IIT Madras Launches Rs 3.30 Crore Construction Robotics Lab With Bechtel India
IIT Madras has launched a Rs 3.30 crore construction robotics laboratory in collaboration with Bechtel India. The facility will support research, technology development and industry projects in robotics and automation, while providing students and researchers with opportunities to work on emerging construction technologies.
The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has launched a state-of-the-art robotics laboratory on its campus in collaboration with Bechtel India. The Rs 3.30 crore facility will focus on robotics, automation and advanced technologies for the construction and infrastructure sectors.
The laboratory has been established with support from Bechtel India's corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative. The partnership aims to strengthen the connection between academic research and industry requirements and develop technology solutions for real-world construction challenges.
Lab to Focus on Construction Robotics
The new facility will support research and development in construction robotics, automation and advanced construction technologies. Students and researchers will be able to explore real-world projects, test technologies and conduct demonstrations using industry knowledge and expertise.
The laboratory will also support joint research, consulting and technology development. Projects emerging from the collaboration could lead to research publications, patents, prototypes and industry demonstrations.
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Students to Get Industry Exposure
The initiative is expected to provide students with practical exposure to emerging technologies and their applications in the construction sector. It will also create opportunities for students interested in deep-tech and advanced engineering careers.
As part of the partnership, Bechtel India will contribute industry perspectives to curriculum development and facilitate mentorship by industry professionals. The company will also explore internship opportunities at its offices for selected students.
The collaboration will provide technical guidance, access to relevant resources and opportunities for joint innovation activities.
IIT Madras-Bechtel India Partnership
The memorandum of understanding was signed by Prof Ashwin Mahalingam, Dean (Alumni and Corporate Relations), IIT Madras, along with IIT Madras faculty members Prof T. Asokan and Prof Koshy Varghese, who will lead the laboratory. Raja Yeluri, Managing Director of Bechtel India, and Ravi Tata, Robotics Manager at Bechtel India, also signed the agreement.
The partnership is intended to promote industry-oriented research and help develop technologies that can be tested for practical construction applications.
The new laboratory will also offer training and research opportunities for interested students, including those pursuing postgraduate programmes, and contribute to developing a skilled workforce in construction robotics and related areas.
Anjali is an education journalist with over a year of experience in digital and business journalism. She has previously worked with BW Businessworld and ANI, where she gained experience in news writing, editing, research, and fact-checking. At Jagran Josh, she writes education news and covers competitive exams and current affairs, with a keen interest in delivering accurate, informative, and reader-focused content. She holds a BA from Miranda House, University of Delhi, and a postgraduate diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC). Anjali enjoys reading and exploring new ideas and perspectives through books.
