In an exclusive interview with Shiva Y from TVW News India, Sanjeev Kumar, the founder of Alphadroid, discusses the burgeoning potential of the robotics industry in India. Despite the country’s current technological lag compared to regions like the U.S. and Europe, Sanjeev highlights Alphadroid’s commitment to pioneering advancements in service robotics, particularly within the hospitality sector. As Alphadroid makes significant strides, he shares insights into the challenges, opportunities, and future of robotics in India.
Given your background, how do you perceive the current state of the service robotics industry in India? What role is Alphadroid playing in shaping this space, especially in comparison to your work in London?
I view India as a “sunrise market,” not just for service robots but for all advanced technology. While there’s still a perception that we have a low-cost labor force that can handle tasks, the reality is that we require precision in many areas. Robotics will be crucial for India’s growth, especially as we compete globally. My mission with Alphadroid is to introduce smart machines that can tackle dry, dirty, and dangerous jobs. Unlike many competitors, we began our operations and trials in India, and we’ve received outstanding support from major brands like Marriott, Radisson, and The Park. Our goal is to expand our service robots beyond just logistics, enabling them to interact with guests and enhance back-office efficiency.
You touched on the industry’s growth and your expansion in India. What do you see as the biggest challenges facing robotics in India, particularly regarding scaling up and gaining customer trust?
From a global perspective, the service robotics market in hospitality is projected to grow to $37.8 billion, yet India is currently only capturing a fraction of that. There’s a significant educational component involved, as robotics is still a new concept for many in the industry. Our efforts focus on informing potential clients about the possibilities that robotics can bring and demonstrating the value beyond mere cost calculations. Many businesses realize within a month that these robots provide sustainable value rather than being a fleeting gimmick.
Speaking of technology, there’s considerable buzz about AI and IoT. How is Alphadroid integrating these trends to stay competitive?
Robots have been in existence for years, especially in warehouses where they handle logistics. At Alphadroid, we’ve leveraged AI and advanced sensors to introduce emotional and conversational elements into our robots, making them suitable for public interactions. Our hardware utilizes cutting-edge sensors, and our software is built on a proprietary AI platform, enabling our robots to engage in meaningful conversations and meet complex demands traditionally handled by humans.
While you’ve discussed global markets, how do you foresee the future of human-robot collaboration across various industries in India? What steps are you taking to ensure a seamless partnership?
I believe India is an early adopter with a strong acceptance of new technologies. The rise of digital globalization has heightened consumer awareness, making the adoption of robotics easier compared to regions like the U.S. or Europe. Our educational efforts in India are less intensive because the consumer base is already more open to technology, which will facilitate a leap forward in robotics adoption.
You mentioned global expansion. How are you adapting your technology for the Indian market, considering the differences between it and international markets?
My vision is to build technology in India and then take it to the global stage. India has a strong technological foundation, and we aspire to position it as a hub for robotics development. We are establishing a manufacturing plant in India and are collaborating with the Indian government. We began operations in the U.K. and Europe this summer and are set to expand into the U.S. next year, with the aim of exporting Indian-developed technology globally.
Regarding your expansion plans, what are your strategies for investment and growth in the next 3-5 years? Which city in India are you targeting for your manufacturing facility?
Our goal is to create world-class products in India, leveraging partnerships with leading institutions like IIIT Lucknow and other top-tier colleges to foster innovation in robotics and conversational AI. Additionally, we’re collaborating with the Uttar Pradesh government to expand our presence in Noida, facilitating our growth in the robotics sector.
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