From factory floors to potential defence roles, India-built four-legged robots are quietly entering places humans struggle to go. But how?
While hazardous inspections still rely on humans, a Kanpur-based startup, xTerra Robotics, has developed four-legged robots for industrial and defence use in environments with limited access and unsafe conditions. Unlike imported robot dogs, the systems are designed locally for Indian conditions, with in-house control over hardware, electronics, and AI software. The company says the robots can walk on uneven terrains, climb stairs, carry tools and sensors, inspect equipment, detect leaks, and even operate switches, turning passive monitoring into active response.
The startup has deployed its Svan M2, a four-legged commercial robot, across asset-heavy industries such as power, oil and gas, and pharmaceuticals. The robot, developed entirely in India, is being used to inspect machinery, detect anomalies, and support operations in environments that are dull, dirty, or dangerous for humans.
Early adopters have reported that Svan M2 significantly reduces inspection time, lowers operational risk, and provides actionable real-time insights; capabilities that were difficult to achieve with conventional systems. A recent pilot at a pharmaceutical facility automated critical audit inspections, spill detection, gauge monitoring, and safety compliance logging across a busy factory floor.
This is the first time an Indian-made quadruped robot has been deployed commercially for industrial applications, claims the company. It bridges a gap in a market historically dominated by imported robots that are often expensive and difficult to customize.
However, despite growing interest from the defence sector, xTerra’s current customer base consists primarily of industrial and research organisations. “Defence is a key target market for us, but at this point, the Indian Army is not our customer,” said Aditya Pratap Singh Rajawat, co-founder and CEO of xTerra Robotics. “We are, nevertheless, continuously engaging with different sections of the Army to understand their operational requirements and align our development accordingly.”
While Svan M2 targets research and industrial inspection, the company is now developing a heavier quadruped for defence logistics. The upcoming robot, expected around mid-year, is planned to weigh roughly 20 kilograms and carry payloads of 15 kilograms or more, with an eventual roadmap to 50-kilogram loads for high-altitude supply runs.
As industries seek automation for safe, real-time monitoring, will India’s first commercial quadruped robot mark the beginning of a shift toward intelligent, mobile robotics on factory floors? That may depend on reliability in live operations, cost-effectiveness, and ease of integration with existing industrial workflows.
