Image Source: The Financial Express
The AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam has been nothing short of a roller coaster. Between high-level policy discussions and the futuristic glow of over 600 startups, one story has dominated the hallways: the quest for a truly indigenous quadruped robot.
While the internet was busy debating “rebranded” imports, a quiet powerhouse from the Indian tech ecosystem, General Autonomy, stepped onto the floor to prove that India is not just consuming AI; we are building it from the cogs up.
Enter Param, the “legit” Made-in-India robot dog that is turning heads for all the right reasons.
Why Param is the Real Deal for Indian Robotics
In a world where many “innovations” are often just imported hardware with a fresh coat of paint, General Autonomy has taken a different route. Param is not just a gadget; it’s a statement of India’s growing prowess in deep-tech robotics.
Unlike the commercial models that caused a stir earlier this week, Param has been developed with a focus on indigenous engineering. For the business community and tech investors, this represents a massive shift. We are moving away from being a service-led economy to a product-led powerhouse.
Key Features of the Indigenous Robot Dog
What makes this four-legged marvel a game-changer for Business Outreach and industrial applications?
- Custom-Built Actuators: The “muscles” of the robot are engineered to handle rugged Indian terrains, from construction sites to disaster zones.
- Edge AI Integration: Param doesn’t just walk; it thinks. With real-time processing, it can navigate obstacles without needing a constant cloud connection.
- Versatile Applications: Whether it’s surveillance for security firms or logistics support in warehouses, the use cases for this AI-powered robot dog are endless.
The Controversy: Why “Made in India” Matters More Than Ever
The summit was not without its drama. Earlier, a major university was asked to vacate the premises after showcasing a Chinese-made robot as an in-house innovation. This sparked a heated national conversation about the ethics of “Make in India” branding.
However, this controversy served as the perfect backdrop for General Autonomy. By showcasing a transparent development process, they have highlighted why authentic Indian startups need our support. To rank as a global tech leader, India must prioritise original IP (Intellectual Property) over mere assembly.
The Business Impact: India’s $1 Trillion AI Ambition
The IndiaAI Mission is a cornerstone of the government’s digital strategy. With the AI Summit 2026 projecting India as a global hub, startups like General Autonomy will be the ones who actually move the needle.
For investors, the message is clear: The “Robotics-as-a-Service” (RaaS) market in India is ripe for disruption. Param is proof that the talent exists; what’s needed now is to scale such indigenous technology.
Final Thoughts: A New Dawn for Indian Deep-Tech
As the curtains draw on the AI Impact Summit, the takeaway is clear. The era of “faking it till you make it” is over. The spotlight is now firmly on those who can build, code, and manufacture locally.
Param is not just a robot; it’s a symbol of a self-reliant India. For those of us in the business world, it’s an exciting time to watch these “dogs” run straight toward a tech-driven future.
