Interview: Cybernetik CEO Mahesh Wagle On Balancing Industrial Automation and Robotics In Manufacturing

Date:

Trending

During the interview with TechGraph, Mahesh Wagle, Co-Founder & CEO Of Cybernetik talked about, how the company keeps pace with ever-evolving automation and collaborative robots (cobots) technologies in manufacturing, and how they’re improving productivity, and creating opportunities for small manufacturers.

- Advertisement -

Read the complete interview:

TechGraph: Cybernetik is renowned for its expertise in Industrial Automation and robotics in the manufacturing sector. Could you provide an overview of the key technologies and solutions your company offers in this domain? How do these solutions enhance manufacturing productivity and efficiency?

Mahesh Wagle: At Cybernetik, we are committed to providing a single-source solution for all automation needs, driven by our mission to deliver excellence through technology, vision, and hands-on experience. Our focus has been on blending innovation and expertise to create comprehensive, turnkey automation systems that cater to industries such as Food, Chemical, Pharmaceutical, and more. Our solutions improve productivity and efficiency as they are customized to the client’s specific requirements.

- Advertisement -

Virtual Commissioning, Digital Twins, Vision Systems, Track and trace, Poka Yoke, 3D Modelling, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Analysis, Finite Element Analysis (FEA), Kinematic Simulation, and Offline Robot Programming are some of the tools we use towards this end. More importantly, we integrate these technologies into the equipment and the solution for seamless and precise operation.

In a recent EV Battery Assembly Line project, we were involved in concurrent engineering to cut turnaround time (TAT) by 6-9 months and achieve 100,000 units/year productivity. Here, we tweaked the working of the resistance welding unit as well as the robotic dispensers of sealant, thermal paste, and insulation foam for uninterrupted operations and minimal wastage.

Our Robotic Machining System for Wind Turbine Blades, which replaced special purpose machinery (SPM), doubled productivity while improving accuracy and cutting down rework. The last two deliverables undoubtedly improved efficiency by minimizing waste.

Cybernetik developed an industrial cooking system that automates the cooking, loading, and holding processes. The system delivers a high throughput of 900 kg/hr (customizable). It retains nutrients and flavor, has tools for real-time checks of cooking completion, and ensures minimal product loss during technical issues.

Another unique project we handled was the Carbon dioxide in Capsule Filling. The automation loaded the exact amount of CO2 at the prescribed temperature and pressure in sanitized and dimension-checked tiny capsules with pre- and post-weighing. Here again, the synchronized integration of elements delivered a high-productivity solution with top-class efficiency.

TechGraph: Industrial automation and robotics are rapidly evolving fields. How does Cybernetik stay ahead of the curve in terms of technological advancements? What steps does the company take to ensure that its offerings align with the changing needs and demands of the manufacturing industry?”

Mahesh Wagle: Necessity, we all know, is the mother of invention. You can add innovation and tweaks to that list. The quest, then, is to understand the necessity and fulfill it.

Trade shows and industry events are a great way to access what the market needs. Cybernetik’s teams actively attend and participate in such events at Indian and foreign locations. Apart from attaining the stated core objective, such participation helps us network with a cross-section of companies and individuals in automation.

Speaking with clients and prospects is another way to keep abreast of market developments and forecast future trends with reasonable accuracy. Our teams do this regularly when discussing projects.

What helps us stay ahead of the curve is the practical experience of our multifaceted teams that convert such captured requirements and estimates into vibrant solutions.

TechGraph: The implementation of robotics and automation in manufacturing processes often raises concerns about job displacement. How does Cybernetik address these concerns, and what strategies does the company employ to strike a balance between automation and preserving employment opportunities?

Mahesh Wagle: Instead of being a cause of unemployment as commonly believed, we hold the view that automation has the potential to create a shift in job roles and skill sets. Our belief is centered on the idea that automation can foster the development of new opportunities and bring about the evolution of existing roles within the workforce.

Instead of displacing workers, we envision automation as a catalyst for growth, enabling individuals to adapt and thrive in the changing landscape of employment.

Overall, automation is not a problem but a solution that creates new job opportunities that require upgraded skills. As long as upskilling remains feasible, automation can drive productivity and innovation while allowing human workers to focus on higher-value tasks such as R&D and process control.

TechGraph: In the context of industrial automation, cybersecurity is a critical aspect to consider. How does Cybernetik prioritize and address cybersecurity challenges to ensure automation systems’ integrity and safety? Are there any specific measures the company takes to protect against cyber threats?

Mahesh Wagle: Data is the very foundation of Industry 4.0. This is because smart factories put to use the actionable intelligence obtained from the evaluation of gigabytes and gigabytes of information for integrated improvement. The other side of the data coin is the cybersecurity challenges it creates in its wake.

Specifically, it is the combination of intellectual property (IP) with information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) that generates these negative possibilities.

Cybernetik practices stringent Identity and Access Management for cybersecurity. This includes restricting the number of persons who have access to the network as well as implementing strict password controls. We also train our relevant clients in this regard.

TechGraph: Collaborative robots, also known as cobots, have gained popularity for their ability to work alongside human workers. Does Cybernetik offer collaborative robotics solutions? Could you provide examples of how these cobots have been successfully integrated into manufacturing environments to improve productivity and collaboration?

Mahesh Wagle: Cybernetik deploys cobot solutions in the box/carton palletizing space. Productivity improvement comes from its rapid, simple, and intuitive programming that allows deployment within minutes. Users can rapidly automate its complete workflow using the click and drag option, set locations, and assign operations. Besides, simple forklifts are enough to move the cobot between stations, and the in-built Vision System eliminates the need for jigs.

By providing cost-effective and practical cobot options, Cybernetik enables smaller B2B companies to improve their manufacturing processes without the need for full-fledged robotic automation. The rising demand for collaborative robots, especially among SMEs, makes the Indian market a significant opportunity for cobots.

TechGraph: Sustainability is a growing concern for many industries. How does Cybernetik contribute to sustainable manufacturing through its automation and robotics solutions? Are there any specific features or functionalities in your offerings that promote energy efficiency or reduce waste in manufacturing processes?

Mahesh Wagle: Cybernetik adopts a holistic view of sustainability, one that confirms optimal resource utilization. We build systems that use the least resources in terms of electricity, water, fuel, and material when in operation. And we build them using the minimum possible resources.

The role of Electric Vehicles (EVs) in ensuring sustainability doesn’t need any explanation Cybernetik is actively involved in the development, design, and building of tailored solutions for EV battery assembly. We have already mentioned the minimization of wastage we achieved. The End-of-Line Testing Unit of the same project has a Regenerative Discharging feature that returns electricity to the utility supplier.

Wind energy is another tool for sustainable development. Speaking of features or functionalities in our offerings, the aforementioned Robotic Machining System for Wind Turbine Blades virtually eliminated rework via superior accuracy. This saves the resources needed for rework. At present, we are working on a Robotic Multipurpose Vehicle (RMV) for Spray Painting Wind Turbine Blades. Among other deliverables, the RMV will virtually eliminate rework.

Next is our Substrate Coating Automation to coat Catalytic Converters used to reduce carbon monoxide emissions from two-wheelers, passenger cars, and heavy-duty vehicles. As always, the process flow is geared towards optimal resource use.
For many food and pharmaceutical solutions, we provide a Clean Place (CIP) System. For a typical industrial cooking system of 900 kg/hr, the CIP System saves around 1000 liters of water in a typical cleaning cycle.

Mahesh Wagle: In the rapidly evolving landscape of the automation and robotics industry, Cybernetik anticipates several emerging trends and challenges. Industry 4.0 technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Virtual Reality (VR), Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), predictive data analytics, and Augmented Reality (AR), will continue to advance and drive manufacturing towards more data-driven operations. This shift will lead to a transition from automation to autonomous operations, as technology enables greater capabilities.

While integrating automation and robotics into manufacturing processes can pose challenges such as initial costs, system integration, workforce training, maintenance and repair, and safety, Cybernetik prepares to overcome these obstacles through meticulous planning.

This includes conducting comprehensive cost-benefit analyses, providing extensive employee training, implementing robust safety measures, and establishing proactive maintenance and repair plans. By taking these measures, manufacturers can achieve seamless integration, mitigate challenges, and maximize the long-term benefits of automation and robotics.

By leveraging Industry 4.0 technologies, carefully balancing customer demands, and implementing comprehensive planning strategies, the company is committed to staying ahead and providing cutting-edge solutions to its clients.

THE SNAPSHOTS

Sign up to get quick snaps of everyday happening, directly in your inbox.

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

- Advertisement -

Support our independent journalism PayPal (Outside India) For PayU (For Indian Readers).

Krishna Mali
Krishna Mali
Founder & Group Editor of TechGraph.

More Latest Stories

More Articles

Typhoon Wutip Hits Hainan China

Typhoon Wutip, the first named storm of the 2025 Pacific typhoon season, lashed China’s Hainan province on Friday with strong winds and heavy rainfall,...

Meta’s Chief Legal Officer Offloads $363,219 in Shares Under Pre-Arranged Plan

Meta Platforms Inc.’s Chief Legal Officer Jennifer Newstead sold 519 shares of the company’s Class A common stock on June 10, according to a Form 4 filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The shares were sold at a price of $701 each, generating...

Alphabet Shareholders Reject All 13 Proposals, Re-elect Entire Board

Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ: GOOGL) shareholders rejected all 13 investor proposals at the company’s annual...

BGC Director Arthur Mbanefo Sells Shares Worth Over $295k Amid Company Buyback

Arthur U. Mbanefo, a board member at BGC Group Inc., sold a total of...

London-Ahmedabad Plane Crash: Air India to Operate Relief Flights

Air India is operating two relief flights for the next of kin of passengers...

Air India passenger plane flying from Ahmedabad to London crashed

A London-bound Air India passenger plane carrying 242 people, including 2 pilots and 10...

HCLTech to Power The Standard’s Digital Shift with AI-Led IT Solutions

HCLTech, a leading global technology company, announced an expansion of its partnership with Standard...

Nvidia Director Tench Coxe to Sell Shares Worth $142.7 Million

Nvidia Corporation board member Tench Coxe has filed a notice with the U.S. Securities...

Sri Lanka To Raise Electricity Tariff By 15 Percent

Sri Lanka will increase electricity tariffs by 15% starting June 12, the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) announced on Tuesday. The hike...

From Diagnostics to AI: The New Age of Car Repair Technology

The automotive industry is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by technological advancements that are...

India, Mongolia Holds Joint Military Drills in Ulaanbaatar

The 17th edition of the joint military exercise Nomadic Elephant 2025 between India and...

Fintevex Overview: What Traders Need to Know in 2025

In 2025, the trading world is more competitive than ever. With hundreds of platforms...

Narcotics Bureau Seized ₹9.2 Crore Properties in Big Drug Lab Raid

The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has attached properties worth ₹9.2 crore belonging to a...

Kashmir’s First Tribal Museum Set Up by Young Tribal Girl in Bandipora

In a groundbreaking cultural initiative, Shahida Khanam, a young tribal girl from Aragam village in Bandipora district, has established Kashmir’s first-ever Tribal Museum by...

DRDO Transfers Defence Technologies to 10 Indian Firms

The Defence Research and Development Organisation's (DRDO) Vehicle Research and Development Establishment (VRDE) in Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, has transferred technologies of nine defence systems to 10 Indian industries. The systems include the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (CBRN) Recce Vehicle, Mounted Gun System, Anti-Terrorist Vehicle, and Vajra-Riot...

Mexico Reports 40% Drop in Fentanyl Trafficking to the US

Mexico has announced a sharp decline in fentanyl trafficking to the United States, reporting...

CCPA Issues Advisory to E-Commerce Platforms To Avoid Dark Patterns

The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has issued advisory to all e-commerce platforms to...

Iran Calls New U.S. Travel Ban Policy “Racist”

Tehran: Iran on Saturday issued a sharp condemnation of the new U.S. travel ban,...

Taiwan Open 2025: India Bags 6 Golds on Day 1

Indian athletes kicked off the Taiwan Open 2025 with a stellar performance, bagging six...

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy Meets PM Modi, Strengthens Bilateral Ties

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy called on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday,...

PM Narendra Modi to Attend G7 Summit in Canada Later This Month

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the G7 Summit later this month at...

From Legacy Systems to Intelligent Automation: Why Businesses are Adopting AI

Many of us have grown accustomed to legacy systems in the business world, and...

Top Strategies to Win at Blackjack: Expert Tips for Players

Blackjack isn’t just a game—it’s a mathematical battleground. While many casino games rely purely...

What to Consider When Choosing a Car Battery Repair Shop

When faced with car battery issues, finding the right repair shop becomes necessary. Given...

Fintevex Overview: What Traders Need to Know in 2025

In 2025, the trading world is more competitive than ever. With hundreds of platforms...

President Trump: Elon Musk Has ‘Lost His Mind’

A dramatic rift between U.S. President Donald Trump and billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk is...

Why India’s Workforce Needs Business Leadership, Not Just Technical Skills

Every year, millions of students in India graduate with technical degrees, becoming engineers, coders,...

MSys Technologies Rebrands as Aziro to Accelerate AI-Led Enterprise Solutions

MSys Technologies, a global leader in infrastructure engineering and digital transformation, has rebranded as...

Dr. S Jaishankar: FTA With the UK a Milestone in Bilateral Ties

British Foreign Secretary David Lammy met External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar in New...

Narcotics Bureau Seized ₹9.2 Crore Properties in Big Drug Lab Raid

The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has attached properties worth ₹9.2 crore belonging to a...

Top Strategies to Win at Blackjack: Expert Tips for Players

Blackjack isn’t just a game—it’s a mathematical battleground. While many casino games rely purely...

Navigating the Inheritance Process After the Passing of a Loved One

The death of a loved one often leaves families grappling with complex emotional and...

What to Consider When Choosing a Car Battery Repair Shop

When faced with car battery issues, finding the right repair shop becomes necessary. Given...