IIT Madras develops Rs 3.30 cr construction robotics lab to enhance research, innovation

The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has inaugurated a construction robotics laboratory worth Rs 3.30 crore on campus. The state-of-the-art robotics lab has been developed to accelerate research, innovation, and industry applications in robotics and automation for the construction, procurement and infrastructure sectors.

The robotics lab was established jointly by IIT Madras and with CSR support from Bechtel India Private Limited, a global engineering, construction, procurement and project management company.

Ashwin Mahalingam, dean (alumni and corporate relations, IIT Madras), said: “Industry–academia partnerships play a pivotal role in advancing research and innovation, especially in niche domains such as robotics and automation in construction. Our partnership with Bechtel will enable IIT Madras to address industry-relevant challenges in construction robotics and automation, while creating opportunities to test, demonstrate, and take promising technologies closer to deployment.”

Also read ‘Not individual failure’: IIT Bombay students protest suicide, want director to quit, action against professor

IIT Madras, Bechtel India partner to boost academic research

The partnership between IIT Madras and Bechtel India will develop advanced technological solutions for construction use cases and strengthen the connection between academic research and industry requirements.

Raja Yeluri, managing director, Bechtel India, said: “This partnership gives IIT Madras students and faculty, and industry engineers a shared space to turn real construction challenges into automated solutions — and to build the talent our industry will need over the next several decades. We are proud to be learning alongside India's premier institution, and together, shaping the future of construction.”

The collaboration seeks to advance the adoption of robotics and automation in construction, strengthen industry-oriented research, and contribute to innovation in India’s infrastructure and engineering ecosystem.

The joint venture will also support research and development in construction robotics, automation and advanced construction technologies.

It will also provide opportunities for real-world project exploration, testing and technology demonstrations, informed by Bechtel’s engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) expertise.

Also read IIT Ropar: Faculty ‘harassment’, forced resignation, a self-argued case – how a scholar won her PhD seat back

Research opportunities for UG, PG students

Under the agreement, Bechtel India will contribute industry perspectives to curriculum development, facilitate mentorship by industry professionals, and explore internship opportunities at Bechtel offices for selected candidates.

It will also support technical guidance, access to relevant resources and joint innovation activities.

Furthermore, the lab will support joint research, consulting and technology development, leading to research publications, patents, prototypes and industry demonstrations.

It will also help students gain exposure to emerging technologies and practical applications. This could support their careers in deep-tech and advanced engineering roles.

It will provide future-ready training and research opportunities for interested students, including master’s students, and contribute to the development of a skilled workforce in construction robotics and related technologies.