- Pune's ARAPL makes a big leap into America
- Ranked among the top 13 robotics companies in the world
- Access to the $150 billion US market
Pune : Pune-based Affordable Robotic and Automation Limited (ARAPL), a subsidiary of India's first listed robotics company, has achieved great success globally. ARAPL RaaS Private Limited (Humro) has received conditional approval from the US Department of War (DoW). The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced the approval on October 30, 2026. This achievement makes Humro one of the top 13 robotics companies in the world to get the approval, making it the only Indian company to get this approval.
The approval covers V1, V3 and V4 models of the company's Maia2000 automatic pallet trucks along with V1, V2 and V4 models of Atlas AC2000 automatic forklifts. These products are conditionally exempt from restrictions under the FCC's Covered List.
The company estimates that the US automated material handling market is worth around $150 billion. The approval gives Humro the opportunity to expand its business in the US as well as participate in a potential government procurement process. However, compliance with the Buy American Act and other regulatory requirements will be required.
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Robinson Phillips, co-founder and CEO of Humro, called the approval a recognition of the company's technological capabilities. The company plans to start production in the US in a phased manner over the next two years, and is also looking for local partners. Meanwhile, according to Melind Padole, founder of ARAPL Group, the company is developing next-generation robots based on Vision-Language-Action models and Reinforcement Learning technology. This technology will enable robots to understand instructions, make decisions based on situations and learn from experience. ARAPL's success is considered significant for the Indian robotics industry in the wake of increasing automation in the warehouse, industrial manufacturing and logistics sectors.
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