Shriram Properties is using robots to tackle a severe construction labour shortage in Tamil Nadu and north India. The firm uses robots for painting to improve speed and quality. "While we are using robots in a small way, there are a lot of start-ups coming with great technologies," said Murali Malayappan.
Shriram Properties is turning to robots developed by Indian start-ups to tackle an acute shortage of construction labour, with the company saying availability was "practically zero" in some parts of Tamil Nadu and north India.
The Chennai-based Shriram Properties is using robots for painting and is exploring robotic solutions for tiling as it looks to increase construction and sales volumes. The move is aimed at reducing dependence on manual labour while improving construction speed and finish quality.
Other large real estate developers said they are yet to use robots.
"While we are using robots in a small way, there are a lot of start-ups coming with great technologies to help in reducing dependence on skilled labour while improving construction timelines and finish quality," said Murali Malayappan, Chairman and Managing Director, Shriram Properties.
The company has a pipeline of 41 projects with an aggregate development potential of around 34 million sq ft (msf), including 16 msf of ongoing projects.
Malayappan said automation could become increasingly important as the company scales up. Although robots require higher upfront capital expenditure, the economics become more viable when the equipment is deployed across multiple projects and the investment is recovered over a longer period.
This could give larger developers an advantage over smaller players, who may find it difficult to absorb the initial cost of robotic equipment.
The push towards automation comes against the backdrop of rising construction costs. Shriram Properties has estimated an 8-10 per cent increase in construction costs, particularly following the Iran and West Asia conflict. While steel and cement prices have remained relatively controlled, costs of lifts, CP fittings, sanitary fittings and tiles have increased, Malayappan said.
The labour shortage is prompting other developers to look at technology-led alternatives as well. Officials at large and small real estate companies said they were yet to deploy construction robots, but acknowledged that worsening labour availability could force developers to consider greater automation.
Start-ups are increasingly trying to fill this gap. Dhinesh Babu, Founder and CEO, Vividobots Private Limited, a Chennai-based construction robotics start-up, said demand was particularly emerging for robots used in plastering, both for interiors and exteriors.
"Some of the large real estate developers are ready to deploy the robots," he said. The company estimates that its technology could reduce labour requirements by 60-70 per cent compared with traditional methods, while the cost could be around 30-50 per cent, depending on the project. Its robot is currently in the pilot phase, he added.
Industry bodies are also beginning to explore the technology. The CREDAI Chennai Youth Wing is planning a visit to China later this year to study construction robotisation and identify technologies that could be deployed in the Indian construction industry.
"There have been requests from members for something like this as they feel the labour shortage is getting worse by the day," a CREDAI Chennai spokesperson said.