Bharat Forge Signs MoU with Germany’s Agile Robots for AI-Driven Robotics and Automation
Sat Jan 10 2026
Bharat Forge, India’s leading manufacturing and engineering conglomerate, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Germany-based Agile Robots SE to explore a strategic collaboration in AI-driven robotics and intelligent industrial automation.
The Indo-German partnership will focus exclusively on civilian manufacturing applications, spanning sectors such as automotive, healthcare, consumer electronics, industrial CPG, and logistics. Both companies clarified that the collaboration will remain strictly non-defence in nature.
Joint Development of Intelligent Automation Solutions
Under the MoU, Bharat Forge and Agile Robots will:
- Co-develop advanced AI-powered robotics and automation solutions
- Build local manufacturing and engineering capabilities
- Deliver customised automation systems tailored for factory environments
A key objective is to adapt Agile Robots’ existing AI-led automation technologies for the Indian and Southeast Asian markets, helping manufacturers improve productivity, consistency, and operational efficiency.
Vision- and AI-Based Robotics for “Dark Factories”
One of the most significant elements of the partnership is the focus on vision- and AI-based robotics capable of enabling fully autonomous or “dark” factories — manufacturing environments that operate with minimal human intervention.
Agile Robots will act as a strategic technology partner, enabling:
- End-to-end automation of production systems
- Higher precision and flexibility in manufacturing
- Scalable, data-driven factory operations
This aligns with global trends where manufacturers are increasingly deploying AI and robotics to overcome labour shortages and improve quality control.
Leadership Commentary
Amit Kalyani, Vice Chairman and Joint Managing Director of Bharat Forge, said:
“This strategic collaboration with Agile Robots reinforces Bharat Forge’s ambition to deliver state-of-the-art intelligent robotic and automation solutions across industries. Manufacturing in India is on a steep growth trajectory, and with Agile Robots, we are excited to deploy bespoke, modular, and intelligent automation solutions across multiple sectors.”
Rory Sexton, Executive Director at Agile Robots, added:
“By partnering with Bharat Forge, Agile Robots is deepening its presence in India’s rapidly growing manufacturing sector. Combining our AI-driven robotic automation expertise with Bharat Forge’s industrial experience will help improve the efficiency and precision of entire production systems.”
About the Companies
Bharat Forge
Headquartered in Pune, Bharat Forge is a global, technology-driven manufacturer of safety-critical components and solutions across automotive, power, oil & gas, construction, mining, rail, marine, aerospace, and defence sectors. The company operates manufacturing facilities across five countries and offers end-to-end capabilities from design and engineering to testing and validation.
Agile Robots
Founded in Munich in 2018 by researchers from the German Aerospace Center, Agile Robots develops next-generation automation systems combining artificial intelligence and robotics. The company employs over 2,500 people across Germany, the US, China, and India, and operates one of the world’s largest AI-robotics R&D teams. Its subsidiaries include audeering, BÄR Automation, Franka Robotics, and IdealWorks.
Why This Matters
As India accelerates its push toward smart manufacturing and Industry 4.0, partnerships like Bharat Forge–Agile Robots highlight how global AI expertise is converging with Indian industrial scale.
By focusing on civilian automation, AI-led robotics, and dark factory capabilities, the collaboration could play a key role in improving manufacturing competitiveness, productivity, and global export readiness — supporting India’s ambition to become a next-generation manufacturing powerhouse.
Sat Jan 10 2026
