"Latest Robots, Especially In Pick-And-Place Applications, Use Machine Vision To Recognise Part Shapes, Colours, And Positions"

Is it time to invest in robots for a manufacturing setup?

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Will the returns justify the outlay? Who should evaluate such a decision? To explore these questions, Akanksha Sondhi Gaur from EFY spoke to Epson's Siva Kumar. Here is what he had to say...

Should robotics be viewed primarily as a productivity tool or as a driver of long-term competitiveness?

High-precision manufacturing has become nonnegotiable, and manual processes increasingly limit efficiency, consistency, and scale. Automation is therefore not just a means to improve output but a strategic requirement for competitiveness—particularly in India, where initiatives such as Make in India are accelerating manufacturing growth.

The main constraint is skills, as many manufacturers lack hands-on automation experience. We address this gap by guiding customers to identify repetitive tasks and convert them into automated workflows using robots and supporting technologies. This builds internal capability and positions robotics as a sustainable competitive advantage rather than simply a short-term productivity gain.

How does today’s robotics differ from 1990s-2000s automation?

Earlier, automation was limited to technician-driven, high-speed tasks in controlled factory settings. Today, robotics has expanded into MSMEs and multiple industries, with safety as a core design focus. Technologies such as SafeSense define human-safe zones, automatically slowing or stopping robots when people enter the area.

Applications are also more complex, demanding advanced motion control to manage inertia and vibration during high-speed moves, ensuring precise and stable stopping. Modern robotics tightly integrates hardware and software, with platforms such as RC + enabling easy programming even for non-experts. Peripheral automation, including feeder units, has become essential, while continuous customer feedback shapes solutions—from quick fixes to new technologies developed at the global headquarters level.