Indian robotics firms like Addverb Technologies, Ati Robotics, and Novus are scaling their AI capabilities to capture global market share following US restrictions on Chinese imports. With the global sector projected to cross $100 billion by 2030, these companies are positioning themselves as trusted alternatives in the global supply chain.
Indian technology startups are accelerating their entry into the global market for physical AI-powered robots, a sector expected to grow past $100 billion by 2030. This push is being supported by a shift in global supply chains, as the United States tightens import rules on Chinese-made humanoid and quadruped robots, creating a new opening for alternatives.
Addverb and Expansion Plans
Addverb Technologies, which is majority-owned by Reliance Retail Ventures, is currently seeking to raise over $100 million in new funding. This capital is intended to support the development of its humanoid and quadruped robot prototypes, with a goal to reach profitability on an adjusted basis by the financial year ending in March 2027. Addverb has been testing these robots for industrial and defense use, aiming for a commercial rollout while leveraging its existing global offices to boost exports.
Strategic Market Shift
Many countries are now following a "China plus one" strategy, looking for trusted suppliers outside of China. While the Indian robotics sector is still in its early stages, these companies are focusing on proprietary software—such as systems for perception, navigation, and decision-making—as their core business advantage. Companies like Gurugram-based Novus High-Tech Robotic are focusing on this software-led approach, with plans for pilot deployments soon. Meanwhile, Bengaluru-based Ati Robotics is expanding its footprint by setting up a manufacturing plant in the United States to serve the North American market directly.
Risks and Market Challenges
While the opportunity is significant, investors should be aware of the substantial risks involved. Building and scaling advanced robotics is highly capital-intensive, requiring large sums of money for research and manufacturing setup. These companies are also entering a market dominated by established players from Japan, the United States, and China, who benefit from years of experience, massive economies of scale, and government support.
Furthermore, the technology itself carries a high risk of failure or delay. Developing safety-critical humanoid robots that can operate reliably in complex environments is a difficult engineering challenge. Investors should track how these startups manage their high capital spending and whether they can successfully turn their prototypes into reliable, commercial-ready products. The ability to execute these ambitious plans without running into cash flow pressure will be a key factor for the long-term success of these firms.