MOBA has recently added a fully automatic pick and place line in India

MOBA has recently added a fully automatic pick and place line in India
SAMIP DESAI
Director, MOBA Mobile Automation


What products or solutions are you showcasing at this edition of bauma CONEXPO INDIA 2024? What is your focus during the exhibition

Smart and Digital Solutions: We would showcase of latest developments in IOT and Telematics which helps construction companies in controlling pilferage of fuel during dispensing as well as during normal consumption, we have RFID based dispensing solutions as well as latest telematics devices with 4G with optional CANbus and RPM monitoring to know more about the work done by the company’s assets.

We will showcase our latest development in generating automated reports from machines like Diesel Gensets which is one of the main pain points for our customers due to its relatively high fuel consumption and without any analytical data it becomes difficult for companies to optimise their Genset fleets.

Road Construction and Compaction Equipment: MOBA will be showcasing the latest generation of levelling system which is know as the SUPER SKI, its advance version of the most commonly used BIGSKI or the multiplexing averaging beam.  The new generation offers illuminated work spare for safety and ease of handling and needs minimal cabling for long term stability.

MOBA will also showcase Paving process monitoring which logs the batch details and temperature of each and every load carried by the trucks and dumped to the paver along with precise temperature at various points on the paver with sub-meter accuracy for better documentation and future reference.

This will also reduce number of people on the jobsite and prevent any manual error or manipulation of data submitted to the head office.

Focus on Safety and Workforce Development: We are showcasing some cameras, overload monitoring and onboard weighing systems which improves the overall safety of operators on site.

 

How has the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme influenced your company’s investment plans and production capacity?

MOBA has recently added a fully automatic pick and place line in India, this state-of-the-art line would help us in reducing the delivery times and will help us control the cost fluctuations associated with importing goods.

The incentive schemes at state level have helped us in this project.

Do you believe the PLI Scheme is effectively enhancing India’s competitiveness in the global construction and mining equipment and allied product’s market? What specific support or incentives do you think would further accelerate growth in this segment?

The scheme would help in India’s focus on becoming a cost-competitive hub for heavy machinery has made global manufacturers increasingly rely on Indian facilities for exports.

Through PLI, companies are adopting smart manufacturing, automation, and Industry 4.0 technologies, which are vital for producing high-precision, durable, and efficient equipment.

Investments in electric and hybrid construction equipment (like electric loaders and hybrid excavators) are positioning India as a sustainable equipment manufacturer.

The scheme’s focus on incremental revenue incentivizes companies to export more, leveraging India’s relatively lower production costs.

Indian firms are now entering competitive markets in Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East with competitively priced and high-quality products.

Recommendations for Accelerating Growth in India’s CME Segment:

  Enhanced Incentives for R&D and Sustainability

  Focus on Export Infrastructure

  Financial Support for SMEs

  Supply Chain Development

  Workforce Upskilling

 

How do you foresee the PLI Scheme impacting the industry in the next 3–5 years,  particularly in areas like localisation, export potential, and employment generation?

Localization: Building a Self-Reliant Ecosystem:

Deeper Localization of Supply Chains: Domestic production of key components like engines, electronics, and specialized steel will scale up, creating a robust local supply chain for CME manufacturers.

India could emerge as a supplier of components to global markets, further boosting competitiveness.

Development of Innovation Hubs: R&D centres focusing on indigenous innovations, such as fuel-efficient engines, automation technologies, and electric equipment, will drive cost-effective and region-specific solutions.

Reduced Import Dependency: A shift from imported components to locally produced ones will reduce costs, mitigate supply chain disruptions, and enhance India’s manufacturing resilience.

Export Potential: Strengthening India’s Global Footprint

Doubling of Export Volumes: With enhanced manufacturing capabilities, Indian CME manufacturers will expand their presence in emerging markets.

Government trade agreements and export-focused incentives under the PLI scheme could unlock access to new regions like Latin America and Eastern Europe.

Competitive Edge in Electric and Sustainable Equipment: Companies focusing on green technologies, such as electric loaders, hybrid excavators, and autonomous mining vehicles, will gain traction in developed markets with stringent environmental regulations (e.g., EU, USA).

Positioning India as an Export Hub: India could emerge as a global hub for affordable, high-quality CME products by leveraging its cost advantages and scaling up its advanced manufacturing capabilities.

Employment Generation: Creating Jobs Across the Value Chain

Direct Employment Growth: Expansion of manufacturing facilities will create jobs in production, quality assurance, and assembly lines.

Increased local sourcing of raw materials and components will spur employment in allied industries such as steel, electronics, and precision engineering.

Upskilling and Indirect Job Creation: The adoption of advanced technologies (e.g., IoT, AI, and robotics) will lead to the creation of high-skill jobs in areas like equipment programming, telematics, and data analytics.

Training programs supported by government and industry partnerships will ensure a steady pipeline of skilled workers.

Multiplier Effect in the MSME Ecosystem: As large manufacturers expand, they will rely on micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) for parts and services, generating indirect employment opportunities.

Regional Development and Job Creation: The establishment of CME manufacturing hubs in regions like South India (Tamil Nadu, Karnataka) and Western India (Gujarat, Maharashtra) will drive local economic growth and create jobs in rural and semi-urban areas.