AI and robotics to strengthen India's warehousing and cold-chain sectors

Pankaj Kumar, Joint Secretary of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), stated that artificial intelligence, robotics, and automation are poised to transform India’s warehousing and cold-chain sectors.

Beyond improving operational efficiency, these technologies are expected to enhance supply chain resilience during crises such as natural disasters, floods, or geopolitical conflicts. By integrating geographic and disaster-related data, AI can predict regional resource requirements, ensuring the availability of essential goods.

Kumar highlighted that AI-driven systems could prevent the resource shortages seen during the COVID-19 pandemic. The technology is particularly critical for the cold-chain sector, which manages high-value items like medicines, vaccines, and medicinal plants.