Twara Robotics Advancing Indian Manufacturing
From an ambitious vision to a transformative force in India’s robotics landscape, Twara Robotics is an emerging player in the field of automation and robotics hardware. Incubated at ARTPARK, the I-Hub For Robotics and Autonomous Systems Innovation Foundation at IISc Bangalore and supported under the MHI CAMRAS Accelerator Program, Twara Robotics is driven by a commitment to advancing automation for the Indian Industry. With support from the Department of Science and Technology, the Government of Karnataka, and funding from the Ministry of Heavy Industries, the company is setting new benchmarks in robotics manufacturing and technology development.
Twara robotics was founded by Dr. Kaushik Sampath, Dr. Ashish Joglekar, and Alok Singh Rawat, on a strong foundation of interdisciplinary expertise. Today, with a dedicated team of 11+ professionals, the company is focused on developing advanced robotics solutions, ranging from actuators and industrial robotic arms to soft robotic grippers. Their journey is a testament to India’s growing capabilities in deep-tech innovation and indigenous manufacturing.
The inception of Twara Robotics is closely linked to the broader mission of ARTPARK, created in 2020 as part of the National Mission for Interdisciplinary Cyber Physical Systems (NMICPS). The mission aimed to foster an ecosystem for robotics and cyber-physical systems in India. The three co-founders—each coming from diverse career paths—joined ARTPARK with the shared goal of advancing robotics technology in India.
During their early explorations, the team identified a significant gap in the adoption of automation across Indian industries. Despite the global rise in robotics implementation, there was a need for building high-quality robotic systems in India. Unlike countries such as the USA, Korea, Japan and China, where automation has flourished, India’s manufacturing sector faced challenges in integrating robotics due to a lack of domestic expertise in high-precision actuators and control systems.
Realizing that actuators—the fundamental components driving robotic motion—account for nearly 70% of a robot’s cost and complexity, Twara Robotics set out to develop indigenous actuator technology. The long-term vision at ARTPARK was to create humanoid robots, but the first step was to develop a reliable robotic arm. To build that, the team needed to first master actuator development.
Twara Robotics gained crucial insights from ARTPARK’s ecosystem, interacting with deep-tech entrepreneurs, industry experts, and faculty members. By 2022, the team had formulated a roadmap to address India’s robotics challenges. Their focus on actuator development aligned with the broader market needs, spanning mobile robots, industrial automation, and high-precision applications.
A turning point came when the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) announced Phase-II of the Scheme for Enhancement of Competitiveness in the Indian Capital Goods Sector, aimed at reducing India’s dependency on imports. The Twara team, mentored by ARTPARK leadership, recognized an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to this initiative. After analyzing public data from the Department of Commerce, they discovered that India was importing robotics technology worth thousands of crores annually. As part of the Center for Advanced Manufacturing for Robotics and Autonomous Systems (CAMRAS) Accelerator program proposed to MHI, they proposed developing indigenous actuator technology that could serve the robotics industry while reducing import reliance.
Their proposal resonated with the government, leading to financial support and enabling the creation of Twara Robotics. With this backing, the company officially took shape, aiming to supply high-quality actuators and robotic systems tailored to India’s unique industrial requirements.
Industry Challenges with Automation
India’s push towards becoming a global manufacturing powerhouse hinges on the adoption of automation. While major automotive and other large OEMs have integrated robotic solutions, their suppliers—particularly Tier 1 and Tier 2 MSMEs—struggle with automation due to cost concerns and a lack of skilled labor. Twara Robotics aims to bridge this gap by developing cost-effective, high-performance robotic systems that cater to small and medium enterprises.
Dr. Sampath, CEO of Twara Robotics, emphasizes that without automation, India cannot achieve its ambitious economic and manufacturing targets set for the next few decades. The company’s vision is to enable MSMEs to transition into automated manufacturing seamlessly. By focusing on locally manufactured robotics solutions, Twara Robotics is not only addressing immediate industry needs but also contributing to the long-term sustainability of India’s industrial ecosystem.
Like any pioneering startup, Twara Robotics has encountered challenges. Precision manufacturing remains a critical hurdle, as developing robotic components with high repeatability and accuracy requires advanced infrastructure. The team has navigated these constraints by leveraging strategic partnerships and iterative design improvements.
Another significant challenge is market adoption. Convincing established manufacturers to switch to a new, homegrown robotics solution involves overcoming skepticism. However, the landscape is rapidly evolving, and the past year has seen increased interest from major industry players. More companies are recognizing the long-term benefits of investing in indigenous robotics technology, both in terms of cost savings and supply chain resilience.
Twara Robotics is deeply aligned with the Make in India initiative, but their approach is pragmatic. While maximizing indigenous component usage is a priority, the primary goal remains delivering world-class robotics solutions that meet global standards.
Kaushik highlights that the success of Make in India lies in maintaining a balance—ensuring that locally manufactured components meet high-quality standards while keeping production costs competitive. “Make in India should not be just a branding exercise; the product must stand on its own merit, Customers should choose Twara’s robots not just because they are made in India, but because they deliver superior performance and reliability at a competitive price”, he shares.
Twara Robotics is committed to expanding its product portfolio, with a roadmap that includes developing robotic solutions for manufacturing, pick-and-place applications, machine loading, welding, and more. Their R&D division remains at the forefront of innovation, continuously improving usability, efficiency, and scalability.
As the company scales, their long-term impact will extend beyond just selling robots. By reducing reliance on imported technology and fostering local innovation, Twara Robotics is helping reshape India’s automation landscape. The company envisions a future where robots are seamlessly integrated into industrial processes, making them an essential part of India’s manufacturing evolution.
With a clear vision, a strong technological foundation, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, Twara Robotics is well on its way to becoming a trailblazer in India’s automation industry. As they continue to innovate and push boundaries, their journey serves as an inspiring example of how homegrown startups can drive meaningful change in high-tech manufacturing.
