GMR Innovex Launches Robotics CoE for Airports

2023-04-13

Committed to developing cutting- edge solutions, GMR Group recently launched the Robotics Centre of Excellence (CoE) as part of the expansion of GMR Innovex. Chief Guest Mr Jayesh Ranjan, Principal Secretary of the Industries & Commerce (I&C) and Information Technology (IT) Departments of the Telangana Government, Mrs. Rama Devi Lanka, Director, Emerging Technologies, Govt of Telangana, Mr. SGK Kishore - Executive Director - South Airports and Chief Innovation Officer, GMR Group, Mr. Hari Panicker - CEO-Business Integration-Airports (Business Chairman Office) GMR Group, Mr. Pradeep Panicker CEO, GHIAL and Mr. GRK Babu - CFO, GMR Group graced the occasion.

The GMR Innovex- Robotics Centre of Excellence (COE) will serve as a hub for innovation, research and development and collaboration in the field of robotics. The Robotics COE will identify and incubate startups working in the field of robotics and co-develop innovative robotic products for the airport and aviation eco-system. It will drive innovation and provide necessary infrastructure, a specially designed robotic lab to the robotic startups, drive thought leadership and collaboration with industry partners, leverage expertise and invest in potential startups.

Speaking of the Telangana Government initiative in supporting the robotics eco system, Mr Jayesh Ranjan, Principal Secretary of the Industries & Commerce (I&C) and Information Technology (IT) Departments of the Telangana Government said, “ With the ever- evolving technology solutions, robotics technology around the world has attracted various industries like never before. With the thriving robotics eco- system, the government has taken several initiatives towards developing the thriving robotics technology by providing a platform for the startups, industry players and other potential entities working in the robotics and automation space. The government hopes to attract more investment, experts and innovation in this space. This technology can be aligned in various spheres of activities: business facilitation, infrastructure support, research and innovation and talent development. GMR Innovex will be leading in the utilization of this emerging technology and will be a key tech hub in the state.

Speaking about the initiative Mr SGK Kishore-Executive Director-South Airports and Chief Innovation Officer said, “As the airport and aviation eco-system continues to grow, our Robotics COE will transform the industry with its cutting edge technology and solutions that would enhance efficiency, safety and sustainability. We hope to leverage this new technology across the group that will not only enhance the business operation but also deliver a phenomenal passenger and customer experience. We are excited to partner with industry players that would help to drive transformative change in the aviation industry and develop a better future for all.”

GMR Innovex signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Peppermint, SINE IIT Bombay, and Flo Mobility to explore opportunities and identify robotic technology- related use cases for airports and ancillary businesses. With a focus on developing solutions that are efficient, cost- efficient and cost- effective, the Robotics COE will be the driving force behind the next wave of robotic innovation.