Make in India set to get big robotics, Artificial Intelligence boost as ABB, Niti Aayog ink deal

Technology company ABB India and Niti Aayog joined hands to boost the government's vision of 'Make in India' through advanced manufacturing technologies that incorporate the latest developments in robotics and Artificial Intelligence (AI). A Statement of Intent (SoI) was signed on Wednesday for both to work together in preparing key sectors of the economy for digitalisation, artificial intelligence (AI) robotics, and industrial automation, an ABB India statement said. 
 
The initiative will cover the fast growing segment of electric mobility. Niti Aayog and ABB will work with government ministries, solicit feedback for areas critical to them and discuss solutions using industrial automation, and digitalisation technologies.
 
“We are looking forward to learning more about practical applications of future technologies such as AI and IoT, especially in streamlining governance and economic systems. This collaboration, which will include cross-sectoral understanding of digitalization at ABB’s world class centers, will be key in driving progress of key sectors in India. This collaboration is meant to lead to actionable insights and focused plans that will help India become a center for advanced manufacturing,” said Amitabh Kant, CEO of NITI Aayog.
 
Through this SoI, NITI Aayog will facilitate policymakers and government functionaries’ participation in workshops and training programs organized by ABB India. Such programs will feature subject matter experts and will aim to sensitize policymakers and government officials about relevant AI capabilities, and explore ways they can be used for revolutionizing manufacturing productivity.
 
“ABB’s more than a hundred years’ presence in India and our pioneering technology leadership in industrial digitalization position us well to support India in its ambitions for the next phase of its transformation,” said Dr Ulrich Spiesshofer, CEO of ABB. 
 
The first workshop for senior government officials, under this collaboration, would be organized in June at the ABB Ability Innovation Center in Bengaluru. Given the importance of the Indian food processing sector, the workshop will focus on digital and automation technologies for this sector. Senior officials from the central and state governments as well as autonomous bodies will be nominated for this workshop. 
 
Similar workshops will be organized for other sectors such as power, urban development and transport in the near future, ABB India said. 

Watch this Zee Business video

Based on the interactions with ABB India, Niti Aayog will also make recommendations to government ministries for guidelines and policies regarding development and adoption of AI in various sectors with industrial automation and digitalisation as the backbone.