IIT Madras opens Rs 3.30 crore construction‑robotics lab with Bechtel India

UPDATE - follow-up to IIT Madras launches Rs 3.3 crore construction robotics lab with Bechtel India: IIT Madras has inaugurated a Rs 3.30 crore robotics laboratory on its campus to advance robotics, automation and construction technology. The lab is set up with support from Bechtel India and will focus on robotics and automation for construction and infrastructure projects. It offers a dedicated space where researchers and students can develop and test technologies for construction tasks. Bechtel will provide industry inputs, mentorship from its professionals and may offer internships to selected students. The institute and Bechtel have signed an MoU to guide research, curriculum development and joint innovation projects. Professors T. Asokan and Koshy Varghese will lead the laboratory. The partnership is planned as a long‑term collaboration lasting five to ten years. The facility aims to produce prototypes, research papers, patents and industry demonstrations. It also seeks to give master’s students hands‑on exposure to construction‑related robotics beyond classroom learning.