CII Market Facilitation Services (MFS): Industrial Robots for Strengthening India’s Automation-Led Growth Trajectory

Industrial robots and advanced automation systems are emerging as central pillars of India’s smart manufacturing journey. Supported by digital transformation, government-led initiatives, and growing industry investment, India is steadily strengthening its position in the global industrial automation landscape.

The trade performance of industrial robots, classified under HS Code 847950, offers important insights into this transition. Recent trends underscore not only growing domestic demand for advanced automation technologies but also India’s increasing integration with global markets for robotics and control systems.

India’s industrial automation landscape continues to demonstrate strong and sustained growth, driven by rising manufacturing investments, digitalisation of operations, and increasing adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies across sectors such as automotive, electronics, pharmaceuticals, FMCG, and heavy engineering.

An analysis of leading industrial automation companies reflects a consistent increase in operational revenues, highlighting both market resilience and expanding demand for automation solutions. The shift from conventional manufacturing towards data-driven, connected, and automated production environments is accelerating, as industries move beyond pilot projects to enterprise-wide deployment of smart technologies.

A key indicator of this transformation is the sharp rise in Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) connectivity. Industrial IoT connections are projected to grow from 1.32 billion in 2018 to 13.75 billion by 2031, signalling deepening integration of sensors, robotics, analytics, and cloud platforms across industrial operations. This rapid scale-up underscores the central role of robotics, AI, and real-time data in enhancing operational efficiency and decision-making.

India’s Export Performance: Emerging Global Opportunities

India’s exports of industrial robots under HS 847950 have witnessed robust growth over recent years, reflecting strengthening global demand and increasing acceptance of Indian automation solutions.

Export values rose from USD 10.13 million in 2022 to USD 11.63 million in 2023, before accelerating significantly to USD 20.43 million in 2024. This growth trajectory points to India’s evolving capabilities in supplying automation equipment and related systems to international markets.

The United States accounts for nearly one‑third of India’s export value, highlighting India’s growing credibility as a reliable supplier to technology‑intensive markets adopting advanced manufacturing systems. The United Arab Emirates, contributing around 20 per cent of export value, plays a dual role as both a consumer market and a regional re‑export hub for the Middle East and Africa. These trends indicate expanding opportunities for Indian firms in global value chains linked to automation and robotics.

Policy Support Driving Smart Manufacturing Adoption

The Government of India’s strategic focus on smart manufacturing and advanced technologies has become a key enabler of automation adoption. Initiatives such as SAMARTH Udyog Bharat 4.0, led by the Ministry of Heavy Industries, are accelerating the integration of IoT, AI, robotics, and cyber‑physical systems into manufacturing processes. The establishment of smart manufacturing demonstration centres and testbeds plays a crucial role in building awareness and capabilities, particularly among MSMEs.

The Road Ahead: Building a Competitive Robotics Ecosystem

As global automation adoption accelerates, India is well‑positioned to emerge as a significant player in the industrial robotics value chain. However, sustained progress will require a focused approach towards technology capability development, skill enhancement, component localisation, and global market integration.

Strengthening collaboration between industry, academia, technology providers, and government will be critical to building a resilient automation ecosystem. Platforms such as the CII Smart Manufacturing initiatives and CII Market Facilitation Services (MFS) play an important role in enabling trade intelligence, market access, and strategic advisory to Indian companies navigating this evolving landscape.

Industrial robots are no longer a peripheral investment; they are a strategic imperative. As India advances towards its vision of globally competitive, inclusive, and sustainable manufacturing, smart automation and robotics will be central to driving productivity, quality, and long‑term industrial growth.

About CII Market Facilitation Services (MFS)

CII Market Facilitation Services supports Indian industry with trade intelligence, market assessment, export‑import advisory, and operational optimisation, enabling companies to strengthen global competitiveness and unlock new growth opportunities.

Explore more at: https://mfs.cii.in/