The Synergy of AI and Robotics: Pioneering a New Era of Innovation
Introduction
We stand at the edge of a reality once confined to science fiction, a world where the very creations designed to serve us could redefine what it means to be human, rewriting the paradigm we built them in. The increasing prevalence of robotics and embodied AI systems in everyday life and cyber-physical settings draws attention to a complicated network of issues at the intersection of cybersecurity, human-to-robot trust, and robotic safety. The development of robotics cannot be perceived as a novelty or a fleeting interest area for enthusiasts, it has developed into a force that enters the area of human life that is private and has historically been reserved for human connection and care. We live in an era where countries can no longer afford to fall behind, at a time when technological prowess determines global influence. The new development currency of the 21st century is “Techno-sovereign”, meaning that one must be able to innovate as well as incorporate robotics, artificial intelligence, and other technologies.
Entering the Robotic Renaissance
The recent unveiling of the humanoid “pregnancy robot” presents the next frontier in reproductive robotics, garnering both criticism and support. Although this bold innovation holds promise, it also presents unavoidable cybersecurity, privacy, and ethical conundrums. The humanoid is being developed by Kaiwa Technology under the direction of Dr. Zhang Qifeng, who is also connected to Nanyang Technological University. As per the report of ECNS, he presented his idea for a robotic surrogate that could carry a child for a full-term pregnancy at the 2025 World Robot Conference in Beijing. While the technology is indubitably groundbreaking, it raises a lot of ethical and moral concerns as well as legal concerns, as surrogacy is banned in China.
Alongside the concerns raised by various segments of doctors, feminists who argue on the devaluation and pathologising of pregnancy, it also raises various cybersecurity concerns, keeping in mind the interpersonal and intimate nature of human connections, where robotics are now making headway. Pregnancy is inherently intimate. Our understanding of bodily autonomy is blurred when we move into the realm of machinery. From artificial amniotic fluid sensors to embryo data, every layer of this technology becomes a possible attack vector. Robots with artificial wombs are essentially IoT-powered medical systems. As per the research conducted by the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Cornell University, “our lives have been made easier by the incorporation of AI into robotics systems, but there is a significant drawback as well: these systems are susceptible to security breaches. Malicious actors may take advantage of the data, algorithms, and physical components that make up AI-Robotics systems, which can cast a debilitating impact.
The Robotic Pivot: The Market’s Greatest Disruption
The humanoid “pregnancy robot” is not the only robotic innovation planning to take the industry for a whirlwind. China is pushing the boundaries amidst the escalating trade wars. Beijing is stepping up its efforts in sectors where it has the capacity and necessity to advance before the US. China’s leaders see AI as a source of national pride, a means of enhancing its military might, and a long-standing problem of Western dominance. The proof lies in the fact that Beijing hosted the first World Humanoid Robot Games, reflecting China’s dual goals of showcasing its technological prowess as it moves closer to establishing itself as a dominant force in artificial intelligence applied to robotics and bringing people closer to machines that will eventually play a bigger role in daily life and the economy.
Despite China’s prominence, it is not the only country that sees the potential in AI-enabled robotics. Indian Space Research Organisation’s chairman V Narayanan announced that the humanoid robot Gaganyaan programme’s first uncrewed mission G1 would be launched with humanoid robot Vyommitra in December.
Conclusion
The emergence of robotics holds both great potential and significant obstacles holds both great potential and significant obstacles. Robots have the potential to revolutionise accessibility and efficiency in a variety of fields, including healthcare and space exploration, but only if human trust, ethics, and cybersecurity keep up with technological advancements. This is not a far-flung issue for India, rather, it is a pressing appeal to properly lead in a world where technological sovereignty is equivalent to world power.
References
- https://nurse.org/news/pregnancy-robot-artificial-womb-china/
- https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/chinas-2026-humanoid-robot-pregnancy-with-artificial-womb-a-revolutionary-leap-in-reproductive-technology/articleshow/123357813.cms?utm_source=chatgpt.com
- https://arxiv.org/pdf/2310.08565
- https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/apr/21/humanoid-workers-and-surveillance-buggies-embodied-ai-is-reshaping-daily-life-in-china
- https://english.elpais.com/technology/2025-08-21/china-stages-first-robot-olympics-to-showcase-its-tech-ambition.html
- https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/india/1st-non-crew-gaganyaan-mission-to-launch-in-dec-with-robot-vyommitra/
Related Blogs
Introduction
WhatsApp has become the new platform for scams, and the number of cases of WhatsApp scams is increasing daily. Just like that, a new WhatsApp scam has been started, and many WhatsApp users in India have reported receiving missed calls from unknown international numbers. Worse, one does not even have to answer the call to be scammed. A missed call is sufficient to be scammed.
Millions of populations switch from normal SMS to WhatsApp, usually, people used to get fake messages and marketing messages, but the trend of scamming has been evolving now. Most people get calls from different countries, and they are concerned about how these scammers got the numbers. WhatsApp works through VoIP networks, so no extra charges from any country exist. And about 500 million WhatsApp users are getting these scam calls, the calls are mainly on job-scams of promising part-time employment and opportunities. These types of job scam calls have been started reporting in 2023.
People reporting missed calls from countries like Ethiopia (+251), Malaysia (+60), Indonesia (+62), Vietnam (+84), etc.
The agenda of these calls are still unclear. Still, in some cases, the scammers ask for confidential information from WhatsApp users, like bank details, so the users must not reveal their personal information. Also, it is important to note that if you get any calls from a particular country, it necessarily does not mean it is from that country. Various agencies sell international numbers for WhatsApp calls.
Why has WhatsApp become a hub scam?
The generation has evolved and dumped the old SMS into WhatsApp. From school to college and offices, people use WhatsApp for their official work, as it is very easy and user-friendly, so people avoid safety measures. Generally, users need to understand the consequences of technology and use it with safeguards and awareness. Many people lose money and become victims of scams on WhatsApp as they share their confidential information. And the worse is that one does not even have to answer the call to be scammed. A missed call is sufficient to be scammed.
Before these international calls scam, the user received a call from the scam that they were from KBC, and the user won something. Then sought confidential information by the excuse that they would transfer the money to the user, and because of that user got scammed by the scammers. These scams have risen rapidly lately.
Safeguards users can use against these scam calls
WhatsApp responds to complaints regarding international calls to “block and report.”
If you have already received such calls, the best thing you can do is report and block them right away. As a result, the same number does not return to your phone, and numerous identical reports may persuade WhatsApp to delete the number entirely.
WhatsApp is also working on an update allowing users to block calls from unknown numbers on the service.
Users must modify their phone’s and app’s fundamental privacy settings to protect themselves from data breaches. The calls are directed toward app users who are actively using the app. However, by modifying the account’s appearance, a user can lessen the likelihood of being added to the scammers’ attack lists.
Limit Privacy
Begin by modifying WhatsApp’s ‘who can see’ settings. If your profile photo, last seen, and online status are visible to anybody, restrict them to persons on your contact list only. Change the About and Groups options as well.
Turn on two-factor authentication
Enabling two-factor authentication on WhatsApp adds more security to your data. In addition, the app also supports biometric protection in case of theft or loss.
Active Reporting
The users should report as soon as they see something odd or suspicious activity.
A typical question that users have is, ‘Where do the scammers acquire my phone number from?’
The answer is a little more complicated than we thought. Your data is retained on the company database from the time you sign up on a website or reveal your phone number at a store in order to take advantage of promotional offers and promotions. Due to a lack of technological infrastructure and legislation to protect personal data, a scammer can simply obtain your information.
According to Palo Alto research, India is the second most vulnerable country in the APAC region in terms of cyberattacks and data breaches. A data protection law is essential in the face of increasing calls and data breaches.
The Digital Personal Data Protection bill is set to be introduced in the parliament’s monsoon session. The bill has the potential to protect data, which will help to eliminate scams.
Conclusion
Several people had tweeted on tweeter about receiving fake calls on WhatsApp from international numbers more than once. WhatsApp encrypts calls and messages, making it difficult to track the person, and it appears that hackers are taking advantage of this to swindle customers. If you receive a WhatsApp call from any of the above ISD codes, we strongly advise you not to answer it and to block the number so the bad actors do not call you again. Report & block immediately that’s what WhatsApp has been responding to the complainants.
Introduction
Cybercrime in India is developing at a rapid rate in terms of depth and volume, with culprits leveraging technology, anonymity, and social engineering to exploit unsuspecting victims. In a high-profile instance of coordinated police action, the Delhi Police Crime Branch recently cracked a large-scale pan-India cybercrime syndicate with its arms stretching across Delhi, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. The syndicate used to be involved in a range of cybercrimes, from sextortion and online fraud to fake call centres and cloning of bank accounts. With over ₹5 crore of illicit financial transactions revealed, the operation highlights the critical role of proactive cyber policing, data security and public awareness in India's war against digital crime.
A Multi-State Operation: Crime Network across States
On May 24, 2025, on receiving a tip-off, the Delhi Police conducted a specific raid in New Ashok Nagar to catch a suspect consignment said to be used for cybercrime. This resulted in a multi-layered investigation that revealed a large crime syndicate. Police recovered 28 mobile phones, 30 SIM cards, 15 debit cards, 8 cheque books, and two laptops, equipment said to have been used in crimes ranging from sextortion to fake loan scams.
Three of the initial arrests revealed the use of fake kits like pre-activated SIMs and counterfeit documents to create phoney digital identities and bank accounts. They were being used to bypass KYC norms and make untraceable transactions, illustrating how cyber thieves exploit digital identity as well as financial authentication loopholes in the system.
Fake Call Centre Falsely Claiming to be a Lender
Tracing the leads, the investigation then led the police to Mundka, a semi-residential and industrial area in Delhi, where a fake call centre in the name of a loan assistance service was operating. Suspects were allegedly operating the business. With deceptive scripts, their telemarketing staff lured victims with the offer of instant personal loans. When a prospective victim replied favorably and was willing to go further, he was asked to send identification documents and was then forced to pay a "processing fee." Once the payment was made, the accused would cut off contact immediately, leaving the victims shortchanged.
During the raid, seven individuals were apprehended, six of whom were trained tele-callers with a reasonable level of technical skill. In spite of possessing educational certificates and receiving a meagre pay of between ₹8,000 and ₹9,000 a month, these individuals had been enticed into the cybercrime network, demonstrating how educated youth are now more commonly being exploited or recruited by such scam networks in return for quick money.
Uncovering the Sextortion Racket
The most shocking disclosure was that of a sextortion racket being run from New Ashok Nagar, a residential area located in West Delhi, New Delhi. Suspects tricked victims with fraudulent Facebook profiles, contacted them on Messenger, and then changed to WhatsApp video calls. Pornographic videos were played on such calls while the reactions of the victim were secretly recorded. These were later utilised for extortion by threatening to share them with the whole world. The ability of such a group to blackmail and psychologically manipulate the victims indicates the psychological nature of cybercrime and the need for online safety education.
Impact and Significance: A Wake-Up Call for Law Enforcement and Public Awareness
This crackdown is uncovering some ominous trends that reflect the changing face of cybercrime in India. The syndicate's framework highlights the organised and multi-state nature of cybercrime, mostly operating through systemic loopholes. Misuse of social media sites and fintech apps is also rampant, and these are being leveraged for scams, sextortion, and monetary fraud. One of the most concerning trends is young people becoming more engaged in cybercrime, either out of economic necessity or enticed by easy cash. Most of these scams increasingly involve psychological manipulation, particularly in sextortion, where shame and fear are employed as tools. Digital identity fraud has also been facilitated through false documents and lenient Know Your Customer (KYC) checks, with fraudsters being able to evade verification processes.
These observations underscore the necessity of strong reporting channels. There also needs to be an urgent implementation of stringent verification standards in the telecom and banking industries, along with extensive community-level digital literacy initiatives to sensitise citizens to online threats and preventive measures.
CyberPeace Vision: Building a Safe Digital India
India needs a multi-level cyber security approach, comprising people awareness, AI-driven detection systems, and coordination of inter-state policing. Precedence needs to be given to:
- Capacity building of cyber police units.
- Real-time exchange of scam intelligence among law enforcement.
- Schools, colleges, and workplaces should be aware of digital hygiene.
- Rehabilitation of cyber-offenders, especially youth.
- Countering online misinformation and disinformation through fact-checking and public education campaigns
- Ensuring inclusivity in cyber safety policies so vulnerable populations, including rural users, senior citizens, and linguistic minorities, are not left behind
The breakdown of the syndicate is a major victory, but the absence of difficulty with which these networks function highlights the need for cybercrime prevention initiatives, not after the fact.
Conclusion
The Delhi Police bust of a pan-India cybercrime gang is evidence of the increasing reach and audacity of cyber crooks from one corner of India to another. From sextortion and social engineering to financial fraud and identity theft on the web, the bust demonstrates how deep and pervasive cybercrime gangs have become. It is also a reminder that anyone can get entangled and that education, awareness, and early reporting are our best defence. With India's online presence expanding day by day, our collective cyber awareness must keep pace. The fight against cybercrime will not be won only by arrests, but through a national effort to secure our digital spaces.
References
- https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/delhi-police-cyber-crime-syndicate-10047218/
- https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/delhi-police-bust-pan-india-cybercrime-syndicate/article69652694.ece#:~:text=The%20Delhi%20police%20have%20dismantled,and%20an%20orchestrated%20sextortion%20racket.
- https://cybercrime.gov.in/
- https://www.ncrb.gov.in/
- https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/wealth/save/online-scams-are-on-the-rise-learn-about-the-latest-tricks-fraudsters-are-using-to-identify-frauds-and-protect-yourself/articleshow/114162295.cms?from=mdr
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Introduction
According to Statista, the global artificial intelligence software market is forecast to grow by around 126 billion US dollars by 2025. This will include a 270% increase in enterprise adoption over the past four years. The top three verticals in the Al market are BFSI (Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance), Healthcare & Life Sciences, and Retail & e-commerce. These sectors benefit from vast data generation and the critical need for advanced analytics. Al is used for fraud detection, customer service, and risk management in BFSI; diagnostics and personalised treatment plans in healthcare; and retail marketing and inventory management.
The Chairperson of the Competition Commission of India’s Chief, Smt. Ravneet Kaur raised a concern that Artificial Intelligence has the potential to aid cartelisation by automating collusive behaviour through predictive algorithms. She explained that the mere use of algorithms cannot be anti-competitive but in case the algorithms are manipulated, then that is a valid concern about competition in markets.
This blog focuses on how policymakers can balance fostering innovation and ensuring fair competition in an AI-driven economy.
What is the Risk Created by AI-driven Collusion?
AI uses predictive algorithms, and therefore, they could lead to aiding cartelisation by automating collusive behaviour. AI-driven collusion could be through:
- The use of predictive analytics to coordinate pricing strategies among competitors.
- The lack of human oversight in algorithm-induced decision-making leads to tacit collusion (competitors coordinate their actions without explicitly communicating or agreeing to do so).
AI has been raising antitrust concerns and the most recent example is the partnership between Microsoft and OpenAI, which has raised concerns among other national competition authorities regarding potential competition law issues. While it is expected that the partnership will potentially accelerate innovation, it also raises concerns about potential anticompetitive effects such as market foreclosure or the creation of barriers to entry for competitors and, therefore, has been under consideration in the German and UK courts. The problem here is in detecting and proving whether collusion is taking place.
The Role of Policy and Regulation
The uncertainties induced by AI regarding its effects on competition create the need for algorithmic transparency and accountability in mitigating the risks of AI-driven collusion. It leads to the need to build and create regulatory frameworks that mandate the disclosure of algorithmic methodologies and establish a set of clear guidelines for the development of AI and its deployment. These frameworks or guidelines should encourage an environment of collaboration between competition watchdogs and AI experts.
The global best practices and emerging trends in AI regulation already include respect for human rights, sustainability, transparency and strong risk management. The EU AI Act could serve as a model for other jurisdictions, as it outlines measures to ensure accountability and mitigate risks. The key goal is to tailor AI regulations to address perceived risks while incorporating core values such as privacy, non-discrimination, transparency, and security.
Promoting Innovation Without Stifling Competition
Policymakers need to ensure that they balance regulatory measures with innovation scope and that the two priorities do not hinder each other.
- Create adaptive and forward-thinking regulatory approaches to keep pace with technological advancements that take place at the pace of development and allow for quick adjustments in response to new AI capabilities and market behaviours.n
- Competition watchdogs need to recruit domain experts to assess competition amid rapid changes in the technology landscape. Create a multi-stakeholder approach that involves regulators, industry leaders, technologists and academia who can create inclusive and ethical AI policies.
- Businesses can be provided incentives such as recognition through certifications, grants or benefits in acknowledgement of adopting ethical AI practices.
- Launch studies such as the CCI’s market study to study the impact of AI on competition. This can lead to the creation of a driving force for sustainable growth with technological advancements.
Conclusion: AI and the Future of Competition
We must promote a multi-stakeholder approach that enhances regulatory oversight, and incentivising ethical AI practices. This is needed to strike a delicate balance that safeguards competition and drives sustainable growth. As AI continues to redefine industries, embracing collaborative, inclusive, and forward-thinking policies will be critical to building an equitable and innovative digital future.
The lawmakers and policymakers engaged in the drafting of the frameworks need to ensure that they are adaptive to change and foster innovation. It is necessary to note that fair competition and innovation are not mutually exclusive goals, they are complementary to each other. Therefore, a regulatory framework that promotes transparency, accountability, and fairness in AI deployment must be established.
References
- https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/technology/ai-has-potential-to-aid-cartelisation-fair-competition-integral-for-sustainable-growth-cci-chief/article69041922.ece
- https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/artificial-intelligence-market-74851580.html
- https://www.ey.com/en_in/insights/ai/how-to-navigate-global-trends-in-artificial-intelligence-regulation#:~:text=Six%20regulatory%20trends%20in%20Artificial%20Intelligence&text=These%20include%20respect%20for%20human,based%20approach%20to%20AI%20regulation.
- https://www.business-standard.com/industry/news/ai-has-potential-to-aid-fair-competition-for-sustainable-growth-cci-chief-124122900221_1.html
