India Releases Draft Framework for Humanoid Robot Deployment and Liability - RobotWale News

India Releases Draft Framework for Humanoid Robot Deployment and Liability

The Department of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), in collaboration with the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP), announced the release of draft guidelines for humanoid robot deployment on Wednesday. The policy aims to standardize safety protocols for autonomous machines interacting with humans in public spaces across the nation.

Under the new framework, manufacturers importing humanoid robots into India must comply with specific liability clauses. The guidelines mandate that all units deployed in public infrastructure, including metro stations, airports, and industrial zones, require third-party safety certification. This move aligns with the broader National Robotics Policy 2023, which seeks to position India as a global hub for robotics manufacturing and reduce reliance on foreign automation.

Industry stakeholders have noted that compliance costs may affect pricing. Estimated regulatory certification fees range between ₹50,000 and ₹2.5 lakh per model variant. For Indian startups, this represents a significant hurdle, though exemptions are proposed for pilot projects under the National AI Mission. Larger firms anticipate a 10% increase in operational overhead due to mandatory annual audits.

Foreign manufacturers are also required to establish local data centers within India to store operational data, adhering to the Digital Personal Data Protection Act. Analysts suggest this localization requirement could increase operational costs by 15% for foreign entities entering the Indian market, potentially impacting the final retail price of humanoid service robots.

The regulations specifically cover social robots designed for caregiving and logistics. Exemptions apply to military-grade autonomous systems, which remain under the Ministry of Defence. The draft invites public comments until the end of the month, signaling a collaborative approach between regulators and the robotics sector.

RobotWale.com has reached out to officials for clarification on the timeline for final notification. Industry bodies expect the framework to be finalized by Q3 2024, pending parliamentary review.