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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The latest wholesales data shared by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers Association (SIAM) for Q2 FY 2025–26 shows mixed domestic performance across segments, but strong growth in exports.

During Q2, passenger vehicle sales stood at 1.04 million units, down 2 percent compared to 1.05 million units last year. However, sales in September 2025 were up by 4 percent, with SUV segment with 204,938 units, down 1 percent YoY, accounting for around two-thirds of sales.

Two-wheelers posted sales of 5.56 million units, a growth of 7 percent YoY, supported by higher economic activity and the positive impact of a GST rate reduction. The scooter segment grew by 12 percent, compared to 5 percent YoY growth in motorcycles.

Three-wheelers recorded their highest-ever Q2 sales of 229,239 units, with a growth of 8 percent YoY, driven by the Passenger Carrier sub-segment’s 12 percent growth YoY.

Commercial vehicles sales stood at 239,781 lakh units, reflecting a growth of 8 percent YoY. Growth was broad-based, with Medium & Heavy Commercial Vehicles (MHCVs) and Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) both showing improvement.

The industry enters the second half of FY 2025–26 with renewed cheer, supported by the festive season momentum, stable macroeconomic conditions and GST 2.0 reforms. The extended festive and wedding season is expected to sustain growth momentum through Q3.

Shailesh Chandra, President, SIAM, said, "The GST 2.0 reform is a landmark decision of the Government of India, which apart from catapulting the Indian auto industry to the next level, would bring in vibrancy in the entire economy, as this industry is closely intertwined with strong forward and backward linkages. Inspite of the new GST rates coming into effect from of September, i.e. only for 9 days of the month, Passenger Vehicles, Two-Wheelers and Three-Wheelers have already posted their highest ever sales of September. In addition, very strong exports growth, in all segments in Q2, indicates the growing brand acceptance on Indian made vehicles. Looking ahead, the outlook for the sector remains encouraging on the back of key tailw

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Bengaluru-based Micelio Mobility, which calls itself a catalyst for India’s clean mobility ecosystem, fostering innovation and collaboration across startups, corporates and academia successfully hosted its Global Clean Mobility Summit 2025.

The event saw discussions on the future of electric vehicles (EVs) in India with participation from leaders from industry, policy and academia.

Tarun Mehta, Co-founder and CEO of Ather Energy, received the ‘Individual Contributor of the Year 2025 Award’ for his work in India’s clean mobility sector.

Shreyas Shibulal, Founder & Director, Micelio Mobility, said, “India stands at a decisive point where clean mobility must evolve from aspiration to acceleration. The collaborations and innovations we witnessed today reaffirm Micelio’s belief that sustainable transport will define not just the next decade of growth but the next era of progress. Micelio remains deeply committed to nurturing ideas that can power a cleaner, more connected and equitable mobility ecosystem for all.”

C V Raman, Member of Executive Committee, Maruti Suzuki India, spoke on the country’s journey toward self-reliance. He stressed that mobility will be a catalyst for the economy to become a developed economy by 2047.

Jan Kuenne, of Grundig Akademie fur Wirtschaft & Technik, highlighted the importance of integrated design, data and investment for infrastructure.

Kuenne said, “Every visit to Bengaluru reminds me why this city is so special; the innovation here is unlike anywhere else. The ideas coming out of India are shaping the future of clean mobility for the world. We’re not just talking about electric vehicles; we’re talking about reimagining how cities move. From digital twins to new mobility systems, India is showing that sustainability and progress can go hand in hand. Together, we can create a world where clean, smart and responsible movement becomes the new normal.”

The summit released Micelio’s report, 'Closing the Loop: Building a Roadmap for Battery Circularity in India'. A Knowledge Roundtable agreed that upskilling and reskilling are required to make India industry ready for EV scaling.

The event also highlighted the collaboration between Micelio Mobility and the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) on the Digital Twin Lab for EV testing.

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Fery Rides, an Indian mobility start-up focussing on women's transportation led by women, has raised INR 20.75 million in a seed funding round led by IAN Angel Fund, part of IAN Group, with participation from Hari Balasubramanian, Uday Chatterjee and Sri Prakash.

The funding will be used to strengthen the technology platform, expand operations beyond the NCR region and onboard more women drivers, which the start-up refers to as Sister Partners.

The start-up aims to provide safe and reliable transport for women passengers, with every ride operated by trained and verified women drivers. The platform is developed by Ajay Kumar, alongside Vindhya Mehrotra and Himanshu Chaubey, with a key focus on women's safety.

The all EV service uses an app for onboarding, real-time tracking with SOS alerts and WhatsApp-enabled customer support.

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Sterling Tools, a leading automotive component manufacturer, has announced its subsidiary Sterling Gtake, which focusses on electric vehicle, has been rebranded as Sterling E-Mobility Solutions.

The company stated that the strategic rebranding is part of its portfolio expansion and its aim to be an integrated solutions supplier for EV powertrains and power electronics.

Anil Aggarwal, Chairman, Sterling Tools, said, “We are proud to begin this new chapter as Sterling E-Mobility Solutions. This rebranding reflects our commitment to delivering integrated EV solutions powered by global innovation and local expertise. Our exclusive partnership with Gtake remains strong, and we’re excited to explore new collaborations that strengthen our leadership in the EV ecosystem. We thank our partners and customers for their continued trust and support as we work together to shape India’s e-mobility future.”

In May 2025, Sterling entered into a technology licensing agreement with Advanced Electric Machines (AEM), UK, to manufacture magnet-free motors in India. In Sep 2025, the company announced another key partnership with Landworld Technology Co., China, for their range of on-board chargers and DC/DC converters.

Furthermore, the company’s existing relationships with Jiangsu Gtake Electric Co., for the Indian market, remains strong and unchanged. This partnership continues to flourish, with multiple products being developed by Gtake and localised by Sterling to meet domestic requirements.

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