Archive · 25 Aug 2026
India’s Humanoid Robots Bring Desi Culture to Public Events
Humanoid robots are machines designed to look and move somewhat like people.
In India, some of them are appearing at festivals and shop openings.
In Ujjain, a robot helped open a sandwich shop.
People welcomed it with an aarti, a tilak, and a traditional scarf.
The robot also cut a ribbon, waved, and danced.
In Kochi, another robot dressed as Mahabali performed during Onam celebrations.
A robot dog joined the performance.
These events show how technology is being mixed with Indian traditions to entertain people and make artificial intelligence feel more familiar.
A humanoid robot from Indore-based Bidyut Innovation opened a sandwich shop in Ujjain with a ceremonial welcome.
Organisers performed an aarti, applied a vermilion tilak, and draped a traditional scarf over the robot.
The robot joined rituals, cut a ribbon, waved to spectators, and danced for the crowd.
In Kochi, a humanoid dressed as Mahabali danced to Onam music alongside a robot dog.
Indian humanoids are increasingly being used as entertainers, brand ambassadors, and public-engagement tools.
- Who
- Humanoid robots, Bidyut Innovation, event organisers, and spectators.
- What
- Robots performed cultural rituals, opened a shop, danced, and interacted with crowds.
- When
- Recently; the report does not provide a specific date.
- Where
- Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh and Kochi in Kerala, India.
- Why
- To entertain audiences, promote public engagement, support events and businesses, and make artificial intelligence more approachable.
- Ujjain event
- A humanoid robot was the chief guest at a sandwich shop opening.
- Robot developer
- The Ujjain robot was developed by Indore-based startup Bidyut Innovation.
- Ceremonial welcome
- Organisers performed an aarti, applied a vermilion tilak, and placed an orange traditional scarf on the robot.
- Robot activities
- The robot joined rituals, cut a ribbon, waved, and danced.
- Onam performance
- A humanoid dressed as Mahabali danced to festive music in Kochi.
- Additional performer
- A robot dog performed alongside the humanoid in Kochi.
- Wider role
- Humanoids are being used as entertainers and mechanical brand ambassadors at public events.