The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has inaugurated a ₹3.30-crore state-of-the-art robotics laboratory on its campus to accelerate research, innovation and industry applications in robotics and automation for the construction and infrastructure sectors.
The laboratory has been established with CSR support from Bechtel India Pvt Ltd, part of the global Bechtel Group and a company specialising in engineering, construction, procurement and project management.
Industry-academia collaboration
The collaboration between IIT Madras and Bechtel India is aimed at developing advanced technological solutions for construction use cases while strengthening the link between academic research and industry requirements.
The MoU was signed by IIT Madras, Dean (Alumni and Corporate Relations), Prof. Ashwin Mahalingam, faculty members Prof. T. Asokan and Prof. Koshy Varghese, who will lead the laboratory, along with Bechtel India Pvt Ltd, Managing Director, Raja Yeluri (YP) and Bechtel India, Robotics Manager, Ravi Tata.
The inauguration was attended by senior representatives from Bechtel, IIT Madras faculty, staff and students, as well as members of Bechtel’s leadership and project teams.
Focus on construction robotics
IIT Madras, Dean (Alumni and Corporate Relations), Prof. Ashwin Mahalingam said industry-academia partnerships are important for advancing research and innovation in specialised areas 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,” he said.
Bechtel India, Managing Director, Raja Yeluri said the laboratory would provide IIT Madras students, faculty and industry engineers with a shared space to develop automated solutions to real-world construction challenges.
Real-world technology exploration
The partnership will 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, drawing on Bechtel’s engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) expertise.
Bechtel India will contribute industry perspectives to curriculum development, facilitate mentorship by industry professionals and explore internship opportunities at its offices for selected candidates.
The collaboration will also provide technical guidance and access to relevant resources, besides supporting joint innovation activities.
Research, prototypes and talent development
The laboratory is expected to facilitate joint research, consulting and technology development, with potential outcomes including research publications, patents, prototypes and industry demonstrations.
It will also expose students to emerging robotics technologies and their practical applications, supporting career opportunities in deep-tech and advanced engineering.
The initiative is envisioned as a long-term collaboration, with the potential to support industry-relevant projects and applications over the next five to ten years.
The laboratory will provide research and training opportunities for students, including master’s students, while contributing to the development of a skilled workforce in construction robotics and related technologies.