Budget 2021 should concentrate on improving productivity by incentivising the use of technology to create India ‘Atmanirbhar’ and future-ready, an official with industrial autonomous and AI technology said on Sunday. India has, up to now, seen very low robot adoption compared to its regional and global peers.

According to a recent analysis, the complete number of jobs related to deploying and developing new technologies, like automation, AI and robotics-related applications, may grow to 20 to 50 million globally by 2030 and over 375 million workers globally.

“reduction of customs duty/IGST and supplying taxbreaks/incentives to robotics adopters can boost demand,” Hi-Tech Robotics Systemz founder & CEO Anuj Kapuria said. “It is one of the first companies in industrial autonomous and AI technology in the country. “For accelerating technology and R&D, setting up of robotics centres of excellence, incubation centres, continued research grants for robotics R&D and continuation of income tax deduction will be the key drivers,” he said.

Timely policy interventions can quicken robotic adoption in manufacturing and warehousing. Particular focus should be on warehouse automation where we have observed an increase in customer traction.

“These would boost the confidence of technology – driven industry players and strengthen the government’s Make in India for Global and Atmanirbhar Bharat vision, besides making are markable contribution to employment generation and will make Indian industry more efficient and surpass the global standard,” Kapuria said.