An exclusive interface with Mr, Anuj Bihani (Managing Director) M/s Alstrut India Prrivate Ltd.
- Journey and Current Operations of Alstrut
Alstrut started business in the the early 2000s marking the beginning of a transformative journey in India’s industrial landscape. The initial offering was modular, plug & play machine building elements specially designed aluminium profiles with standard accessories, which laid the groundwork for our evolution. These components, designed for ease of assembly as well as flexible design, enabled rapid construction of industrial structures ranging from workstations to machine structures. Progressing beyond component sales, Alstrut embraced the challenge of delivering comprehensive solutions, steering towards turnkey automation projects. Such projects included designing assembly lines for diverse sectors such as automotive, electrical, and EMS industries, as well as delivering complex end of line automation solutions for FMCG, food & pharmaceutical industries. The partnership in 2016 with Universal Robots, Denmark marked a pivotal turn, propelling us into the world of collaborative robotics, a domain where we have since established a significant presence. Our current operations, as the largest partner of Universal Robots in India, encompass both the distribution of the range of collaborative robots, and integration of these cobots into custom solutions. The recent partnership with Peer Robotics, an innovative startup designing & building collaborative autonomous mobile robots & Karter, a company manufacturing sleek & compact autonomous mobile pallet lifters further reinforces our commitment to be a significant player in the robot space. Our approach remains customer-centric, focusing on understanding and addressing specific industry needs, thereby fostering innovation in both product development and automation solutions. - Product Range and Solutions in Robotics & Industrial Automation
At Alstrut, our product portfolio is both diverse and specialized, catering to the varied demands of industrial automation. The foundational elements of our range are the modular machine building components, designed for versatility and ease of integration. Building on the foundation, Alstrut offers the ability to deliver custom designed assembly lines, as well as custom designed end of line automation solutions.Our foray into robotics, in collaboration with Universal Robots, introduced a range of collaborative robot (cobot) arms that are revolutionizing the industry. These cobots are distinguished by their ability to operate safely alongside human workers, thereby enhancing productivity and operational efficiency.Our recent partnership with Peer Robotics further expands our portfolio with autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), distinguished by their collaborative nature and adaptability in dynamic industrial environments. The product offerings from Karter, a manufacturer of AMR’s solves the specific need of transporting pallets within a warehouses or factory.Alstrut is partnered with multiple international companies that provide end of arm tooling, or, peripherals that facilitate quick deployment of robots. Some such companies include Robotiq, OnRobot, Impaqt Robotics, Nordbo Robotics, Smooth Robotics, Flexibowl enabling Alstrut to offer specialized solutions such as machine tending, end of line palletizing, case packing, welding, buffing, polishing among many others.Each solution is meticulously crafted, keeping in mind the ease of use, programming flexibility, and rapid deployment, essential for accelerating productivity in modern manufacturing setups.In line with our commitment to ‘Design for Assembly’, ‘Design for Manufacturing’, and ‘Design for Aesthetics’, our solutions encompass not just the physical products but also the embedded ethos of simplicity, efficiency, and user-friendliness. - Evolution of the Robotics & Industrial Automation Market
The landscape of robotics and industrial automation has undergone a significant transformation over the years, a change to which Alstrut has been a contributory witness and participant. The market’s evolution is characterized by a shift from traditional, isolated automation and robotic systems to more integrated, collaborative, and flexible automation solutions.The introduction of cobots has been a game-changer, facilitating a synergy between human ingenuity and robotic precision. This evolution reflects a broader industry trend towards smart manufacturing and Industry 4.0, where interconnected and intelligent systems redefine production processes. Our journey with Universal Robots, Peer Robotics & Karter epitomizes this shift, highlighting our role in bringing these advanced, collaborative technologies to the forefront of the Indian market. - Market Opportunities and Product Positioning in India
The Indian market presents a fertile ground for the expansion and adoption of robotics and industrial automation solutions. With the booming manufacturing sector and an increasing focus on efficiency and quality, the demand for sophisticated automation is on the rise. At Alstrut, our strategy is to leverage this potential by positioning our products not merely as tools but as integral components of a smarter manufacturing paradigm. Our product & solution offerings are particularly well-suited to this environment, offering versatility, ease of integration, and safety. The ability to quickly deploy and reconfigure these systems aligns perfectly with the dynamic nature of the Indian industry. Our aim is to demystify automation, showcasing its accessibility and benefits to a wide array of sectors, thereby enabling a transformative impact on productivity and efficiency. - Latest Top Line Product Range
Alstrut’s latest product range exemplifies our commitment to innovation and excellence in industrial automation. The standout offerings include the state-of-the-art collaborative robot arms from Universal Robots, which are redefining the boundaries of human-robot collaboration. These cobots are engineered for precision, flexibility, and safety, ensuring seamless integration into various industrial processes. Complementing these are the advanced AMRs from our collaboration with Peer Robotics & Karter. These mobile units are designed for collaborative operation, able to navigate complex industrial environments with ease and efficiency. Each of our products embodies our core principles of design – simplicity in operation, elegance in form, and effectiveness in application, ensuring that they not only meet but exceed the evolving needs of modern industry.
Key Industries and Application Areas
Alstrut’s solutions cater to a broad spectrum of industries, reflecting the versatility and adaptability of our products. Key sectors include automotive, electrical, EMS, FMCG, food, and pharmaceuticals. Within these industries, our solutions find application in a variety of processes – from precision assembly lines and material handling to end-of-line packaging and process automation. Our collaborative robots excel in tasks that require a blend of repeatability, precision, and flexibility, while our AMRs revolutionize material transport and logistics within manufacturing setups. Some typical applications for collaborative robots include end of line palletizing, case packing, machine tending, pick & place, welding, dispensing, buffing and sanding. Our products are designed to enhance productivity, ensure safety, and optimize operational efficiency, thereby empowering businesses to achieve their manufacturing objectives. - Future Vision and Growth Plans for Alstrut in India
Looking forward, Alstrut is equipped for a trajectory of sustained growth and innovation. Our vision includes not only maintaining our position in industrial automation and robotics in India but also a continuous quest for technological advancement. We are committed to expanding our product portfolio, exploring new industry verticals, and enhancing our solutions to be in sync with the latest technological trends. Our growth strategy is anchored in developing cutting-edge, user-friendly automation solutions that can be rapidly deployed, thereby adding significant value to our clients’ operations. We aim to be the catalysts in the transition of Indian industries towards smarter, more efficient manufacturing practices, ultimately contributing to the broader narrative of India’s industrial modernization. - Special Message for the Readers
In this era of industrial transformation, technological innovation is key to success. It’s not just about adopting new technologies; but about adopting a mindset of collaboration. This approach requires us to rethink our strategies, to foster environments where creativity and efficiency thrive side by side. We must embrace the challenge of integrating these into our core practices, ensuring they become integral to our journey towards a smarter, more adaptive industrial future.