As India grapples with a skilled labor shortage in construction, robotics is emerging as a game-changer. From automated bricklaying to AI-powered drones, these technologies are enhancing efficiency, safety, and sustainability. In an exclusive interview, Harsh Pareek, Regional Sales Director, India & SAARC, Trimble Solutions, discusses how robotics is transforming workflows, overcoming adoption challenges, and shaping the future of India’s booming construction sector.
TimesTech: How are robotics helping address labour shortages in the Indian construction industry, and what impact have you observed on overall project efficiency?
Harsh: In the face of India’s construction skilled labour crunch, robotics is no longer a futuristic concept- it’s the present-day solution transforming how we build. By automating repetitive and labour-intensive tasks, robotics addresses workforce shortages while setting new benchmarks for efficiency and precision.
Take, for instance, robotic bricklayers capable of laying thousands of bricks daily with pinpoint accuracy or drones that survey vast terrains and conduct structural inspections in mere hours. These technologies are revolutionising workflows that once relied heavily on manual labour, reducing dependencies and eliminating delays. Tasks like concrete pouring, welding, and even 3D printing of building components are now being executed faster and safer with robotic systems, directly boosting project efficiency. Additionally, LiDAR-equipped drones are now capable of surveying extensive construction sites and conducting structural inspections in a matter of hours, providing real-time insights and enhancing decision-making throughout the project lifecycle.
The impact of robotics extends beyond mere speed improvements. By ensuring consistent quality and minimizing errors, these systems enable construction teams to undertake more complex projects without significant cost escalations. The integration of robotics with advanced digital tools such as Building Information Modeling (BIM) and cloud-based management platforms is further streamlining processes and fostering seamless collaboration among project stakeholders.
This synergy between robotics and digital technology is not just bridging the crucial labour gap- it’s elevating India’s construction industry to a global standard, enabling it to deliver ambitious infrastructure projects faster, safer, and more sustainably than ever before.
TimesTech: In what ways do robotic technologies contribute to safer and more sustainable construction practices? Could you share specific examples?
Harsh: Robotics is reshaping construction by making safety and sustainability integral to the building process. By replacing manual labour in hazardous conditions and introducing precision-driven automation, robotic technologies are reducing risks and environmental impact simultaneously.
For example, robots are employed for demolition tasks in unsafe environments, minimizing human exposure to dangers. Drones equipped with advanced imaging technology are revolutionizing inspections, enabling project teams to monitor progress and detect structural issues without putting workers in harm’s way. These innovations are creating safer construction sites while ensuring projects remain on schedule.
On the sustainability front, robotic precision is key. For example, 3D printing ensures that only the necessary quantity of material is used, avoiding waste. Trimble’s precise measurement tools ensure that construction is completed correctly in the initial stage, reducing errors and rework. Construction is becoming safer for both the environment and workers by integrating robotics with advanced planning.
These innovations represent a fundamental shift in the industry, prioritizing worker safety and environmental responsibility while improving overall efficiency and quality in construction projects.
TimesTech: What are the main challenges Indian construction firms face when integrating robotics into traditional workflows, and how are they overcoming these obstacles?
Harsh: Indian construction firms face several key challenges when integrating robotics into traditional workflows. The most significant barriers include high initial costs, lack of skilled labour, resistance to change, and interoperability issues with existing systems.
The high upfront investment required for robotic technologies often deters adoption, especially for smaller firms. To address this, some companies are exploring leasing options or phased implementation approaches. The shortage of workers skilled in operating and maintaining robotic systems presents another hurdle.
In response, firms are investing in training programs and partnering with educational institutions to develop the necessary expertise. Many are also starting small by adopting specific technologies, like robotic surveying tools or automated bricklaying machines, which deliver quick returns on investment. Training programs and collaborations with technology providers, like Trimble, are helping narrow the skills gap, ensuring workers can effectively use and maintain new systems. Gradually, the benefits of robotics, such as faster completion of projects, improved safety, and reduced costs, become clear. The industry is finding it easier to adapt and scale these solutions across projects.
TimesTech: How does the adoption of robotics in the Indian construction sector compare with global trends, and what unique opportunities or challenges do you see in the Indian context?
Harsh: Although robotics adoption in the Indian construction industry is progressively expanding, it still lags behind international trends. Higher labour costs and more advanced technology have led to the widespread use of robotics in developed markets for tasks like 3D printing, automated machinery, and on-site monitoring.
However, the availability of inexpensive labour and the high upfront costs of robotics have held back the Indian construction sector from adopting these technologies as quickly. However, India’s construction industry is poised for significant growth, with the sector expected to reach $1.4 trillion by 2025.[1] This presents a unique opportunity for the adoption of robotics and automation technologies. The Indian government’s “Make in India” initiative and the push for smart infrastructure are driving factors that could accelerate the integration of robotics in construction.
India’s particular situation offers both possibilities and difficulties. On the one hand, there is a huge market for robotics due to the magnitude of infrastructure projects and the rate of urbanisation. Drones and automated survey tools are two examples of technologies that may considerably improve project efficiency and minimise labour shortages.
On the other hand, challenges such as limited digital literacy among workers and the need for localized solutions tailored to India’s diverse construction landscape must be addressed. This gap is being filled in part by government support for innovation and partnerships with international technology leaders like Trimble, which allow the Indian construction industry to meet its own needs while keeping up with global trends.
TimesTech: What advancements in robotics technology do you foresee having the greatest impact on the Indian construction industry over the next 5–10 years?
Harsh: Advanced autonomous robots equipped with sophisticated 3D scanning technologies are poised to revolutionise the Indian construction industry in the next 5–10 years, driving efficiency, safety, and sustainability. The growing availability of 3D printing in the construction industry is one major advancement. This technology will enable the rapid and cost-effective building of homes and infrastructure, reducing material waste and project timelines. Artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced imaging drones will be essential for surveying and tracking large-scale projects, providing real-time insights and enhancing project management.
The combination of AI and robotics for automated machinery is a further important advancement. By combining AI-powered deep neural networks with autonomous robotics, construction firms can dramatically enhance data analysis capabilities, automate repetitive tasks, and significantly improve project management efficiency. This technological convergence promises to reduce labour costs while simultaneously elevating safety standards and operational precision. Furthermore, Cloud-based robotic solutions will likely emerge as a critical enabler of technological adoption. These platforms will facilitate the seamless integration of robotic technologies with existing workflows, allowing construction firms to more easily scale and implement advanced automation. As India continues its ambitious infrastructure development, such technologies will be instrumental in driving digital transformation, improving productivity, and positioning the construction sector for sustainable growth in an increasingly technology-driven global marketplace.
