In manufacturing, automation is considered an indispensable force, serving as the key to functioning. However, surprisingly enough, this is not the case. Automation may not be a universal solution.
“Automation isn’t for everyone. Sometimes, the process a customer is following is already solid, and they don’t need to spend heavily on robotics,” said Hari Parthasarathi, global manufacturing conglomerate 3M’s application engineering leader in India, Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand, while interacting with AIM.
It’s safe to call Fortune 500 and 3M the crusaders of automation. Parthasarathi spoke about the importance of assessing automation’s relevance on a case-by-case basis, with the goal being to address genuine needs rather than becoming a costly exercise in over-engineering.
India’s Manufacturing Landscape
3M, short for Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company, has been in the automation space for 122 years. The company entered India in 1987. With over three decades in the country, 3M’s presence in India is only solidifying over time. Last year, the company opened an abrasive robotics lab in Bengaluru, which is the first in India and 17th in the world.
India’s industrial automation market is estimated to hit $15.2 billion in 2024 and is expected to touch over $29 billion by 2029.
Interestingly, India’s manufacturing ecosystem, which is considered diverse owing to small-scale to large global operations, presents unique challenges for automation, as many enterprises prioritise cost-effective, scalable solutions over advanced, high-cost systems.
“If you look at India as where we are – let’s say manufacturing or industrial space – that’s where we operate. We are trying to position ourselves globally as a manufacturing hub,” Parthasarathi said.
He goes on to explain that over the past 20 years, India has established itself as a leader in the IT and service industries, while manufacturing was often viewed as secondary. However, initiatives such as ‘Make in India’, shifting geopolitics, and increasing global reliance on India have significantly transformed this perception. These factors have positioned India as an emerging manufacturing hub, with the country aiming to demonstrate its growing capabilities in the sector.
“We want to flex our muscles in a few years and show that we are a much bigger manufacturing hub today than what we used to be,” he added.
Collaborative Approach for Automation
There are two types of automation that are predominantly run in manufacturing facilities. “We are working with both fixed automation guys and robotic automation guys,” said Raghavendra Koneri, Application Specialist, Robotics and Automation, 3M, to AIM. “If there is a big volume with a similar shape, size and everything, then they will go with fixed automation. If there is a complex part, the customer uses a robotic arm, and they will say yes.”
3M partners with robotic arm manufacturers, compliance system providers, and customers to create automation systems tailored to specific industries and processes. For example, in the abrasives segment, 3M has demonstrated that automation can boost productivity tenfold. However, the company ensures proof of concept before scaling such solutions, focusing on long-term benefits rather than immediate returns.
The team believes that automation adoption is slower in India, not because of reluctance but due to a lack of skilled manpower and high implementation costs. Furthermore, many businesses are hesitant to invest in automation without a clear understanding of its long-term value.
3M acknowledges that the transition to automation must be gradual and strategic. The company emphasises that automation should complement, not replace, human skills. By focusing on upskilling the workforce and integrating automation thoughtfully, businesses can achieve a balance between efficiency and inclusivity.
3M Finesse-it Robotic at Bengaluru lab
Humanoids for Automation?
As we already know, the adoption of humanoids in manufacturing facilities is no longer a figment of our imagination. There are humanoids and semi-humanoids already being implemented by big tech companies. BMW manufacturing plants are already using Figure 02 humanoids on their production lines. Similarly, Amazon is leveraging Digit robots at their warehouses to support safety.
Considering the possibility of humanoids at 3M, it definitely is not implausible. “Humanoids are already playing a huge role, especially when there’s a huge level of safety that comes into the picture. Here, I think it could happen, but not in the immediate future,” Parthasarathi said.
He goes on to explain 3M’s automated paint repair solution for automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), where they aim to replace manual inspection of paint defects, a task prone to errors due to operator fatigue. Parthasarathi believes the automation at 3M might pave the way for a future where humanoids or automated systems can handle such tasks seamlessly.
