Emerging Sectors for Gear Applications in India: Robotics, EVs & Automation

The industrial sectors in India are undergoing intense changes as far as the mechanical aspect of the country is concerned. All types of big and small components of machines are evolving at a rapid pace. What forces are working behind that, you ask? The answer is simple – rapid adoption of robotics, an increase in EVs (electric vehicles), and the wish to make India the hub of technology. 

Why Now?

There are many interconnected trends that are generating increasing demand for precision gears in India:

• EVs and sophisticated powertrains are becoming the future of the automotive industry, and specialised gear sets and transmission solutions must be developed.
• More industrial automation, robotics, and Industry 4.0 are being aggressively rolled out within Indian manufacturing, and demand high-quality gear systems (high precision and low backlash).
• Manufacturers are being motivated by government policies such as Make in India, import-duty schemes, localisation incentives, and supply-chain rethinking to buy more of their gear locally via local suppliers.
• The industrial gears industry globally will have a massive market potential with its uses in EV drives, automation, wind/renewables, and robotics.

It all translates to the fact that Gears Manufacturers in India have the opportunity to shift away from the manufacturing of commodities and instead concentrate on the manufacturing of specialized gear solutions of higher value.

Rising Gear Application Sectors in India

Some of the rising gear application sectors in India are:

Sector 1: Robotics & Automation

Gone are the days when robotics was considered to be something untouched. It is slowly but surely becoming a part of the manufacturing processes in India. They are widely used in automation, electronics manufacturing 

Robotics is no longer an industry niche, and its adoption in Indian manufacturing is increasing quickly. Robots are assumed to work as part of dynamic motion systems in automotive plants, electronics assembly, packaging lines, etc. These motion systems require gear sets that have high precision, low backlash, and are reliable with a compact design.

• In robotic arms and joints, gears must enable accurate motion, smooth operation, minimal vibration, and long life.
   
• Automation systems increasingly use planetary gearboxes, strain‑wave gears, and other advanced gear types to meet compactness and high torque‑density requirements.
   
• With the growth of collaborative robots (“cobots”) and smaller automation systems in India, there is a rising need for micro and precision gears from local manufacturers.
   

Sector 2: Electric Vehicles (EVs) & Automotive Drivetrain

The shift in automotive powertrains is one of the most significant gear‑market disruptors. EVs use different gearing requirements compared to internal‑combustion vehicles: reduction gear sets, high‑precision helical or planetary gears, integrated gearboxes in e‑axles, etc. In India, domestic gear manufacturers are seizing this moment.

Key observations:

• Demand for custom gear sets designed for high speed, low noise, alternate materials, and low weight is being driven largely by the EV/hybrid vehicle segment.
• Established automotive gear producers are moving into the EV gearbox space using precision grinding, honing, and finishing gear technologies.
• The localisation of components (including gears) for EVs is becoming increasingly relevant in India in order to reduce supply-chain risk and achieve cost/lead-time goals.

How Gear Suppliers Can Leverage This:

• Develop expertise in EV gearing requirements, e.g., reduction drives, helical/planetary gear sets, and high‑efficiency gearboxes.
   
• Focus on material selection (lightweight alloys, treated steels), noise/vibration reduction, and durability.
   
• Collaborate with automotive OEMs and tier‑1 suppliers on gear modules rather than just loose gears — this adds value and differentiation.
   

Sector 3: Industrial Automation & Manufacturing Equipment

Beyond robotics, the modernisation of manufacturing in India is beginning to adopt automation: CNC machines, packaging machines, conveyor systems, material-handling robotics, AGVs (automated guided vehicles), and others. Each of these processes required gears. These parts must be precise, operate through cycles reliably, and be designed for scalability. 

Additional factors:

• Automation systems usually require gears that have TTL (time-to-maintenance), performance consistency for continuous cycles, and the ability to perform in various environments. 
• As manufacturers continue to develop 24/7 capabilities, lead-time, serviceability, and replacement options will allow a manufacturer's ability to be a competitive advantage.
• Indian manufacturing is also increasingly orienting toward lighter, smaller, energy‑efficient machines – this drives demand for compact gear solutions with high torque‑density.

What Does it Mean for Your Business?

It will have a great impact on your business. It will:

• Offer gear variants suited for automation: planetary, bevel, worm, micro‑gear sets, and modular gearboxes.
   
• Emphasise shorter lead times, local support, design‑for‑manufacture, and maintenance offerings.
   

Why Does Domestic Gear Supply Matter in Robotics, EVs & Automation?

Domestic gear supply matters in robotics, EVs & automation because of the following factors:

• Shorter lead times & response: Local suppliers are better positioned to manage design changes, urgent prototypes, and short-run production.
• Quality & support: For accuracy and precision applications (robots, EVs), quality is paramount, and local engineers can work closely and respond fast.
• Cost savings & efficiency: Though imports of gears may initially seem more affordable, costs can take their toll in shipping, duties, inventory, quality misses, and downtime. Bringing custom parts locally reduces these risks.
• Localisation forces: The government and OEMs are now pushing for “Make in India” to reduce imports and provide better control over the supply chain.
• Innovation & customisation: Penchant for bespoke gears is growing in emerging sectors, & local manufacturers can iterate faster and offer bespoke designs.

Key Challenges & How to Prepare for the Emerging Sectors?

Every new development in technology goes through challenges. 

• Technology and Accuracy: Robotics, electric vehicles, and next-generation automation will require tighter tolerances in gear design, even more complex assemblies with multiple parts, and might require different materials for gears. The opportunity for improvement is to invest in better, modern machining and quality systems in the shop (e.g., new manufacturing processes, DIN class compliance, grinding, and honing).
• Skills Gap: The precision gear industry and supply chain must have a trained workforce, a rigorous inspection system, and process control. 
• Competitive Environment/Cost Pressures: Domestic suppliers of gears are obligated to manage global competition while supporting cost, capacity, delivery, and quality in a reliable manner. 

Conclusion

The intersection of robotics, EVs, and automation is creating a new platform of demand for precision gears in India. In this landscape, domestic gear firms have a compelling advantage: proximity, customisation capability, local servicing, and alignment with national manufacturing initiatives. As the Gears of India’s industrial future turn, those who supply the components for that motion are in a prime position to capture value. If you are looking for the best quality gears from trusted gear suppliers, Swadeshi- trusted gear manufacturer in Faridabad, is the perfect choice.