Kiaan Robotics Unveils Astra-1 for Indian Industrial Sector - RobotWale News

Kiaan Robotics Unveils Astra-1 for Indian Industrial Sector

On November 12, 2025, Bengaluru-based robotics startup Kiaan Robotics officially launched Astra-1, a 1.5-meter tall, fully electric humanoid robot engineered for warehouse logistics and light manufacturing. The launch marks a significant step in India’s push toward indigenous humanoid automation, with the company targeting small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across the country.

Technical Specifications and Indigenous Development

Astra-1 features 34 degrees of freedom, a custom-designed torque-controlled joint system, and a 50 kg payload capacity. The robot integrates a dual-camera vision suite, LiDAR navigation, and a modular gripper that can be swapped for different industrial tasks. Powered by a 48V lithium-ion battery, Astra-1 operates for up to eight hours on a single charge and supports both autonomous and teleoperated modes. The hardware and software were developed in-house over 18 months, with foundational research conducted in partnership with the Indian Institute of Technology Madras.

Market Positioning and Pricing

Kiaan Robotics has priced Astra-1 at ₹18,00,000 (approximately $21,500), positioning it as one of the most affordable humanoid robots in the global market. The company emphasizes that the lower cost is achieved through localized supply chains, in-house actuator manufacturing, and open-source middleware adaptations. Initial production will take place at Kiaan’s facility in Hosur, Tamil Nadu, with plans to scale output to 500 units annually by mid-2026. Early adopters include several e-commerce fulfillment centers and automotive component suppliers in Maharashtra and Karnataka.

Industry Impact and Future Roadmap

The release of Astra-1 aligns with India’s National Robotics Mission objectives, which aim to reduce dependency on imported automation hardware. Kiaan Robotics has also announced a training program for Indian engineers, offering certified courses in humanoid robot maintenance and programming. The startup plans to release a second generation, Astra-2, in late 2026 with enhanced dexterity and AI-driven task planning. Industry analysts note that localized humanoid manufacturing could accelerate automation adoption across India’s labor-intensive sectors.