NAMTECH and ABB Robotics Forge Partnership to Launch School of Robotics

ABB India
Image Courtesy: ABB India

ABB Robotics has partnered with the New Age Makers’ Institute of Technology (NAMTECH) to create a School of Robotics, aimed at bridging the skills gap in automation and enhancing industry integration in India.

“With a focus on education, upskilling, and youth employment, investing in quality engineering and technical education is crucial for our future,” remarked Subrata Karmakar, President of ABB India’s Robotics & Discrete Automation Division. “This partnership will empower students with essential skills for success in the automation sector, leveraging ABB’s expertise in robotics alongside NAMTECH’s innovative educational methods to support the growth of India’s manufacturing landscape.”

NAMTECH is dedicated to developing a highly skilled engineering workforce adept in next-generation technologies, emphasizing Industry 4.0, sustainability, and management principles. The institute is structured into five schools and various competency centers, including those focused on Manufacturing Technologies, Manufacturing Design and AI, Sustainability, Robotics, and Social Impact, each supported by a global academic partner and collaborations with leading industry players.

Through this collaboration, ABB Robotics and NAMTECH will develop a cutting-edge curriculum that combines international academic expertise with practical, industry-focused training. The initiative aims to nurture talent for the broader industrial sector, supported by modern infrastructure and partnerships with industry leaders like ABB.

ABB’s robotics specialists will spearhead knowledge-sharing initiatives, research projects, and industry immersion experiences at the center, which will have dedicated staff and facilities that will expand as the school transitions to a new campus.

India achieved a milestone in 2023 with the installation of 8,510 industrial robots, representing a 59% increase from the previous year, with expectations for this trend to continue into 2024 and 2025. Currently, India ranks seventh worldwide in annual robot installations, with growing job opportunities in roles such as Robotics Engineers, Robot Design Engineers, Application Engineers, and Smart Factory Designers.

“The partnership between NAMTECH and ABB Robotics is unprecedented, combining an innovative educational institute with a leading industry player to reshape the manufacturing sector on a global scale,” said Arun Kumar Pillai, Director General of NAMTECH. “As robotics adoption in Indian companies is still emerging, there is a significant talent shortage in this field. This collaboration aligns with India’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ vision, playing a vital role in the robotics sector’s growth and fostering a competitive talent pool.”

This initiative underscores ABB Robotics’ commitment to enhancing education in robotics and automation. Supported by a global network of industry and academic collaborators, ABB aims to facilitate transformation, preparing individuals for the future workforce and strengthening business resilience. NAMTECH’s innovative workforce development strategies and partnerships with industry, academia, and government are set to propel the growth of smart manufacturing and robotics, establishing India as a global hub for advanced automation solutions.

ABB Robotics & Discrete Automation is a leading global provider of robotics and machine automation solutions, offering a comprehensive range of products, including robots and Autonomous Mobile Robots. With a workforce of approximately 11,000 across more than 100 locations in about 53 countries, ABB helps businesses of all sizes improve resilience and efficiency.

ABB is at the forefront of electrification and automation technologies, promoting a sustainable and resource-efficient future. The company’s solutions integrate engineering expertise and software to optimize manufacturing, logistics, and operational processes. With a legacy of over 140 years, ABB employs more than 105,000 individuals dedicated to driving innovation and industrial transformation.

NAMTECH is an innovative educational institute addressing the disconnect between industry requirements and traditional educational outputs. It aims to transform education through experiential learning and a technology-driven curriculum, equipping students with the skills to tackle future market challenges. NAMTECH is divided into five schools, each supported by globally recognized institutions and various industry partners.