Lokmat News Network
Raj Patil
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar region’s industries have turned to artificial intelligence, transforming production lines, slashing timelines and rewriting the rules of doing business.
As the city witnesses investments surpassing Rs 1 lakh crore, artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as the next major frontier for Marathwada’s industrial landscape. Across MIDC areas, nearly 60 per cent of industries have begun adopting AI in various capacities, signalling a quiet yet significant transformation on the shop floor and beyond. Upcoming industrial giants such as Toyota and JSW Green Mobility are also expected to follow suit. Advay Wadgaonkar, founder of Chai Labs AI firm, said most industries in the region are actively exploring AI integration. He added that discussions with the collector’s office and traffic police are already underway.
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Current state of AI in the region
The city is stepping into the AI era, though largely at a foundational level. Most industries in the pilot or experimental stage, testing automation and data tools, with large-scale adoption still awaited.
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AI boosts output by 40%
“The integration of AI across our software development and manufacturing has led to a 30-40% rise in production efficiency. AI-driven early problem detection has reduced errors, enhanced accuracy, and sharply cut timelines tasks that once took a full day are now completed within an hour. AI has also streamlined our translation, documentation, and monitoring systems, positioning us among early global adopters at scale.“
- Sameer Kelkar, CEO, Grind Master
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AI powers our growth
“We’ve installed AI cameras on our industry floor with excellent results. On the sales front, AI helps us identify our target audience with precision, expanding market reach and improving marketing efficiency by 30 per cent. What would have taken years of conventional effort has been achieved in a fraction of the time that is the true power of AI.“
- Govind Goyal, Executive Director, Kalika Steels
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AI is now a business necessity, not a choice
“AI is no longer a future advantage but a business necessity. Industries dependent on instinct and legacy systems will fall behind. The question is not whether to adopt AI, but whether Marathwada's businesses can afford to ignore it.”
- Anand Mahurkar, CEO of Findability Sciences
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Key AI applications in Industry
Predictive maintenance: Real-time equipment health tracking
Virtual assistance: Automated chat and support
Scenario modelling: Risk and strategy simulation
Market intelligence: Trend and competitor analysis