Zoho Acquires Asimov Robotics, Expands AI R&D in Kerala

Zoho Corporation has announced the acquisition of Asimov Robotics, a pioneering Kochi-based startup renowned for developing humanoid, healthcare, and industrial robots. The acquisition, unveiled on July 2, aligns with Zoho’s strategic focus on expanding its research and development (R&D) footprint in India, particularly in the domains of artificial intelligence (AI) and deep-tech innovation.

Founded in 2012 by Jayakrishnan T, Asimov Robotics has gained national recognition for its contributions to robotics, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, where its robots were deployed in hospitals. The startup has also collaborated with multiple institutions on robotics research and deployment, solidifying its position as a leader in the field.

The acquisition of Asimov Robotics is a significant step for Zoho, which aims to strengthen its capabilities in AI, robotics, and deep-tech innovation. The company’s new R&D campus, located in Kottarakkara, Kerala, will serve as a hub for cutting-edge research and development, with a focus on building local capabilities and fostering technological self-reliance in India.

Shailesh Davey, co-founder and CEO of Zoho Corp, emphasized the importance of the new campus: “This campus will strengthen our R&D capabilities, starting with AI and robotics. We will also collaborate with like-minded deep-tech organizations to amplify our efforts.”

Zoho’s commitment to innovation extends beyond the acquisition and the new campus. The company has partnered with the Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) to co-develop a “deep-tech product studio,” enabling startups and researchers to work on frontier technologies. Zoho will offer mentorship and collaborate with participants on real-world applications, furthering the goal of nurturing innovation from rural India.

In addition to the KSUM partnership, Zoho has announced R&D collaborations with several other organizations, including Boson Motors, Vipus Advanced Materials, vTitan, Zentron Labs, Verdant Telemetry & Antenna Systems, Netrasemi, Energy 24by7, and IIT-Bombay. These collaborations cover a wide range of areas, such as clean energy, semiconductors, healthcare tech, and advanced materials, underscoring Zoho’s commitment to multidisciplinary innovation.

The inauguration of the Kottarakkara campus was attended by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Zoho co-founder Sridhar Vembu, US CEO Tony Thomas, and several ministers. The event marked a significant milestone in Zoho’s journey to become a leader in AI and robotics, while also contributing to India’s technological advancement.

Zoho’s acquisition of Asimov Robotics and the establishment of the new R&D campus in Kerala highlight the company’s dedication to driving innovation and fostering a robust ecosystem for AI and robotics in India.