In the ever-evolving landscape of automation & robotics, one company has consistently pushed the boundaries of innovation, while making history on the Indian stock exchange – Affordable Robotic & Automation Private Ltd (ARAPL). To start with, it began as a bold vision in 2005 by Milind Padole, an entrepreneur with an eye for technological disruption, has today transformed into a powerhouse of automation, redefining the very fabric of industrial robotics in India and beyond. From its humble beginnings in Pune to establishing a global footprint, the company has steadily climbed the ranks to become a dominant force in robotics and automation. With industries increasingly leaning towards smart automation and intelligent manufacturing, ARAPL has emerged as a leader, bridging the gap between human ingenuity and machine efficiency.
“At ARAPL, we do not just build automation solutions; we engineer possibilities,” explains Padole, MD, ARAPL. “Our goal is to revolutionise industries by making robotics smarter, more efficient and accessible to all”. Padole’s rise to prominence is not just a story of financial success, but a testament to how Indian ingenuity can compete on the world stage.
At a time when automation was considered a luxury, accessible only to global giants, ARAPL broke through traditional barriers, proving that innovation and affordability could go hand in hand. Listed on the National Stock Exchange (NSE), its average market cap rose to about $100 million during the pre-volatile days.
Innovation and growth
“True leadership in automation is not just about adopting new technology – it’s about envisioning the future and creating solutions that shape it,” adds Padole. Today, ARAPL boasts of a formidable presence across India, the US, China and several other Asian markets, driving advancements in industrial automation. At the heart of ARAPL’s success is its state-of-the-art 350,000 sq ft manufacturing facility, which serves as a hub of innovation and excellence. With a team of over 400 highly skilled professionals, the company has successfully installed more than 7,000 industrial robots and over 10,000 automated car parking systems, enhancing efficiency and operational precision across industries.
From its humble beginnings in robotic welding lines, ARAPL has continuously evolved to offer a diverse portfolio of automation solutions. Its expertise spans industrial assembly lines, robotic inspection stations, pick-and-place systems, gantry robots, and warehouse automation – each designed to optimise productivity and reduce human intervention. By integrating artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML) and deep learning into its robotic solutions, ARAPL has set new benchmarks in smart automation.
ARAPL’s intellectual property (IP) portfolio includes nine patents and three proprietary software systems. The company made history as the first robotics specialist in India to be listed on the stock exchange, marking a milestone in the country’s automation industry. Its journey to the public markets began in 2018, when it debuted on the BSE SME Exchange with an initial public offering (IPO) priced at Rs85 per share. What followed was ARAPL’s market capitalisation skyrocketing to over Rs850 crore, delivering an extraordinary 900 per cent return in just six years.
This growth not only underscored the company’s financial strength but also paved the way for its migration to the NSE main board. The move further reinforced investor confidence in ARAPL’s long-term vision, positioning it among the elite automation and robotics firms in India.
A key force behind ARAPL’s expansion has been renowned investor Vijay Kedia, whose support since the company’s IPO has played a crucial role in its ascent. His continued reinvestment in ARAPL and its fast-growing subsidiary, ARAPL RaaS (Robotics-as-a-Service), signals a deep-seated belief in the company’s innovation-driven future.
ARAPL has strategically expanded its global footprint through high-impact collaborations too, enhancing its presence in international markets. By leveraging its alliances, the company has been able to push the boundaries of automation, integrating cutting-edge technologies that redefine efficiency and precision across industries.
A defining moment in ARAPL’s journey was the launch of its subsidiary, ARAPL RaaS, which is set to revolutionise warehouse automation. Under the leadership of Robinson Philipose, co-founder & CEO, ARAPL RaaS, the company has introduced autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), powered by an advanced proprietary chip/ controller called i-ware. This cutting-edge technology integrates AI, optimisation algorithms, navigation and swarm robotics, to enhance warehouse efficiency.
According to Philipose, automation is not about replacing humans; it’s about empowering them. “At ARAPL RaaS, we are redefining industries by making robotics accessible, scalable and intelligent,” he explains. “All our robots, from factory to port to warehouse, are equipped with modular controllers and software that can be deployed flexibly. This ensures that our solutions remain scalable, cost-effective and ahead of market trends”.
With ARAPL’s expansion into the US and Europe, the company is poised to establish a strong presence in autonomous logistics and port automation. “The next industrial revolution will be led by those who can integrate AI, robotics and human ingenuity,” points out Philipose. “At ARAPL RaaS, we are driving that transformation every day”.
With ambitious global expansion plans, the company is making significant inroads into North America and Europe. The company aims to scale its production to deliver over 500 machines to international markets in the coming year. “We are on a mission to democratise automation, making cutting-edge robotics available to every manufacturer, regardless of size or industry,” remarks Philipose. “Our technology team, led by experts like Charles Griffith, former VP, Amazon, and Puneet Tiwari, a pioneer in Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR) development, is ensuring that our solutions remain ahead of the curve. We are focussing on regulatory compliance, ease of installation, and seamless adoption to maximise client value. We are not just building robots; we are building the future of smart manufacturing. Robotics-as-a-Service is the key to making automation seamless, affordable, and future-proof”.
Meanwhile, the company has clocked a revenue of Rs160.68 crore in 2024-25 – up 7 per cent over Rs150.18 crore in 2023-24. The EBIDTA stood at Rs14.39 crore in 2024-25 – up 12 per cent, when compared to where it stood in 2023-24 and translating into an EBIDTA margin of 9 per cent. Its standalone PAT stood at Rs5.99 crore for 2024-25. The performance was delivered despite challenges, including higher input costs and a fledgling economy in Q4 2024-25. The company had built a healthy order pipeline of Rs80 crore by Q1 2025-26, owing to the increasing demand for intelligent automation offerings across automotive, warehousing and smart parking verticals across India.
For its autonomous mobility subsidiary, ARAPL RaaS, 2024-25 was highlighted in terms of executing proof of concept (PoC) trials with more than 10 clients and securing favourable payback agreements with, say, 17 customers. By June 2025, the company had already shipped 30 robots to the US, marking its commitment to make its mark in a globally competitive market space. At the consolidated level, ARAPL RaaS reported a planned loss of Rs17.64 crore, aligned with the strategic deployment of funds raised in the previous round. These investments were primarily directed toward sustaining and accelerating our expansion in the US market, with a focus on high-impact pre-sales initiatives – such as PoC demonstrations – and key talent acquisition and retention efforts. The company plans to commence its European expansion upon reaching significant revenue milestones of $10-20 million in the US market.
The road ahead
As ARAPL charts its course for the future, it remains deeply committed to innovation, global expansion and strategic acquisitions. With a clear and ambitious roadmap, ARAPL is poised to revolutionise industrial automation by scaling its warehouse automation services, advancing its research and development (R&D) capabilities and solidifying its footprint in key international markets.
“Our goal is to be at the forefront of industrial automation and warehouse robotics,” concludes Padole. “We are building a future, where robotics will not only transform industries but also unlock new possibilities for businesses across the globe. “With the rise of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and robotics, the world is witnessing an era of unprecedented technological transformation. ARAPL stands at the intersection of this revolution, pioneering solutions that enhance efficiency, optimise operations and drive productivity across industries. By continuously pushing the boundaries of automation, the company is not just responding to industry demands, but actively shaping the future of smart manufacturing and intelligent warehousing. ARAPL is set to lead the next wave of the robotics revolution on a global scale.