MeitY Launches Public Consultation on Humanoid Robot Safety and Employment Policy - RobotWale News

Government Seeks Input on Humanoid Robot Safety Framework

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has officially initiated a public consultation process regarding the proposed National Robotics Policy. This draft framework specifically targets the deployment of humanoid robots within India's manufacturing and service sectors. Announced on Tuesday, the consultation aims to establish safety standards, liability frameworks, and employment regulations for automated humanoid systems. Industry stakeholders were invited to submit feedback by the end of the month regarding the technical specifications and ethical guidelines outlined in the draft.

Impact on Domestic Manufacturing and Pricing

Key provisions include mandatory safety certifications for all humanoid units exceeding 100 kilograms in weight before commercial deployment. The policy also addresses the integration of AI-driven decision-making modules with human oversight mechanisms to prevent operational hazards. For Indian manufacturers, the guidelines suggest a compliance cost that could affect the final pricing of domestic humanoid robots. Experts estimate that adherence to these safety protocols might increase production costs by approximately 15 percent initially. However, the government has pledged subsidies under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme to offset these expenses for local innovators.

RobotWale understands that major domestic players, including startups in Bangalore and Pune, are already aligning their R&D roadmaps with these anticipated regulations. The framework also proposes a dedicated regulatory body to oversee the integration of humanoid robots in public spaces. This move aligns with the broader India AI Mission strategy to foster responsible technological advancement while protecting citizen welfare. Stakeholders are expected to engage in structured dialogues with the Ministry before the draft is finalized for parliamentary review. The consultation period is designed to allow manufacturers to adapt their supply chains to meet the new compliance requirements without disrupting current production targets.

Furthermore, the policy draft outlines specific pricing caps for government procurement of humanoid robots to ensure affordability in the public sector. This provision aims to support the Make in India initiative by ensuring domestic systems remain competitive against imported alternatives. The regulatory body will also monitor the impact on the workforce, proposing reskilling programs for workers displaced by automation. The Ministry expects to release the final draft policy by the end of the next quarter based on the feedback received during this consultation phase.