IIT Madras opens ₹3.3 crore lab to advance robotics in construction

IIT Madras has inaugurated a ₹3.30-crore robotics laboratory on its campus to accelerate research and practical applications of robotics and automation in construction and infrastructure projects.

Established with support from Bechtel India, the laboratory will provide students and researchers with a dedicated space to develop, test and demonstrate technologies designed to address real-world construction challenges.

The facility is aimed at bringing academic research closer to the needs of the construction industry, with work expected to span construction robotics, automation and other advanced technologies used in modern infrastructure projects.

The collaboration between IIT Madras and Bechtel India will also bring industry expertise into research and academic programmes. Bechtel professionals will provide mentorship to students and researchers, while the company will contribute industry inputs to research and curriculum development.

The laboratory will serve as a testing ground for prototypes and emerging technologies, allowing researchers to assess their potential in practical construction settings. Projects developed through the facility could lead to research publications, patents, technology demonstrations and industry applications.

For students, the lab is expected to offer opportunities to move beyond classroom learning and gain hands-on experience with robotics and automation technologies used in construction and infrastructure. Selected students may also receive internship opportunities at Bechtel offices.

The partnership will further provide technical guidance, access to relevant industry resources and opportunities for joint research and innovation projects. The facility is also expected to support advanced training and research, including work by master’s students.

The laboratory will be led by IIT Madras faculty members T Asokan and Koshy Varghese. The institute and Bechtel India have formalised the collaboration through a memorandum of understanding (MoU).

The two organisations intend to develop the partnership as a long-term collaboration, with a focus on industry-oriented projects and applications over the next five to 10 years.

The initiative comes as robotics and automation are increasingly being explored to improve efficiency, safety and precision in construction. By bringing researchers, students and industry professionals together under one facility, IIT Madras aims to create a platform where emerging technologies can move from laboratory research towards practical construction applications.