and-play design simplifies deployment, reducing setup time. The series supports multi-tasking capabilities, allowing seamless switching between assembly, welding, and packaging, catering to India’s diverse manufacturing needs. Enhanced safety features, such as 3D vision and force-sensing technology, ensure safe human-robot collaboration, critical for MSMEs with limited space. Energy-efficient motors align with India’s sustainability goals. Additionally, the D-Bot’s compatibility with Delta’s IoT platforms enables predictive maintenance and remote monitoring, boosting uptime. The D-Bot series leverages Delta’s ‘Design in India’ strategy, offering localized support and affordability, setting it apart in a crowded automation landscape.
TAM: Delta Electronics emphasizes its ‘Design in India, Manufacture in India’ strategy. How has this approach influenced the company’s ability to cater to both domestic and international markets effectively?
Dr. Sanjeev Srivastava: At Delta Electronics, our ‘Design in India, Manufacture in India’ strategy has been a game-changer in addressing the evolving needs of both domestic and international markets. By leveraging our local R&D talent and deep engineering expertise, we’ve been able to develop products tailored to India’s infrastructure, climate, and customer expectations. This has helped us bring more reliable, cost-effective, and compliant solutions to market faster. Our Krishnagiri manufacturing facility plays a key role in this vision—it enables scalable, high-quality production aligned with global standards. As a result, we’re not only fulfilling local demand efficiently but also exporting EV chargers and power products to countries in Southeast Asia. This integrated model enhances our agility, supports the government’s Make in India initiative, and reinforces India’s role as a strategic hub in Delta’s global innovation and supply ecosystem.
