Advancing Physical AI: India’s Strategic Roadmap for Autonomous Systems under Viksit Bharat 2047

Crucially, the conclave highlights the role of these technologies in disaster resilience. Autonomous systems and robotics are increasingly vital for navigating complex disaster sites, performing rapid search and rescue operations, and delivering essential supplies in hazardous terrain where human access is limited. By prioritizing research and indigenization in these fields, India aims to reduce its reliance on imported technologies while fostering a robust ecosystem for deep-tech startups and indigenous innovation. For policymakers and stakeholders, the focus on Physical AI underscores the necessity of creating a regulatory framework that balances rapid technological deployment with safety and security concerns. The integration of these systems into the public sphere will require interdisciplinary collaboration, robust data-sharing protocols, and a focus on ethical AI governance. ESTIC 2026 serves as the focal point for streamlining these efforts and ensuring that scientific advancements translate into tangible socio-economic benefits across the demographic and industrial landscape of the country. UPSC Relevance: This topic is highly relevant for GS Paper III under 'Science and Technology' and 'Disaster Management' themes. Aspirants can leverage this in Mains answers regarding the indigenization of technology (Atmanirbhar Bharat), the integration of AI in public governance, or the role of emerging tech in mitigating the impact of geophysical disasters.