Rockwell Automation Sees Smart Manufacturing as India’s Key to Automotive Industry Growth!

At the Smart Manufacturing Automotive Summit held in Pune, Rockwell Automation emphasized the importance of smart manufacturing as a gamechanger for India’s automotive sector. As the automotive industry faces rapid transformation, the adoption of automation, AI, and connected technologies presents a significant opportunity for India to not only stay competitive but also emerge as a global leader in automotive manufacturing.

Dilip Sawhney, Managing Director of Rockwell Automation India, highlighted the automotive sector’s crucial role in India’s economic growth. He stated, “India’s automotive industry is vital to its manufacturing sector and overall economic growth. The rapidly evolving global manufacturing landscape, the shift towards electric mobility, and demographic shifts provide India with a unique opportunity to enhance its position in the automotive value chain. Embracing these technologies will help drive innovation and development within the industry.”

Rucha Nanavati, Chief Digital Transformation Officer at Mahindra Group, shared insights on the broader scope of digital transformation. “Digital transformation is not just about technology – it’s about reimagining the way we work for the next decade and beyond,” she explained. “Dealing with ambiguity and complexity is part of the journey, and having a growing mindset is essential to thrive and lead through it.” This approach emphasizes that transformation goes beyond implementing new technologies—it’s about reshaping work culture and processes to adapt to changing market dynamics.

Sawhney also pointed out that the growing market complexities, supply chain challenges, regulatory requirements, and customer demands require a smart and sustainable transformation in automotive manufacturing. He noted that manufacturing skill shortages further necessitate the shift to automated solutions that enhance productivity and efficiency.

The summit brought together OEMs, Tier-one suppliers, and technology experts to discuss strategies for integrating smart manufacturing across various stages of automotive production. Through a series of panels, keynotes, and showcases, the event explored how emerging technologies can optimize engineering, supply chain management, and quality control processes, ultimately positioning India as a global leader in automotive innovation.

As India’s automotive sector navigates the complexities of a rapidly changing global market, smart manufacturing stands as a pivotal solution to drive growth, innovation, and competitiveness. By embracing automation, AI, and connected technologies, India has the potential to strengthen its role in the global automotive value chain, ensuring sustained growth and technological leadership for the future.