Rockwell Automation, Inc a global leader in industrial automation and digital transformation, reinforced the significance of smart manufacturing as a catalyst for long-term progress in India’s automotive sector. This message was delivered during the Smart Manufacturing Automotive Summit held in Pune, where senior figures from the automotive manufacturing community convened to discuss the evolving role of automation, artificial intelligence (AI), Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), and data-centric decision-making in enhancing industrial performance and competitiveness.
Dilip Sawhney, Managing Director of Rockwell Automation India, emphasized that the automotive sector is a cornerstone of India’s manufacturing economy and plays a critical role in national economic development. He noted that shifts in global manufacturing, the move toward electric vehicles, and demographic changes offer India a strategic chance to elevate its position in the global automotive landscape, driving innovation and technological advancement.
Rucha Nanavati, Chief Digital Transformation Officer at Mahindra Group, underscored the deeper implications of digital transformation. She stated that true transformation goes beyond tools and technologies, focusing instead on redefining work processes for the coming decade. She highlighted the need to embrace uncertainty and complexity with a forward-thinking mindset to sustain progress.
Mr Sawhney further pointed out that increasing market demands, challenges within supply chains, compliance obligations, evolving customer expectations, and workforce shortages make it necessary for the automotive industry to adopt smarter, more resilient manufacturing strategies.
The summit brought together original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), Tier 1 suppliers, transformation leaders, and technology providers. Participants engaged in discussions, presentations, and demonstrations that showcased practical methods for embedding smart manufacturing practices across production, engineering, logistics, and quality management.
Rockwell Automation is a leading provider of industrial automation solutions and digital technologies. With a focus on enhancing productivity and sustainability, the company operates in more than 100 countries and employs approximately 27,000 individuals as of the end of fiscal year 2024. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Rockwell Automation continues to drive innovation through the integration of human ingenuity and technological capability.
