Robotic Technology, Human Experience
Our Solution
How we helped a startup launch India’s first humanoid concierge robot
The Result
A product that helped them gain Global recognition as it shared stage with PM Narendra Modi and Ivanka Trump
Services
Concept Development
Enclosure Design
Prototype Design
Product Visualization
The Story
Invento Robotics, a Bangalore-based startup, set out to reimagine the mall concierge experience with a humanoid robot. Their goal was to create a service presence that never tired, never grew impatient, and always delivered friendly, consistent guidance.
With more than 28 million people visiting malls every week in India, the opportunity was clear. Traditional concierges often struggle to manage the sheer number of questions and requests. Invento believed a humanoid robot could bridge this gap, offering an engaging experience that would also showcase India’s technological capabilities.
When they approached Bang Design, the brief was to design and engineer a robot that would be cost-effective to build, resilient in crowded public spaces, and approachable to audiences of all ages.
THE CHALLENGE
Designing a Friendly Face
The appearance of Mitra had to be inviting without being childish or overly adult. We designed a face that suggested the personality of a grown child, neutral, approachable, and universally welcoming. This balance helped Mitra avoid alienating any age group.
From body proportions to the tilt of the head and motion of the arms, every element of Mitra’s form was designed to make people feel comfortable approaching it.
THE APPROACH
Humanizing the Interaction
Mitra was designed to communicate in multiple ways. Facial gestures, arm movements, and audio prompts created a sense of responsiveness. A tablet in its chest acted as the main interface, giving users a familiar medium to interact with.
The eyes, fitted with multicolor LEDs, shifted hues in real time to reflect responses, simulating human moods. These simple but powerful design cues helped break down the hesitation that people often feel when facing a machine.
THE PROCESS
Engineering for Public Spaces
Deploying India’s first humanoid robot in a crowded mall setting demanded robust engineering.
Durability:
Contoured plastic panels over a welded armature allowed Mitra to withstand curious touches and occasional knocks.
Stability:
A large wheelbase with guiding castors ensured the robot stayed upright even when pushed.
Safety:
On-body cameras and ultrasound sensors enabled Mitra to stop automatically when people stepped close, reducing the risk of bumping into children or groups.
THE RESULT
Recognition and Impact
Mitra was built to withstand real-world interaction while staying warm and approachable. These qualities made it stand out not only as India’s first humanoid concierge but also as a symbol of the country’s growing design and engineering strength.
The robot earned global recognition when it was unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Global Entrepreneur Forum, in the presence of Ivanka Trump, Special Envoy of the US President. The launch placed Invento Robotics on the world stage and underscored the role of Indian talent in shaping the future of humanoid technology.
Within weeks of its unveiling, Mitra generated over 300 media stories worldwide and became one of the most recognized Indian technology products of its time. For Invento Robotics, it opened doors to partnerships and pilots across industries, from retail to banking and healthcare.
Looking Ahead
Mitra is more than a concierge robot. It represents a blueprint for how humanoids can integrate into daily life, bridging gaps in service, making technology more approachable, and offering businesses new ways to engage customers.
At Bang Design, this project reinforced our belief that design can humanize technology, making it not just functional but meaningful.