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Addverb Bets Big on Physical AI and Robotics Expansion, CEO Sangeet Kumar Says

Indian robotics and automation firm Addverb is making a major push into advanced robotics, citing a global shift toward physical AI while asserting that humans will remain firmly in control of automated systems. Speaking in an interview, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder Sangeet Kumar outlined the company’s expansion beyond traditional warehouse automation into collaborative robots, quadrupeds, and humanoids. Kumar addressed job security concerns, regulations, and Addverb’s target to become one of the top five robotics companies in the world within the next decade.

What Happened

Founded in 2016 by former Asian Paints executives Sangeet Kumar, Prateek Jain, Satish Shukla, and Bir Singh, Addverb has grown into a major warehouse automation player serving over 350 customers across more than 25 countries. The company operates through international subsidiaries in the United States, Europe, Singapore, and Australia, with revenue split equally between domestic Indian sales and overseas markets.

Addverb reported a turnover of ₹700 crore in the previous fiscal year and entered the current fiscal year with an order book of approximately ₹1,300 crore. The firm is now planning to raise fresh capital to fund its expansion into next-generation systems, which Kumar describes as the "robots of the future."

The company operates its R&D facility, dubbed ‘Bot Valley,’ in Noida, where niche manufacturing of collaborative robots (cobots) and four-legged quadrupeds takes place. Its main manufacturing facility, the ‘Bot Verse’ factory in Greater Noida, is the world’s largest single-location facility for mobile robots, capable of producing 100,000 units annually to support up to ₹8,500 crore in revenue.

In addition to traditional warehouse solutions like mobile robots, sorting robots, Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS), and picking solutions, Addverb is broadening its portfolio. Last year, the company decided to build humanoids in both wheeled and legged versions. In February this year, Addverb launched Elixis-W at LogiMAT India—the first Made-in-India wheeled humanoid robot designed for industrial use. A legged version is currently undergoing training ahead of its planned launch.

Key Highlights

  • Coexistence and Control: CEO Sangeet Kumar states humans will remain in the loop for at least the next 20 years, rejecting dystopian depictions of robots dominating people.
  • Skill Adaptation: Kumar urges professionals to learn new concepts every five to six years to remain relevant as automation reshapes industries.
  • Financial Overview: Addverb posted ₹700 crore in revenue last fiscal year and began the current fiscal year with an order book of around ₹1,300 crore.
  • Manufacturing Scale: The ‘Bot Verse’ facility in Greater Noida can manufacture 100,000 mobile robots per year, built to support up to ₹8,500 crore in potential revenue.
  • Diversified Revenues: Retail and e-commerce, which once accounted for 90 to 95 percent of earnings, now make up 30 percent, alongside consumer goods, chemicals, petrochemicals, electronics, defence, and new energy sectors like solar modules and battery manufacturing.
  • Global Ambitions: Describing Addverb as a "David" competing against $4 billion to $5 billion global giants, Kumar targets a place among the world’s top five robotics companies within 10 years.

Why This Matters

The shift toward physical AI marks an important phase for India’s industrial ecosystem. According to Kumar, large-scale investments in solar module manufacturing and battery factories in India are accelerating demand for automation. In addition, diversification into defence, industrial surveillance, and advanced manufacturing allows domestic players to scale globally while supporting efficiency in home industries.

Addressing widespread fears regarding job loss, Kumar stated that while repetitive and physically demanding tasks will be automated, robotics will generate new employment opportunities by boosting industrial productivity. However, he emphasized that regulations must evolve rapidly alongside technological advancements and stressed the need for workers to maintain continuous learnability throughout their careers.

What to Watch Next

Addverb is preparing to raise fresh capital to accelerate its expansion into advanced robotics beyond factory and warehouse automation. Following the launch of the Elixis-W wheeled humanoid, the company’s legged humanoid is undergoing training in preparation for its upcoming official launch. Additionally, Addverb continues to build out its presence in fast-growing segments including new energy, electronics, and defence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who founded Addverb and when was it established?

Addverb was founded in 2016 by former Asian Paints executives Sangeet Kumar, Prateek Jain, Satish Shukla, and Bir Singh.

What are Addverb’s key manufacturing facilities?

Addverb operates an R&D site known as ‘Bot Valley’ in Noida for niche manufacturing, and the ‘Bot Verse’ factory in Greater Noida, which is the world’s largest single-location mobile robot manufacturing facility with an annual capacity of 100,000 units.

What is Elixis-W?

Elixis-W is the first Made-in-India wheeled humanoid robot designed for industrial use, launched by Addverb at LogiMAT India in February.

Does Addverb plan to expand its portfolio beyond warehouse automation?

Yes, Addverb is expanding into advanced robotics—including collaborative robots, quadrupeds for surveillance and defence, and both wheeled and legged humanoid robots—and plans to raise fresh capital for this growth.

Source: Information derived from an interview with PTI as reported by The Hindu Business Line.