From Fixed Systems to Flexible Intelligence: CXO Roundtable Redefines Adaptive Manufacturing

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The session explores how vision-guided robotics and asset-readiness are replacing rigid automation to meet the demands of high-mix, modern manufacturing.

February 2026 : As the automotive landscape shifts toward high-product mixes and volatile market demands, the industry’s brightest minds gathered virtually for the Mowito Presents CXO Roundtable. Hosted by ProMFG Media, the "Think Turf" session explored a critical transition: moving from rigid, fixed automation to the era of "Flexible Intelligence."

The discussion, moderated by Manish Kulkarni, brought together leaders from Advik Hi-Tech, Carraro India, Eaton, and Antolin India to dissect the challenges of scaling automation in a high-mix, low-volume environment.

A central theme of the evening was the necessity of agility. Bhushan Badgujar, from Advik Hi-Tech, delivered a powerful perspective on the shifting priorities of modern plants. "The cost of rigidity now is much, much higher than the cost of flexibility. Because you cannot have quick and flexible adoption, you will not be in the part of the game. The factories that we'll be in the next decade are not the most automated, but they are the most adaptable and intelligent."

While traditional KPIs like Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) remain vital, participants emphasized that automation must serve broader strategic goals. Anand Prasanth of Antolin India highlighted the importance of lead time reduction and Value Stream Mapping, while Nirmal Nayak of Eaton stressed the need for "asset monitoring utilization" and workforce competency before jumping into complex software.

Nilesh Hajare of Carraro India urged a fundamental shift in design thinking, suggesting that "manufacturing feasibility or validation of the drawing can be done during the process of designing itself" to reduce time-to-market.”

Closing the loop, Aditya from Mowito showcased how vision-guided robotics are solving real-world assembly challenges-including a pilot with Maruti Suzuki for car chassis inspection. By moving away from rigid jigs and fixtures toward smarter, camera-integrated cobots, Mowito is putting "power back in the hands" of manufacturers.

As the session concluded, the consensus was clear: the future of Indian manufacturing won't be won by the largest machines, but by the smartest systems.

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