India Drafts First National Safety and Certification Framework for Humanoid Robots - RobotWale News

Government Unveils Draft Framework

New Delhi, 14 May 2024 – The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), in collaboration with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), has published the draft Humanoid Robotics Safety and Certification Framework 2024. The document outlines mandatory safety protocols, operational risk classifications, and standardized testing procedures for all humanoid robots developed, manufactured, or deployed within Indian jurisdiction. The framework aligns with international standards while addressing India-specific industrial and consumer deployment scenarios.

Key Provisions and Compliance Requirements

The draft mandates a three-tier risk classification system based on payload capacity, autonomy level, and intended operational environment. Tier 1 covers collaborative robots operating in controlled indoor settings, Tier 2 addresses semi-autonomous units in shared industrial spaces, and Tier 3 encompasses fully autonomous systems deployed in public or high-risk environments. All manufacturers must submit to third-party validation at accredited testing facilities, with certification fees structured between ₹2.5 lakh and ₹8 lakh depending on the robot’s complexity and sensor suite. The framework also requires embedded emergency stop mechanisms, real-time fault monitoring, and mandatory data localization for cloud-connected units. Testing centers will be established in Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai by Q3 2024, with remote assessment options for tier 1 deployments.

Impact on Domestic Manufacturing and Exports

Industry stakeholders have welcomed the initiative as a critical step toward standardizing India’s emerging humanoid robotics sector. The certification pathway is expected to reduce import dependency by encouraging domestic assembly and component manufacturing under the Production Linked Incentive scheme. Export-oriented firms will need to ensure dual compliance with Indian standards and target market regulations, particularly for shipments to the European Union and Southeast Asia. The government plans to finalize the guidelines by September 2024, with a six-month grace period for existing prototypes. Pricing for compliance testing is projected to remain competitive, with subsidized rates available for startups and MSMEs under the National Robotics Mission. Full implementation will coincide with updated factory safety codes and updated liability frameworks for AI-driven physical systems.