The Young & Dynamic Robotic & Simulation Expert
Dinesh Jhakal
Head - Robotics & Simulation,
Chropynska India
Within just 15 years of his professional journey, Dinesh Jhakal has carved a niche for himself in the robotics and simulation industry. He has deep expertise in industrial robotic engineering and a demonstrated history of working in the automotive industry. A strong engineering afficionado, Dinesh is highly skilled in KUKA, Fanuc, and Nachi robot programming, pneumatics and vacuum, jigs and fixtures, and different BIW applications.
TradeFlock interviewed this head of robotics & simulation at Chropynska India to understand his unique skills and expertise in robotic automation, the challenges he faces, and his advice for young professionals.Â
In which domains do you see the biggest impact for robotics & automation in the coming years?
The manufacturing industry is already investing heavily in industrial robotics and automation to increase efficiency and reduce costs. This trend is expected to continue, with robots taking over repetitive and hazardous tasks previously performed by humans. Additionally, robotics and automation can further be efficiently utilised in healthcare, supply chain, warehouses, and agriculture, amongst others. They have potential to transform the healthcare industry by improving diagnosis, treatment, and surgery. Robots can assist in performing surgeries with greater accuracy and a less invasive procedure. They can also be used to monitor patients and deliver medication.
How are you planning to embrace the newest innovations in your industry? Brief us about the potential challenges and how you are gearing up for them.
Today is tomorrow’s yesterday—technology never stops. It is growing exponentially. Staying current with technology is a big challenge. One must keep a close eye on emerging technologies. Today, life is too fast. We don’t have much time in our daily routine. Time management is the key. One must invest, especially in terms of time, to keep oneself updated with technology.
What are different types of robotic automation?
Generally, whenever we hear about robots, humanoids come to mind. But they’re just one of the types of robotic automation. Robotic automation is becoming a big part of today’s industry, whether it be the manufacturing sector, IT sector, automotive sector, medical industry, or supply chain industry. Even for domestic use, now a days, we have home automation. We just give a voice command, ‘Alexa, turn on the light’ and the job is done; there is no need to get up and switch on the light manually. Head – Robotics & Simulation, Chropynska India The Young & Dynamic Robotic & Simulation Expert Value people, talk to those who have done it. But at the same time, never be complacent—continuous improvement must go on. 10 Best Leaders from AI in India 2023 22 In the IT sector, we have RPA (Robotic Process Automation). Just like people, software robots do things like understand what’s on a screen, complete the right keystrokes, navigate systems, identify and extract data, and perform a wide range of defined actions. Similarly, in automotive and manufacturing sectors, we have industrial robots and PLCs to automate the production system. Robots are doing most of the jobs like welding, sealing, painting, assembly, etc. in automotive plants. If compared to people, robots are doing their job much faster and more consistently, without asking for a coffee break or so.
What aspects of technology and innovation get you excited? What brought you here?
In today’s era, we are surrounded by technologies. Personally, I like to work with industrial automation, which consists of control systems, PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), industrial robots, and information technology to handle industrial processes and machinery, replacing manual labour and improving efficiency, speed, quality, and performance. Further, now we have the Industry 5.0 revolution, which makes people work together with robots & smart machines leveraging advanced technologies such as big data analytics, the IoT (Internet of Things), and several others. Robots are integrated to work with humans, helping to get the job done. It will revolutionise manufacturing systems worldwide by preventing repetitive tasks from being performed by human workers. This means that the robots are not replacing humans, rather complementing their capabilities, and relieving them of strenuous tasks.
What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve ever been given? What advice would you give?
During one of my projects at Tesla Motors Inc., I’ve witnessed Elon Musk in action. He was not only attending board meetings with top management but also interacting with project team members on the shop floor and considering their improvement suggestions. That was a live demo of business advice for me: “People are the principal success factor; value them and be open to suggestions.” Secondly, while working with TATA, I’ve experienced “people-first culture”. If you value people, they’ll feel honoured & add more value to their job and ultimately to your business. My advice would be similar too, “Value people, talk to those who have done it. But at the same time, never be complacent—continuous improvement must go on.”
Kindly shed some light on the most significant project you have undertaken and what are your biggest learnings from it.
I was fortunate enough to get the opportunity to work with some big automotive players like Tesla, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, Skoda Auto, Honda, Maruti Suzuki, TATA Motors, and others. During these projects, I worked in different geographic locations like North America, Europe, the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific Region. Different technologies are being used in different automotives. With every project, there are always new opportunities to learn. Japanese companies majorly focus on optimum cost, light weight and fast execution. On the other hand, European companies prioritise the strength and safety of their products. Other than technical, they also made me learn different working cultures across the globe.