India’s industrial transformation, starting in the 1990s, paved the way for a growing and innovative humanoid robotics market. In a relatively short time, the world’s most populous country has gone from being nearly irrelevant in the robotics arena to a significant player on the global stage.
Now, let’s take a look back at how India’s humanoid robots have evolved over the years.
AcYut: India’s First Humanoid Robot
In 2008, a relentless team of undergraduate engineering students from BITS Pilani embarked on an ambitious journey to build India’s first indigenously developed humanoid robot. Using scrap aluminum and old motors, they created the bipedal robot prototype at their college’s robotics lab. Named AcYut, meaning “imperishable” in Sanskrit, this 1.2-meter-tall robot catapulted India into the global humanoid robotics arena.
The team’s relentless efforts paid off when they placed sixth among 28 participating countries at the prestigious RoboGames 2008 in California. AcYut’s lightweight aluminum frame and advanced motors allowed it to perform martial arts moves and dance to Bollywood songs, mesmerizing audiences.
The success of AcYut wasn’t a one-off event. In the following years, the team continued to improve their design, introducing AcYut 2 in 2009 with better motors, a more advanced onboard computer, and wireless control.
By 2010, the third iteration of the robot, AcYut 3, became even faster and more responsive, making it easier to control through teleoperation. The real breakthrough came in 2011 when the team developed AcYut 4, India’s first autonomous humanoid robot capable of interacting with its surroundings. Each version of AcYut incorporated significant advancements, from image processors to vision sensors, allowing it to navigate and perform tasks independently.
By 2012, the team unveiled AcYut 5, their most advanced robot to date, with algorithms for ball tracking, localization, path planning, and increased autonomy. The final version, AcYut 6, focused on improved stability and durability, earning competitive success at international RoboCup competitions in the Netherlands and Iran. Over these years, AcYut became a symbol of India’s potential in robotics, proving that the country could compete with the best in the world.
In 2014, Manav, India’s first 3D printed humanoid robot, emerged from the ASET Training and Research Institute in New Delhi. Built to bring robotics into classrooms, Manav was designed by the institute’s head of robotics and research. Unveiled at IIT Mumbai Techfest 2015, the 66-cm robot could walk, dance, do push-ups, and perform other human-like motions. With inbuilt sensors, including two cameras for eyes and two microphones for ears, Manav possessed binocular vision to process depth and perspective.
Entirely sourced from parts manufactured in India, Manav’s body was crafted from 3D-printed ABS plastic, and 16 servo motors powered its smooth limb movements. This lightweight creation introduced Indian students to the future of robotics, training the next generation to not only build robots but also maintain them. Manav was more than just a robot—it was a stepping stone for India’s youth to engage with the future of technology.
Indro: India’s Tallest Humanoid Robot
Standing at an impressive 2 meters, Indro was introduced to the world in 2016. Built by Santos Vaso Hula, Indro was constructed using low-cost materials like aluminum, plastic, and wood. Despite the simplicity of its materials, Indro was a fully functional humanoid robot capable of lifting up to 2 kilograms with its hands and carrying 150 kilograms on a platform below its knees. The robot was designed with affordability in mind, proving that humanoid robots didn’t need to come with an exorbitant price tag to be effective.
Indro wasn’t just a towering figure; it also recognized people it had previously interacted with, adding a personal touch to its interactions. It was a prime example of how India could create low-cost, high-impact robots, making advanced technology accessible to a broader audience.
Mitra: India’s Social Robot
In 2017, a humanoid robot named Mitra made headlines at the Global Entrepreneurship Summit in Hyderabad when it greeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Ivanka Trump. Developed by Invento Robotics, a Bengaluru-based startup, Mitra was designed primarily for use in service industries like retail, hospitality, and banking. Standing at 1.5 meters tall and weighing 50 kilograms, the robot interacted with people through a 10-inch touchscreen on its chest.
Equipped with an integrated camera system, Mitra could recognize faces and provide personalized responses, making it a social butterfly in the robot world. The robot used natural language processing to communicate in multiple languages, including English, Hindi, and Kannada. Mitra’s rechargeable battery lasted up to 10 hours, allowing it to navigate autonomously in crowded environments using LIDAR and ultrasonic sensors. Mitra became a trailblazer for robots in customer-facing roles, providing unique experiences for users in banks, stores, and even hospitals.
KP Bot: India’s First RoboCop
In 2019, KP Bot became India’s first humanoid RoboCop. Developed by Asimov Robotics in collaboration with the Kerala Police’s Cyberdome unit, this robot was equipped with facial recognition technology to identify criminals. Performing front office duties as a sub-inspector, KP Bot could salute recognized officials and detect suspects, marking a milestone for the role of humanoid robots in law enforcement.
H-Bot Robotics also contributed to India’s RoboCop efforts, designing a 1.7-meter-tall robot capable of receiving complaints, recording video clips, recognizing suspects, detecting metals, and monitoring temperature. Both robots were intended for use in public and private security roles, including law enforcement and order management in malls and airports, showcasing India’s progress in merging AI with public safety.
Shalu: Humanoid Built from Waste Materials
In 2020, Shalu, a humanoid robot built entirely from waste materials, was introduced by Dinesh Patel, a computer science teacher. Inspired by Hanson Robotics’ Sophia and the Indian movie Enthiran, Patel spent three years assembling the robot from cardboard, wood, newspapers, and aluminum, with parts sourced from local markets.
Shalu could speak 47 languages, making it a powerful tool for education, and demonstrated how resourcefulness and determination could lead to incredible innovation on a shoestring budget.
Vyommitra: India’s First Space Humanoid
Set to make history in 2024, Vyommitra will become India’s first humanoid robot in space. Developed by ISRO to assist astronauts during the Gaganyaan Mission, Vyommitra is a half-humanoid robot designed to simulate human functions and ensure spacecraft safety. The robot can issue alerts, monitor systems, and interact with the spacecraft, speaking both Hindi and English.
This marks a monumental achievement in India’s space exploration efforts, with Vyommitra playing a crucial role in the first uncrewed test flight scheduled for December 2024.
Anushka: Humanoid with a Beating Heart
In 2024, India also saw the development of Anushka, the first humanoid robot with a beating heart. Built from scrap parts by students at the Krishna Institute of Engineering and Technology, Anushka was powered by an i7 processor and could understand and respond to queries using advanced natural language processing. With flexible 3D-printed silicone skin and intelligence based on Vedic values of self-awareness and moral behavior, Anushka represented the fusion of ancient Indian wisdom with modern AI technology.
The Future of Made in India Humanoid Robots
Today, a new generation of innovators is pushing India’s humanoid robots further into the future. Robots like TARA, developed by iHub Robotics, are leading the charge with advanced AI-powered interactions across industries, from retail to healthcare. As India continues to transform its industrial and technological landscape, it’s clear that humanoid robotics will play a central role in shaping the country’s future.
