India Launches Mandatory Safety Certification and PLI Incentives for Humanoid Robot Sector - RobotWale News

New Regulatory Framework Announced

India's Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), in collaboration with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), officially unveiled a comprehensive policy framework for humanoid robots. The new guidelines introduce mandatory safety certification protocols for all humanoid robotics systems imported or manufactured within the country, effective immediately for new product registrations. This marks the first dedicated regulatory structure targeting bipedal humanoid systems in the nation.

Safety Standards and BIS Compliance

Under the framework, humanoid robots must adhere to strict performance metrics defined by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). These standards cover mechanical safety, AI decision-making transparency, and emergency stop mechanisms. Manufacturers must pass rigorous testing at designated certification centers before market entry. Testing protocols include a three-phase evaluation: static structural integrity, dynamic motion safety in simulated industrial environments, and cognitive safety assessment where the robot's AI is tested against adversarial inputs. The policy applies to all humanoid robots exceeding 20kg weight and capable of bipedal locomotion.

India Relevance and Economic Incentives

For the Indian robotics ecosystem, the policy includes significant incentives aligned with the 'Make in India' initiative. Companies manufacturing humanoid robots domestically with BIS compliance will qualify for a 30% capital subsidy under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for advanced electronics. This move is expected to lower the cost of locally assembled units, potentially bringing the price of entry-level humanoid robots for Indian SMEs below ₹15 lakhs by fiscal year 2026. The framework also mandates a 20% local content requirement for robots sold in the public sector.

Liability and Industry Response

The policy also addresses liability in the event of malfunction, establishing a clear distinction between manufacturer liability for hardware defects and user liability for misuse. A compensation fund, financed by a nominal levy on imports, will be established to support victims in case of severe incidents. Industry stakeholders have welcomed the clarity. The Robotics and Automation Society of India (RASI) noted that the guidelines align with global best practices while supporting the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' vision. Compliance deadlines are set for Q3 2025, allowing manufacturers a transition period.