Pioneering AI-powered Robotics in India: Sanjeev Kumar, Alphadroid

In an era where artificial intelligence and robotics are redefining industries, Alphadroid, a pioneering AI-powered robotics company, stands out as a beacon of innovation and human-centric technology. Founded in 2023 by Sanjeev Kumar, Alphadroid is on a mission to revolutionize how robots integrate into everyday life. It is focused on enhancing human capabilities rather than replacing them.

The company aims to tackle critical challenges in sectors like hospitality, healthcare, retail, and beyond. In this insightful interview, Sanjeev Kumar shares his journey, the vision behind Alphadroid, and how the company is shaping the future of robotics to empower humanity while driving sustainable innovation.

Excerpts:

DQ: Alpharoid focuses on AI-powered robotics. There’s ongoing debate about whether AI and humanoid robots might replace human jobs. What is Alphadroid’s mission, and how does it aim to empower humans through AI without replacing them?

Sanjeev Kumar: That’s an excellent question. I encounter this concern often. Let me break it into two parts. First, there’s no doubt that AI and robotics will significantly impact the way we work. It’s going to transform both what we do and how we do it. Second, while it’s true that AI might replace some tasks, it will empower humans to take on bigger and better roles. At Alphadroid, we focus on enabling robots to take over what I call the “3Ds”—dry, dirty, and dangerous tasks. By automating these repetitive or hazardous jobs, humans can focus on higher-value activities, resulting in more opportunities for skilled work. This is about empowerment, not replacement.

DQ: What are the core technologies behind Alphadroid’s robots, and how do you utilize AI, ML, and autonomous systems to enable their functionality?

Sanjeev Kumar: Robotics and AI have been used in industries like logistics and manufacturing for years, mostly for back-office tasks. At Alphadroid, we’ve taken a bold step to bring robots into the front office, where they can interact with humans in meaningful ways. This includes roles like serving food, guiding navigation, helping with e-medicine, and assisting in retail by offering product recommendations. Our aim is to create robots that deliver immersive experiences while addressing functional needs. This integration of AI, ML, and autonomous systems allows our robots to learn and adapt, making them more interactive and human-friendly.

DQ: Since Alphadroid was founded in 2023, what have been your key milestones and achievements?

Sanjeev Kumar: Our initial focus was on two major areas. First, we worked on creating awareness and fostering acceptance for robotics, particularly in front-office applications. Many robots introduced in similar roles in the past failed due to the industry's lack of understanding about their value. We aimed to change this narrative by emphasizing the benefits robots bring, beyond just cost comparisons with human labor.

Second, we dedicated the first six months to experimenting and validating the technology to ensure it was both relevant and valuable. After this phase, we partnered with leading brands in hospitality, QSR (Quick Service Restaurants), retail, and healthcare. Some notable achievements include working with India’s largest retail giant and collaborating with a prominent hospital for pilot programs. These successes have given us the confidence to expand internationally to markets like the US, UK, and Saudi Arabia. This journey makes me immensely proud of what Alphadroid has accomplished so far.

DQ: Why did Alphadroid initially focus on the hospitality sector? How do you plan to tailor your robots to meet the unique needs of other industries?

Sanjeev Kumar: Hospitality was a deliberate choice because it’s an industry where customer experience is paramount. We wanted to test how well our robots could deliver empathetic, emotionally connected interactions. The hospitality sector provided the perfect environment to refine these capabilities.

Now that we’ve proven this concept, we’re ready to tackle more complex challenges in other sectors. Our goal is to integrate robotics into a larger ecosystem, solving specific industry problems while enhancing human-robot collaboration.

DQ: Could you share specific case studies or statistics that highlight Alphadroid’s impact in different sectors?

Sanjeev Kumar: Let me give you an example from the retail sector. Many brands struggle to connect with customers and convey their stories effectively. Our robots help bridge this gap by driving engagement and delivering brand messaging directly to consumers. This is particularly beneficial for brands with limited marketing budgets.

In healthcare, our robots simplify patient registration and provide instant answers to inquiries, eliminating the need for long queues. These are just some examples of how Alphadroid is using AI-powered robotics to enhance human experiences and solve real-world problems.

DQ: How does Alphadroid align its robot designs with eco-friendly practices to reduce environmental impact?

Sanjeev Kumar: Sustainability is a core focus for us. We carefully choose materials that are sustainable, reusable, and durable. Hazardous components like certain plastics are excluded from our product design. Additionally, we allocate 1% of our revenue to environmental initiatives, such as air quality improvement projects. These efforts reflect our commitment to creating products that are not only innovative but also environmentally responsible.

DQ: How does Alphadroid ensure safety and data security in its robotic systems?

Sanjeev Kumar: Safety and security are paramount. We adhere to all government regulations for physical and data safety. As we aim to expand internationally, we also comply with global standards like GDPR. Our dedicated team works continuously to ensure robust data protection measures, including segregation and limited access. This ensures that customer data is handled with the utmost care and security.

DQ: How do you perceive India’s readiness to adopt robotics and AI, given global trends?

Sanjeev Kumar: Initially, the data I encountered suggested that India was not ready for this technology. However, the last year has proven otherwise. There’s a growing acceptance and enthusiasm for robotics and AI in India. This positive and progressive mindset positions India as a market poised for exponential growth in this space.

DQ: What is your long-term vision for Alphadroid? How do you see it shaping the future of service robotics and human-robot collaboration?

Sanjeev Kumar: Our vision is to create robots that handle the “3Ds”—dry, dirty, and dangerous tasks—improving the quality of human life. For example, robots can be used for tasks like cleaning hazardous environments or working in high-risk industries like mining. By taking on these roles, robots allow humans to focus on more fulfilling, value-driven activities. Ultimately, we aim to enhance the happiness index by empowering people through technology.