From Onam beats to Ujjain streets: India’s robotics scene is tailoring humanoids to 'desi' roots

Humanoid robots used in clinical testing tracks or industrial assembly lines may be the norm, but in India, the trend has gone an extra mile. One can see these bots dancing to 'desi' beats and exhibiting their cultural prowess. Across the country, artificial intelligence and robotics are stepping out of high-tech research labs and marching straight into neighbourhood carnivals, street inaugurations, and cultural festivals. Social media is brimming with content of these tech wonders swaying to traditional folk rhythms at Kerala's Onam celebrations and cutting ribbons at food stalls in Madhya Pradesh; the nation is giving advanced robotics a uniquely desi makeover.

Though not the first, we have seen humanoids welcoming voters at polling booths before, and the list is never-ending.

A Traditional Welcome for Tomorrow’s Tech

Nothing captures this hyper-local cultural fusion better than a recent spectacle in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. When a new sandwich shop opened its doors, the chief guest wasn’t a local politician or a celebrity; it was a metallic humanoid robot.

Flanked by personal bodyguards and greeted on a bright red carpet, the robot developed by Indore-based startup Bidyut Innovation received a ceremonial welcome fit for royalty. Spectators looked on as organisers performed an aarti, applied a traditional vermilion tilak to the machine's forehead, and draped an orange traditional scarf over its chrome shoulders.

Also read: Two Chinese robots ran 100 metres faster than Usain Bolt! Then they lost to a bowl of beans

Rather than standing as a cold piece of machinery, the humanoid embraced its role as an entertainer. It was seen joining the puja rituals, cutting the ceremonial red ribbon, waving enthusiastically at cheering crowds, and breaking into a series of dance moves that instantly set social media ablaze.

Also read: Tech meets tradition: Humanoid robot welcomes voters at Tamil Nadu polling booth

Festive Beats and Modern Bytes

This blend of tradition and tech isn't an isolated incident. As Kerala celebrates the Onam festival, humanoids are stepping into cultural hubs like Kochi. One humanoid was seen grooving to festive beats, dressed by organisers as Mahabali, with a robot dog performing alongside it. Like any machine, this humanoid did not exhibit stage fright, and the crowd was thrilled to see a metallic frame perform to traditional music.

Whether it is tapping feet to festive folk songs or exchanging banter with onlookers, humanoids in India are increasingly tailored for engagement over pure task automation. They serve as mechanical brand ambassadors that capture public imagination, demystify artificial intelligence, and bring a touch of spectacle to everyday events.

The Indian Model: Tech Rooted in Culture

Despite the debates, India's approach highlights a fundamental reality of tech adoption: technology thrives when it connects with local culture. By wrapping cutting-edge robotics in familiar rituals, humour, and celebrations, Indian innovators are building an ecosystem where automation feels approachable rather than alien. As these tech marvels continue to grace our festivities, inaugurate our shops, and dance to local beats, one thing is clear: the future of robotics in India will be distinctly, unapologetically desi.