The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) in India has lately launched a draft of the National Strategy on Robotics. The technique goals to enhance funding availability within the robotics ecosystem, improve analysis and improvement (R&D), and assist revolutionary “moonshot projects.” However, the draft additionally highlights the restricted governance mechanisms in place for robotics in India and requires the institution of an unbiased company, the Robotics Innovation Unit, to implement the technique.

The mission of the National Strategy on Robotics is to determine India as a world hub for robotics. It focuses totally on analysis, design, improvement, and manufacturing, in addition to selling the widespread adoption of robotics. The technique goals to foster a sustainable innovation ecosystem, guarantee competitiveness, encourage the creation of mental property rights, and develop a talented workforce within the nation. It additionally units formidable aims, together with making India a world chief in manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture, and safety throughout the subsequent decade.

According to the draft, the operational inventory of business robots in India has greater than doubled since 2016, reaching 33,220 items in 2021. However, challenges corresponding to an absence of expert human assets and heavy reliance on imports nonetheless hinder the expansion of the robotics business within the nation. The draft recommends addressing these challenges by localizing the availability chain and strengthening the regulatory framework.

The draft paper emphasizes the necessity for a separate robotics laws and regulation for allied applied sciences like synthetic intelligence (AI) to deal with privateness, safety dangers, and mental property safety. The absence of such laws limits the adoption of robotic know-how in India. The focus areas for robotics in India, in response to the draft, embody manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture, and nationwide safety.

In the context of nationwide safety, the draft proposes using robotics for duties corresponding to border monitoring and mine detection. The paper mentions the event of Silent Sentry, a completely 3D-printed rail-mounted robotic by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation. This robotic will be managed remotely and is provided with AI-based object detection capabilities, autonomous patrolling, and intrusion detection options.

To obtain the targets outlined within the National Strategy on Robotics, the draft recommends the institution of the Robotics Innovation Unit, an unbiased company beneath the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. Other suggestions embody the creation of demonstration facilities, innovation testbeds, regulatory sandboxes, and facilities of excellence in robotics. The draft is presently open for public feedback till October 31.

Overall, India’s National Strategy on Robotics goals to place the nation as a world chief in robotics and drive innovation throughout varied sectors. By addressing challenges, enhancing governance mechanisms, and selling collaboration and requirements, India intends to create a thriving and aggressive robotics ecosystem.

Sources:
– The Economic Times
– The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology