India’s First ABB Global Excellence Center for Robotics

SRM Group’s Easwari Engineering College inaugurated the Global Excellence Center for Robotics, established on its campus by Switzerland-based ABB Robotics, a global leader in robotics and machine automation. The new facility is the first of its kind in India and only the third such robotics centre in the world to be established by ABB Robotics. The ABB Robotics-SRM Easwari Global Excellence Center features advanced AI-enabled robotic systems and intelligent automation labs, including 3D pin picking, palletising, spot and arc welding cells, service & maintenance units, and VR/digital simulation cells. The setup integrates cutting-edge domains such as autonomous mobile robots, generative AI, vision systems, IoT, PLC automation, digital twin technologies, and smart manufacturing solutions. The center was launched by Mr. Subrata Karmakar, President, ABB Robotics, along with Mr. Adityaram, Founder Chairman & MD, Adityaram Group; Mr. Anbu Jayabalan, Chief Operating Officer, Adani Realty; Mr. Vishwanath Kamath, Managing Director, Fronius India; Mr. Bhaskar Kanchi, Head of Engineering, embedUR Systems; Mr. Ram Bhadouria, GM - Engg. & Prj. (South Asia), Unilever; Mr. Meenakshi Sundaram, Chief Technology Officer, Amalgamations Group; Mr. Vinod Krishnan, Chief Executive Officer & MD, TVS Next; Mr. Srivats Ram, Managing Director, Wheels India; and Ms. Sujatha Chakravarthy, Chief Executive Officer & MD, Dhvani Group of Companies, in the presence of Dr. R. Shivakumar, Chairman, and Smt. Geetha Shivakumar, Vice Chairperson, SRM Group of Institutions. Envisioned as a hub for research, innovation, and interdisciplinary excellence, the ABB Robotics-SRM Easwari Global Excellence Center, will provide opportunities for the college’s students from diversified engineering streams - from mechanical to computer science, to gain hands-on experience in AI and robotics, innovate automation solutions for industries, and launch tech startups. The establishment of this center is expected to attract increased consultancy and industry collaborations, strengthening ties between academia and industry while opening new avenues for research, innovation, and professional engagement. It will drive advancements in areas such as predictive maintenance, supply chain automation, embedded systems, and advanced robotics. In his comments, Dr. Shivakumar said, “We are delighted to open the Global Excellence Center for students and industry partners, and we thank ABB Robotics for choosing our college to establish this centre. The ABB Robotics-Easwari collaboration represents a pioneering model for high-impact partnerships in technical education in India. The centre brings advanced infrastructure and technological capabilities to the country that were previously accessible largely in Western countries. It will also promote multidisciplinary research at the undergraduate level, encouraging students to engage in research early in their academic journey rather than limiting such opportunities to doctoral studies. This approach is expected to nurture analytical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills, while building a strong ecosystem for innovation-led entrepreneurship.” Mr. Subrata Karmakar said, “Robotics and automation are revolutionising the manufacturing sector, with industries across sectors and of all sizes rapidly embracing these technologies, especially in countries like India where manufacturing is being strongly prioritised. As a leader in this industry, we believe it is our responsibility to equip engineering students with skills in this emerging domain, enabling them to secure high-value careers, while also encouraging interdisciplinary research and innovation to develop solutions for industry needs. In this context, we are delighted to inaugurate our Global Excellence Center which will provide students and industry access to world-class technology.” Easwari Engineering College has over 1,000 students and more than 400 faculty members. The institution offers a wide range of undergraduate engineering and technology programmes spanning core disciplines and emerging fields such as Computer Science, Electronics, Mechanical, Civil, Electrical and Electronics, Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security, Robotics, and allied specialisations, creating strong academic and career pathways for students. Leveraging its strengths in AI-driven innovation, the college has been providing automation consultancy services to manufacturing companies across India, delivering innovative solutions backed by proof of concept.