Many factory and defence tasks require precise, repetitive movements, often in hazardous conditions. Yet robots are still not widely used for such work, and those being trained for it typically learn one task at a time in controlled environments.
Bengaluru-based Integra Robotics is looking to address this gap. The startup builds modular robotic hardware and software that allows operators to control machines remotely and gradually automate more of their work.
Co-founder and CEO Abhit Kumar holds a degree in biomedical engineering from Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University. He met Co-founder Cameron Norris, a British national with a background in open-source hardware marketing, on a Reddit forum dedicated to open-source hardware.
Their work in open-source hardware influenced the company's approach. Kumar believed that building a scalable business required technology that would remain relevant for the next 10 to 15 years. He also wanted a configurable technology platform that could serve different customers without having to redesign the product each time.
Modular hardware and software
Integra has developed a modular hardware platform that Kumar compares to Lego, allowing the company to configure its robots for different tasks.
Its products include robotic arms with payload capacities ranging from 3 kg to 20 kg, underwater robotic arms, mobile bases that can carry up to 500 kg, and wireless robots designed for hazardous missions.
The software operates in three modes: teleoperation, where a robot follows a human operator's movements; supervised autonomy; and fully autonomous operation. Teleoperation is used for mission-critical tasks that require human involvement, while the other two modes are intended for industrial automation.
Kumar says all three software layers have been developed, while the company continues to work on autonomous manipulation models that would allow robots to operate without human intervention in hazardous industrial environments.
Integra has also been granted an Indian patent for its teleoperation system, which allows a person to control a humanoid-like robot remotely using a VR headset, body-motion tracking, and haptic gloves.
Data collected by the robots is used to improve the software. Depth cameras record the robotic arm's movements and surroundings, and the footage is divided into timestamped episodes, along with feedback on factors such as applied force and joint dexterity.
Integra uses reinforcement learning and machine learning to turn this data into simulations before loading the refined models back onto the hardware.
"Tomorrow, a robotic system deployed in one industry ecosystem can also be deployed in another without training," Kumar says.
According to Kumar, Integra has standardised roughly 50-60% of its bill of materials across defence and commercial products. The company pre-builds its systems and determines the final configuration once a customer places an order.
The robots are manufactured in Bengaluru, where Integra 3D-prints carbon-fibre components in-house. About 65% of the components are sourced locally, while the rest come mainly from the Western Hemisphere. Some components are sourced from China, with approval from the defence ecosystem.
Customers and deployments
Integra currently has six paying customers, most of them private companies and system integrators.
The startup primarily reaches government buyers through companies that already supply government agencies. These suppliers maintain an inventory of Integra's products and deliver them to government customers.
Its deployments so far include underwater robotic arms supplied to EyeROV and robots for ordnance handling and explosive disposal supplied to Anuvyom Alliance.
What's next?
Integra has raised Rs 12 crore in funding. Its seed round, led by Inflexion Point Ventures in 2024, helped fund the robotics team and develop prototypes.
The startup closed a pre-Series A round in May 2026, led by India Accelerator Fund with GrowthCap Ventures as co-lead. The funding is intended to support wider deployments and further development of its intelligence layer.
Over the next year, Integra plans to deploy nearly 50 robotic arms for industrial automation, continue its underwater robotics work, and deliver ordnance-handling systems under its existing contracts.
“The goal is to gather roughly 20,000 hours of unique operational, manipulation and environmental data, so that we can keep feeding our intelligence layer and make the systems smarter and more general purpose,” Kumar says.
Edited by Teja Lele