Japanese Robotics Innovator Seeks Indian Manufacturing Collaborations
Jinki-Ittai, a pioneering robotics startup headquartered in Japan, is actively pursuing partnerships within India to locally produce its advanced human-operated robotic systems.
Company Overview and Technological Edge
Kanaoka, the Founder and CEO of Jinki-Ittai (Man-Machine Synergy Effectors, Inc.), inaugurated the 21st INTEC 2026 industrial machinery exhibition hosted by the Coimbatore District Small Industries Association. During the event, he highlighted that the company holds comprehensive patents covering its proprietary robotic technologies, underscoring its innovation leadership.
Innovative Business Model: Subscription-Based Robotics
Valued at approximately ₹179 crore (equivalent to three billion Japanese yen), Jinki-Ittai is revolutionizing access to robotics by offering a subscription service model. “Our robots are premium products, so we have designed flexible business frameworks that simplify user adoption. Much like mobile phone subscriptions, this model allows clients to utilize robots without heavy upfront investments,” Kanaoka explained.
Expanding Manufacturing Footprint to India
While Jinki-Ittai currently collaborates with partners manufacturing robots for the Japanese market, the company is eager to establish similar alliances in India. Their robots are extensively deployed in Japan for critical tasks such as railway line maintenance, particularly in environments where human safety is a concern. The startup is targeting sectors like foundries and railways in India, where robotic intervention can mitigate risks to human workers.
Indian Industry Leaders Discuss Robotics and Automation Investments
Integral Coach Factory’s Strategic Automation Plans
U Subba Rao, General Manager of the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai, revealed ambitious plans to invest ₹500 crore over the next two years to implement robotic welding automation for coach shell production. ICF currently manufactures between 3,000 and 3,500 coaches annually. Rao emphasized the importance of Indian manufacturers enhancing their global competitiveness to penetrate key markets such as the United States and the European Union.
RIR Power Electronics’ Investment in Indigenous Semiconductor Production
N. Ramesh Kumar, Managing Director and CEO of RIR Power Electronics Limited, announced a substantial investment nearing ₹600 crore in Odisha to produce silicon carbide (SiC) devices domestically. Currently, many of these critical components, essential for small-scale power plants, are imported predominantly from China. This move aims to strengthen India’s self-reliance in advanced power electronics.
INTEC 2026: A Hub for Cutting-Edge Manufacturing Technologies
EK Ponnuswamy, Chairman of INTEC 2026, shared that the five-day exhibition at the CODISSIA Trade Fair Complex features over 700 stalls spanning 2.65 lakh square feet, with nearly 465 exhibitors participating. The event’s spotlight is on emerging technologies such as robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT), reflecting the manufacturing sector’s shift towards Industry 4.0.
