Over the past five years, the manufacturing landscape has witnessed substantial growth, driven by robotics and automation technology advancements. Globally, Industry 4.0 machinery has seen widespread adoption, with companies integrating smart manufacturing processes to enhance productivity and reduce operational costs. In India, the transition has been gradual but steady, with an increasing number of businesses recognizing the benefits of automation. Despite the progress, the Indian market still faces significant challenges in fully adopting Industry 4.0. While sectors like pharmaceuticals and automotive are embracing automation, many industries, such as cement and steel, continue to rely on non-IoT-compliant legacy equipment. This makes the transition to smart manufacturing more complex. Educating businesses on the value of automation is paramount, and Yaskawa India has been proactive in addressing these challenges.
Yaskawa India is a subsidiary of the renowned Japanese company Yaskawa Electric Corporation, known for its innovative automation solutions and cutting-edge technology in drives, motion control, and robotics. The firm has positioned itself at the forefront of Industry 4.0 adoption, offering advanced solutions catering to various sectors’ automation demands. This Japanese-based manufacturer has been making significant strides in the Indian market, focusing on innovation and efficiency to meet the evolving needs of its diverse clientele.
It specializes in AC drives, motion control, and robotics, offering high-efficiency solutions that cater to various industries, such as automotive, pharmaceuticals, cement, and steel, strongly emphasizing energy savings, reliability, and advanced automation capabilities. Rather than focusing solely on labor savings, the firm emphasizes improvements in productivity, product quality, and data analysis capabilities. The approach resonates well with customers increasingly looking to enhance their manufacturing processes through automation.
Yaskawa India tackles the emerging trends in IoT and Industry 4.0 with its comprehensive i3-Mechatronics solution. “i3-Mechatronics is our concept of connecting all the data, equipment like robots, drives, servo, and other control systems on a single platform,” says Shailendra Salvi, President and CEO. “It is connected to the Yaskawa Cockpit where everything can be monitored.” i3-Mechatronics is an innovative solution designed to address the growing integration of IoT and Industry 4.0 technologies in manufacturing. The concept focuses on three key elements: integration, intelligence, and innovation.
Integrating various factory systems and equipment i3-Mechatronics allows seamless data flow and connectivity. The intelligent analysis of this data enables businesses to make informed decisions, optimize operations, and improve productivity. Innovations in this approach help companies achieve significant production quality and efficiency advancements.
Ensuring Industrial Safety Excellence
The company ensures that 90 percent of its equipment is recyclable, aligning with its mission to reduce carbon footprints and promote sustainable practices. The company follows the principles of reuse, recycle, and reduce and is ISO 14001:2015 certified. Its focus on energy-saving applications, mainly through products like Variable Speed Drives, demonstrates its dedication to environmental responsibility. These drives are designed to optimize motor speed, thereby conserving energy, which is crucial in industries where motors are extensively used.
One of the key challenges clients face while adopting Industry 4.0 solutions is the need for all equipment to be IoT-compliant. In industries such as cement, steel, mining, oil and gas, and textiles, the infrastructure often needs to be updated, making it difficult to achieve seamless connectivity. Yaskawa India addresses this by offering comprehensive solutions that include predictive intelligence features. Drives, Robots, and Servos have algorithms that can predict maintenance schedules and potential failures, significantly reducing downtime and enhancing operational efficiency. The predictive maintenance capability is particularly beneficial for industries with harsh environments, such as oil and gas, where equipment reliability is critical.
The company’s focus on industrial safety is another aspect that sets it apart. Since the inception of its operations in India, the company has prioritized safety, appointed dedicated safety officers, and implemented stringent safety protocols. It conducts extensive training for employees and customers, ensuring that safety measures are always adhered to. This commitment to safety protects workers and enhances the overall reliability of its operations.
Yaskawa India tackles the emerging trends in IoT & Industry 4.0 with its comprehensive i3-Mechatronics solution
While Yaskawa India does not have an R&D facility in India, it benefits from the advanced capabilities of its parent company, Yaskawa Technology Center in Japan. The state-of-the-art facility ensures that the company remains at the cutting edge of technology, developing products that meet the specific needs of different industries. Whether it’s the dust-laden environment of the cement industry or the high-temperature conditions in steel manufacturing, the company’s products are designed to withstand challenging conditions while delivering optimal performance.
Significant achievements have marked Yaskawa India’s journey since its inception in 2010. The company has more than doubled its revenue and established a strong presence in the Indian market. With over 3.5 million drives and 10,000+ robots installed nationwide, it has cemented its reputation as a reliable partner for industrial automation solutions. Its customer-centric approach, which includes conducting customer audits and offering tailored solutions, has played a crucial role in its success.
Yaskawa India has short-term and long-term goals, with a current focus on its ‘Realize 2025’ initiative. The plan aims to launch new products and invest in the Indian market, adapting to the needs of emerging sectors such as the semiconductor industry. The company is well-prepared to capitalize on opportunities in infrastructure, oil and gas, and HVAC markets, provided the geopolitical and economic conditions remain stable.
The company’s success can be attributed to its unwavering commitment to innovation, environmental sustainability, and customer-centric solutions. By addressing the unique challenges of the Indian market and leveraging advanced technology, Yaskawa India continues to drive the country's adoption of Industry 4.0. Its focus on safety, predictive maintenance, and energy efficiency positions it as a crucial player in the industrial automation sector, ready to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving market.
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