IIoT and Industry 4.0 are already witnessing a tremendous impact in India

By OEM Update Editorial October 4, 2021 2:53 pm IST

Because of ‘Make in India’ and ‘Industrial IoT’ initiatives, OEMs manufacture intelligent new generation infrastructure equipment to meet global quality standards.

What growth patterns do you visualise for the heavy equipment and machinery as infrastructure and construction activities are resuming to new normal after lockdown? 

A rapidly growing urban population demands better infrastructure. One of the significant developments in Indian urban areas is the metro rail construction. In over 25 cities, about 600 km of sanctioned metro lines are under construction at different stages of completion, with over 1000 km metro line proposals under planning. The need for better connectivity and enhanced transport facilities are anticipated to drive the construction industry in the coming years. Initially, our government was slow in remodeling its structures and policies for the construction market. However, our government has successfully rolled out various initiatives for infrastructure development that vigorously promote the use of technology in construction equipment. Many OEMs are upgrading their manufacturing facilities with smart, advanced, and innovative technologies such as automation and robotics to manufacture high-tech equipment that meets global quality standards. The Indian construction equipment market is on the fast track with a smart manufacturing wave supported by Industrial IoT and digitalisation. 

The Construction equipment market is undergoing post pandemic development changes globally, what should be investment priorities in coming times. 

Despite various challenges, the Indian government has given priority to infrastructure developments. Because of ‘Make in India’ and ‘Industrial IoT’ initiatives, OEMs manufacture intelligent new generation infrastructure equipment to meet global quality standards. It is not only the Indian equipment sector, which is witnessing change. There is also an optimistic approach from buyers who respond positively to innovative mobile equipment and solutions offered by manufacturers. India has come a long way from traditional construction equipment. The construction equipment market has adopted technically advanced equipment that gives value for money in terms of higher productivity, reliability, energy and fuel efficiency, maximum uptime, low maintenance, safety, quick after-sales service, and support to their buyers. No doubt, this market is cost-sensitive and will remain so. Still, seeing the kind of technical interventions and upgrades opted by OEMs, it is clear that India’s construction equipment market has opened up new business vistas. 

Please enumerate challenges, opportunities in the heavy equipment market and machinery segment that may influence the strategy and/or technological advancement? 

Technology trends such as advanced automation, Industrial IoT, robotics are transforming the Indian market in many ways. We are a preferred automation partner for market leaders in Indian manufacturing sectors such as automobile, printing and packaging, pharma, F&B, etc. Considering opportunities and demands of the Indian market, our mobile automation portfolio ensures higher productivity, quality, efficiency, safety, and low maintenance in construction and municipal vehicles. We are successfully working with OEMs for various smart city solutions covering all major requirements of any municipal corporation in India. 

Cost sensitivity and awareness have always been a challenge for any automation vendor. Any industry is rigid when it comes to adopting change, and construction is no different. However, government initiatives in urban infrastructure and construction development have come timely with Industrial IoT and Industry 4.0 are already witnessing a tremendous impact in India, enabling a trajectory for high and sustainable growth.