Bharat Kaushal, the Executive Chairman of Hitachi India, recently spoke at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. He stressed the importance of technology in dealing with global challenges and shaping the future of infrastructure and manufacturing. With 90 years of experience in India, Hitachi is crucial in developing both physical and digital infrastructure.
Kaushal noted that the relevance of Davos has surged due to ongoing global disruptions. He remarked, “A lot of it, by technology or thanks to technology, is also progressive. At the same time, there is a lot of uncertainty as well.” The last 15 years have seen India transform into a hub for competitive solutions, driven by improvements in implementation and quality.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics are at the heart of Hitachi’s new business strategies. Kaushal explained that AI is now a present reality, fundamentally changing how businesses operate within their supply chains. He said, “If I’m looking at energy as a service, or mobility as a service, I need to envision where I’m heading.” He believes targeted investments and partnerships could help achieve greater outcomes in these sectors.
Hitachi’s influence is particularly significant in India’s energy and rail sectors, which Kaushal labeled as key political priorities. He highlighted that Hitachi powers nine out of ten metro cars in India and manages a substantial amount of high-voltage direct current lines. “The energy sector is no longer just about power; it’s become an energy horizontal impacting all areas, including sustainability and renewable resources,” he added.
Modernizing Indian Railways is a top focus, with AI playing a vital role in monitoring and maintenance. With the Indian government’s ambitious investments—around $50 billion in railways and $40 billion in energy—there is an opportunity to deploy advanced AI to reduce losses and optimize expenses. Kaushal pointed out that AI can provide useful predictions based on data from limited operations, enhancing efficiency across the board.
Looking ahead, the Hitachi board remains strongly committed to the Indian market. Kaushal mentioned that after budget approvals in April, the company will outline its plans for 2030 and 2035. Currently, Hitachi’s Indian operations generate billions in revenue, with many initiatives supporting worldwide markets.
Experts in the tech sector note that such advancements are part of a larger trend. According to a report from McKinsey, investments in AI could increase GDP by 1.2% annually, highlighting the vast potential of these technologies in transforming economies.
This ongoing journey signals a profound shift in how industries operate, aligning with global trends in tech adoption and sustainability. As major players like Hitachi invest heavily in innovation, the potential for growth and positive change becomes ever more apparent.
Source link
metro, New Delhi, Kaushal, Switzerland, India, Indian, Hitachi, Bharat Kaushal, Davos, Artificial Intelligence, Hitachi India, Executive, Railway
