Business Remedies | Rajshree Upadhyaya | June 1,2025 | To enrich human life, Prateek Tirodkar and Ashish Patil launched a startup and established a unique identity through PNT Robotics. These two young engineers from Navi Mumbai decided to step beyond tradition and do something different. At the young age of 24, they co-founded PNT Robotics and Automation Solutions, a startup aimed at integrating artificial intelligence, robotics, IoT, and machine learning into solutions that are not only automated but also enrich human lives. Their goal was to build machines that could think, speak, and interact like humans.
Their journey was not easy. Despite having limited funds and no attention from major investors, they bootstrapped the company. Within just six months of launching in 2021, their efforts bore fruit. A turnover of Rs. 1.5 crore brought them recognition and a new wave of confidence. What sets their venture apart is not just the technology but also the intent behind it.
PNT Robotics also fulfills a social mission
At the core of their innovation is Ado, a humanoid robot designed to operate in real-world environments. Equipped with facial recognition, speech detection, multilingual capabilities, autonomous navigation, and a screen for interaction, Ado can guide, assist, and even converse with people. Whether delivering medicines in hospitals, disinfecting surfaces, providing entertainment and information in malls, or assisting travelers at airports across language barriers, Ado is more than just a machine, it’s a bridge between humans and the digital world.
Priced at Rs. 6 lakh, the robot also includes a built-in advertising feature, making it a dynamic asset in commercial spaces. Beyond its products, PNT Robotics also pursues a social mission. Both founders are passionate about education and have been conducting robotics workshops and training programs in schools and colleges. They believe that exposing young minds to robotics early not only sparks curiosity but also shapes future innovators. This blend of commercial robotics with grassroots education gives the startup a unique identity, one that values both innovation and impact.
Recognition through exposure from Shark Tank
A significant turning point for PNT Robotics came when the founders appeared on Shark Tank India Season 1. Standing before experienced investors like Anupam Mittal, Namita Thapar, Aman Gupta, Ashneer Grover, and Peyush Bansal, they pitched their venture, asking for Rs. 50 lakh for 4% equity.
While some sharks expressed concerns about scalability and capital requirements and declined to invest, Peyush Bansal recognized the product and the passion behind it. He offered Rs. 25 lakh for 25% equity and Rs. 25 lakh as a loan, an offer they accepted, marking a major milestone in their journey. The exposure from Shark Tank brought them recognition, incoming orders, and allowed the company to expand its team and infrastructure.
Ado robots began to appear in hospitals, airports, and public places. Their educational reach also grew, with more institutions inviting PNT Robotics to conduct training sessions. The startup’s growth remained steady, and by 2023, it had reached a net worth of nearly Rs. 1 crore, with each founder building a personal net worth of around Rs. 75 lakh.
Solving real-world problems
PNT Robotics is solving real-world problems by bringing automation to environments that benefit from safety, efficiency, and intelligent interaction. Whether it’s delivering medication in hospitals or enabling human-like communication in retail settings, their solutions are designed for impact.
In a market often filled with flashy but impractical technology, PNT Robotics stands out by offering grounded, purposeful innovation. Today, as they continue to build, educate, and inspire, Prateek and Ashish remain driven by the same philosophy they started with. Their journey is not just about machines, but about people, purpose, and a future where engineering is as empathetic as it is smart.
Written & Edited By:
Rajshree Upadhyaya
