Supporting a smart manufacturing shift across industry sectors by offering robot systems, Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), mobility solutions (mobile platforms, mobile robots etc.) and technologies (arc welding, assembly, bonding and sealing, die casting, extrusion etc.), Kuka is confident of its new operating ecosystem iiQKA significantly simplifying robot use. Forming the base of an entire ecosystem that provides access to a powerful selection of components, programmes, apps, services and equipment that are easy to install, operate and use, iiQKA is designed and developed to facilitate newcomers to implement automation without specialised training. Also announcing the upgradation of its simulation software Kuka.Sim.4.0, Kuka is confident of automation benefitting in the medium-term against Covid-19 disruption. As per Peter Mohnen, CEO, Kuka AG, automation can be beneficial in the medium-term against the Covid-19 disruption for manufacturers rethinking their vulnerable, globally networked production and supply chains.

Big shift to flexible automation systems

Stating in his address to the shareholders in the 2020 annual report that the company implemented a cost-cutting drive and focused on a stable financial position, Mohnen averred that Kuka was one of the very few ‘full-range’ suppliers. Keeping a close eye on the developments taking place across the world markets that it is presently in, the company – with sales revenues of EUR 2.6 billion and an employee strength of 14,000 – is confident of its Kuka.Sim.4.0 software to help reach a new level of planning reliability, simplicity and cost efficiency. Stressing on the upgraded software facilitating easy offline programming of the robot and fast cycle time analysis, Kuka is anticipating a big shift to flexible automation solutions with quickly adaptable production cells instead of rigid systems. It is highlighting the prowess of Kuka.Sim.4.0 software in its ability to support the import of CAD data that aids configuration of safety spaces graphically in 3D and to simulate the stopping behaviour of robots.

Affected in 2020 as projects were postponed or abandoned completely, Kuka is of the view that the auto industry is facing a fundamental structural transformation that offers opportunities but poses enormous challenges at the same time. Confident that the Kuka.Sim.4.0 software will particularly aid components suppliers with its ability to facilitate the planning of robot applications across industry sectors, including auto, the company is looking at a growing use of new technologies such as AGVs and AI-based software solutions. Helped by China’s auto industry’s tremendous thrust on robot installation since 2016 in terms of growth, Kuka is banking on the upgraded software’s capability in significantly reducing the area required by a cell. Roland Ritter, Portfolio Manager, Kuka AG, mentioned that it also contains a new robot language called the ‘Kuka Robot Language’ (KRL), which provides two user views for programming the robot. One view is for the experts and the other is for beginners. Ensuring same data is being worked upon by the virtual controller and the real controller, the Kuka.Sim.4.0 supports the new KR Scara and KR Delta robots from its manufacturer. It also assures 100 percent data consistency.

Features, and more features

Aiding the creation of a customised component library using own CAD data along with Kuka.Sim.Modeling add-on, the Kuka.Sim.4.0 software is also supported by a new ‘Connectivity’ add-on that allows users to commission the cell virtually and create a digital twin for greater planning reliability and the best possible implementation. Interestingly, the customised component library could be as kinematic systems, sensors, material flow or physical behaviour. Using behavioural emulators such as WinMOD and SIMIT, the software, with the Arc Welding add-on, aids users to speed up their offline programming for welding applications. The approach positions or the optimum orientation of the robot for the welding process can be defined, for example. A big advantage of the new software, according to Ritter, is export possibilities. Integrators, he adds, will benefit from the ability to export the simulation as a 3D PDF, which can be simply opened with an Acrobat Reader.

Detailed information in 2D for mechanical commissioning can also be provided via the export feature. One of the highlights of this is product presentation using a virtual reality headset. Tablets and smartphones also deliver impressive simulation results on the go via the Mobile Viewer app, informs Ritter. Signing a major contract with Daimler to supply four-figure number of robots and linear units (KR Fortec and KR Quantec), and other Kuka technologies such as software and controllers, the company has maintained a positive outlook despite Covid-19. Working towards strengthening its position as a global player, Kuka is driving the goal of making automation available to everyone. Looking at conquering new areas and new markets, it is stressing on the potential for cobots – sensitive robots – in the auto industry.

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Tata Motors, one of the leading automotive manufacturers, has shared an update on its Kaushalya Programme, an industry-led training initiative ahead of World Youth Skills Day.

The programme has enrolled more than 23,000 participants and achieved a 100 percent placement rate for over 5,000 graduates, including more than 50 international placements.

The initiative, launched in 2021, operates across manufacturing facilities in Pune, Jamshedpur, Lucknow, Pantnagar, Sanand and Dharwad. It provides a sponsored Diploma in Mechatronics through an earn-and-learn model. Participants receive training in areas such as automobile engineering, manufacturing technology, automation, IoT and Industry 4.0. Women account for 21 percent of the participants, with 25 percent of trainees from affirmative action categories.

Sitaram Kandi, Chief Human Resources Officer, Tata Motors, said, “India's manufacturing competitiveness and mobility ambitions will be shaped by the quality of its workforce. Through Kaushalya, we are investing in the next generation of skilled professionals by creating opportunities that combine technical education, industry exposure and real-world experience. The programme is helping young people build meaningful careers while strengthening the talent pipeline required for an increasingly advanced and technology-driven automotive industry. The strong placement outcomes achieved by our trainees demonstrate the effectiveness of industry-academia collaboration in creating skills that are relevant, employable and future-ready. We remain committed to expanding the programme's reach and empowering more young people to participate in India's growth story.”

Programme graduates have secured positions across the Tata ecosystem and at other companies, such as Tata Steel Downstream Products, Tata Advanced Systems, Zydus, JSW Greentech, Subros, Spinny and Wipro. About 50 graduates have also been placed at a Jaguar Land Rover facility in Nitra, Slovakia.

Anita Kende Bethekar, a programme trainee currently placed with Jaguar Land Rover, said, “Coming from a remote tribal village in Maharashtra, a global career in the automotive industry once felt beyond reach. Tata Motors’ Kaushalya programme equipped me with the skills, exposure and confidence to pursue opportunities I had never imagined. Today, I am proud to be the first girl from my village and neighbouring region to hold a passport and build a career with Jaguar Land Rover in Slovakia. This achievement is not just mine; it is a source of pride for my family, my community and every young girl who dares to dream beyond her circumstances.”

Soham Ravindra Manmode, a trainee placed with Tata Motors Customer Support, said, “Coming from a financially challenged family in a small town, building a career in the automotive industry once felt like a distant dream. Tata Motors’ Kaushalya Programme changed that by enabling me to learn, earn and gain real-world industry experience simultaneously. The skills, confidence and exposure I acquired through the programme helped me build a rewarding career with Tata Motors. Today, I take pride in supporting my family and contributing to India's automotive growth story.”

Tata Motors intends for the programme to produce more than 5,000 industry-ready trainees each year to support the manufacturing and automotive sectors.

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The Indian automotive sector recorded 20 deals worth USD 717 million in Q2 2026 according to the latest findings by Grant Thornton Bharat's Automotive Dealtracker.

While transaction volumes reached their lowest level since Q2 2023, deal values saw a marginal decline of 4 percent quarter-on-quarter. Excluding public market activity, the sector saw 18 Mergers & Acquisitions (M&As) and Private Equity / Venture Capital (PE/VC) transactions valued at USD 479 million.

M&A activity comprised five deals worth USD 138 million, with KPIT Technologies' USD 120 million acquisition of Cymotive Technologies representing the period's focus on software and cybersecurity. PE/VC activity included 13 deals worth USD 341 million, led by Rapido’s USD 240 million fundraise and JBM Ecolife Mobility’s USD 47 million investment.

Saket Mehra, Partner and Auto & EV Industry Leader, Grant Thornton Bharat, said, "While deal activity slowed during the quarter, investment remained focused on businesses driving the future of mobility. We are seeing continued interest in EVs, mobility platforms and automotive technologies, with investors becoming more selective and backing companies that have demonstrated scale, differentiated capabilities and a clear growth path. As the sector evolves, technology-led investments are expected to continue shaping deal activity."

The key findings from the report include: Mobility-as-a-Service accounted for USD 298 million of the total sector deal value. Electric vehicles represented 54 percent of PE transactions. Auto tech made up 87 percent of M&A value. The five largest PE deals represented 96 percent of the total PE value.

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Vijaybhoomi University and the Nettur Technical Training Foundation (NTTF) have introduced a training programme that allows employees at Tata Motors to earn university-recognised diplomas while working.

The initiative, marked by a convocation at Tata Motors’ Pimpri-Chinchwad plant, aligns with the National Education Policy 2020 by integrating vocational skills with higher education frameworks.

Under this partnership, NTTF Mechatronics programme graduates receive a Technical Diploma aligned with the National Higher Education Qualification Framework. Learners may subsequently progress to an Advanced Technical Diploma and a B.Tech in Mechatronics without leaving their jobs.

Sanjay Padode, President, Vijaybhoomi University, said, "A university should recognise learning wherever it genuinely happens. Many of these learners have developed advanced technical capability on the shopfloor through structured training and disciplined practice. Our role is to connect that learning with nationally recognised higher education so that they can continue to grow academically without stepping away from their careers."

Ravi Tennety, Managing Director, NTTF, said, "For more than 60-years, NTTF has prepared young people for careers in manufacturing and technology. This partnership gives our learners an opportunity to build on that foundation through formal higher education while continuing to contribute to industry. It creates new possibilities for lifelong learning."

Prof Ravikesh Srivastava, Vice Chancellor, Vijaybhoomi University, said, "India has spoken for many years about integrating skills, industry and higher education. What we are seeing today is one working model of how that integration can happen in practice. It is built on academic quality, industry relevance and learner mobility."

Sitaram Kandi, Chief Human Resources Officer, Tata Motors, said, "Manufacturing is changing rapidly, and so must the way we develop our people. Technical skills acquired on the shopfloor deserve opportunities for continuous academic progression, without requiring employees to step away from work. This collaboration between Tata Motors, NTTF and Vijaybhoomi University creates a pathway where learning, work and career advancement reinforce one another. It recognises that capability is built not only in classrooms but also through disciplined practice, problem-solving and real production environments. By enabling our employees and apprentices to earn nationally recognised university qualifications while continuing to contribute on the shopfloor, we are investing not only in individual growth but also in building a future-ready manufacturing workforce for India."

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The Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA), the apex body representing automotive dealers in India, held its 5th Finance and Insurance (F&I) Summit in Mumbai. The event brought together representatives from the banking, finance, insurance and auto retail sectors to discuss vehicle ownership and dealership viability.

The summit focused on wholesale finance, retail finance and insurance. Guest of Honour Dr. Pankaj Kanchan Rajesh Bhoyar attended the event, which featured participation from leaders including Dr. Rajan Pental of Yes Bank, Raul Rebello of Mahindra Finance and Abhinav Garg of AU Small Finance Bank.

During the event, FADA released the 3rd edition of its Dealer Satisfaction Study for Finance and Insurance, which surveyed over 700 dealerships. The report indicated an increase in satisfaction regarding wholesale finance, retail finance and insurance disbursements. It also identified a requirement for training in the commercial vehicle segment and increased funding for the used-vehicle market.

C S Vigneshwar, President, FADA, said, "If an automobile dealership were a human body, the OEM is our heart, pumping the product lifeblood. Wholesale finance is the bloodstream - the working capital that must flow freely to keep the body energetic. Retail finance is our legs, allowing the customer to walk out with a vehicle, while insurance is our immune system, protecting us when the unexpected occurs. The dealer is the face the customer trusts, but you cannot have a healthy face on an unhealthy body. It takes all four of us - the OEM, the financier, the insurer and the dealer, working in a perfect relay to keep the customer."

Vigneshwar advised dealers to conduct monthly reconciliation of payouts and commissions and to invest in the training of F&I desks, stating, "F&I income is no longer just 'the icing' but a 'loadbearing wall of dealership viability. Our dealer partners have highlighted a few key areas for improvement across finance and insurance. In wholesale finance, they expect more transparent, demand-led funding and quicker transmission of interest rate reductions. In retail finance, there is a strong need for more robust used-vehicle funding solutions and smoother reconciliation processes. In insurance, faster claims settlement and stronger protection of dealer-led customer relationships remain critical priorities.”

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