In a significant move towards bolstering the competitiveness of India’s Capital Goods Sector, the Ministry of Heavy Industries has established four Smart Advanced Manufacturing and Rapid Transformation Hub (SAMARTH) Centres. These centres, operating under the Scheme for “Enhancement of Competitiveness in the Indian Capital Goods Sector,” aim to empower Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) by providing assistance in workforce training and fostering awareness about Industry 4.0 technologies.
SAMARTH Centres, strategically located across Pune, Delhi, and Bengaluru, are playing a key role in revolutionizing the manufacturing landscape. The four key centers are the Centre for Industry 4.0 (C4i4) Lab in Pune, IITD-AIA Foundation for Smart Manufacturing at IIT Delhi, I-4.0 India @ IISc in Bengaluru, and Smart Manufacturing Demo & Development Cell at CMTI in Bengaluru.
Among the notable achievements of these SAMARTH Centers, the C4i4 Lab in Pune and CMTI Bengaluru stand out for their contributions. C4i4 Lab has successfully developed an Industry 4.0 solutions-enabled Model Factory, providing a tangible demonstration of the transformative power of these technologies. Meanwhile, CMTI Bengaluru has established a production-based Smart Factory, exemplifying the practical applications of Industry 4.0 in real-world manufacturing scenarios.
SAMARTH Centers, collectively, have compiled over 50 use-cases of Industry 4.0 solutions to provide comprehensive implementation support. The development of the industry 4.0 Maturity Model (I4MM) by C4i4, specific to Indian manufacturing companies, represents a pioneering effort. To date, more than 200 factories have undergone assessments using this model, contributing to the overall readiness and maturity of the Indian manufacturing sector for Industry 4.0 adoption.
C4i4 Lab in Pune has taken a proactive approach by launching a “Free Online Assessment Tool” for MSMEs. This tool allows businesses to conduct self-assessments, gauging their maturity levels in the industry 4.0 journey. Such initiatives aim to accelerate the adoption of Industry 4.0 by providing MSMEs with valuable insights into their current standing and areas for improvement.
I-4.0 India @ IISc, Bengaluru, has been instrumental in developing six Smart Technologies, five Smart Tools, and 14 solutions. These innovations contribute to the ongoing evolution of the manufacturing sector towards greater efficiency, connectivity, and automation.
IIT Delhi has played a key role in nurturing talent through its internship programs. Offering 82 summer internships in 2021 and 61 in 2022, the institution has been actively fostering a pool of skilled professionals in the field of smart manufacturing and Industry 4.0.
CMTI Bengaluru has emerged as a hub for training, having successfully trained approximately 5000 professionals on Smart Manufacturing and Industry 4.0. This effort signifies a commitment to building a knowledgeable and skilled workforce capable of driving the future of manufacturing in India.
SAMARTH Centers are not only focusing on technological advancements but are also deeply committed to knowledge dissemination and skill development. In their mission to assist MSMEs, the centers have adopted various approaches:
Organizing Seminars/Workshops and Knowledge Sharing Events
SAMARTH Centers regularly conduct seminars, workshops, and knowledge-sharing events dedicated to Industry 4.0. These events provide a platform for MSMEs to gain insights into the latest technologies, industry trends, and best practices. The interactive nature of these sessions facilitates direct engagement with experts, fostering a collaborative learning environment.
Training Industries for Awareness
Recognizing the importance of awareness, the centers actively engage in training sessions aimed at enlightening industries, especially MSMEs, about the transformative potential of Industry 4.0. These sessions cover a spectrum of topics, ranging from smart manufacturing principles to the integration of IoT, data analytics, and automation in the manufacturing process.
Providing Consultancy and Incubation Support
SAMARTH Centers offer consultancy services in critical areas such as IoT hardware, software development, and data analytics. This consultancy support serves as a guiding light for MSMEs, assisting them in navigating the complex landscape of Industry 4.0 technologies. Additionally, the provision of incubation support to startups, including MSMEs, showcases a commitment to nurturing innovation and fostering the growth of emerging businesses.
SAMARTH Centers have emerged as catalysts for change, driving the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies in the Indian manufacturing sector. Through their multifaceted approach, including technological advancements, talent development, and knowledge dissemination, these centers are actively shaping the future of MSMEs and the overall manufacturing landscape in India. The concerted efforts of the Ministry of Heavy Industries and these centers underscore a commitment to enhancing the competitiveness of the Indian Capital Goods Sector in the global arena. As Industry 4.0 continues to evolve, SAMARTH Centers stand as beacons guiding MSMEs towards a future characterized by innovation, efficiency, and sustainable growth.