4 hrs ago
Shriram Properties Deploys Robots Amid Construction Labour Shortage
Some construction companies in India are finding it hard to hire enough workers.
Shriram Properties is using robots to paint buildings.
It is also looking at robots that could help put down tiles.
The company says workers are extremely difficult to find in some areas.
Robots may help projects finish faster and have a more consistent finish.
However, robots cost a lot of money to buy at first.
Bigger developers may be better able to afford them because they can use the robots on many projects.
Other developers have not yet started using construction robots.
Indian start-ups and an industry group are studying whether more robots could help.
Shriram Properties is using painting robots and exploring robotic tiling solutions to reduce reliance on manual labour.
The company said construction labour availability was “practically zero” in some parts of Tamil Nadu and north India.
Shriram Properties has 41 projects with development potential of about 34 million square feet, including 16 million square feet under way.
Robots involve higher upfront costs but may become more economical when used across multiple projects and over longer periods.
Construction costs are estimated to have risen 8–10%, while Indian start-ups and CREDAI Chennai are exploring further automation.
- Who
- Shriram Properties, Indian construction-robotics start-ups, other real estate developers and CREDAI Chennai Youth Wing.
- What
- Shriram Properties is deploying robots for painting and examining robotic solutions for tiling amid a severe construction labour shortage.
- Where
- The reported labour shortages are in parts of Tamil Nadu and north India; Shriram Properties is based in Chennai.
- When
- The report was published on October 2, 2026; CREDAI Chennai Youth Wing plans to visit China later in the year.
- Why
- The company wants to reduce dependence on manual labour, improve construction speed and finish quality, and support higher construction and sales volumes.
Automation proponents
Cost-conscious developers
Reducing labour dependence
Automation proponents
Shriram Properties and robotics start-ups say robots can address worsening labour shortages and reduce the need for skilled manual workers.
Cost-conscious developers
Most other large and small developers said they have not yet deployed construction robots, indicating that adoption remains limited.
Financial viability
Automation proponents
Robots may become economically viable when deployed across multiple projects and used over a longer period, while potentially improving speed and finish quality.
Cost-conscious developers
Robots require higher upfront capital expenditure, which may be difficult for smaller developers to absorb.
Technology readiness
Automation proponents
Start-ups are developing solutions for painting, plastering and potentially tiling, and some large developers are reportedly ready to deploy them.
Cost-conscious developers
Vividobots’ plastering robot is still in the pilot phase, and the broader industry is continuing to study which technologies can be used.
Key facts
- Company projects
- Shriram Properties has a pipeline of 41 projects.
- Development potential
- The pipeline totals about 34 million square feet, including 16 million square feet of ongoing projects.
- Current automation
- Robots are being used for painting, while robotic tiling solutions are under consideration.
- Labour conditions
- Labour availability was described as “practically zero” in some parts of Tamil Nadu and north India.
- Construction costs
- Shriram Properties estimated an 8–10% increase in construction costs.
- Start-up estimate
- Vividobots said its plastering technology could reduce labour requirements by 60–70%, with costs around 30–50% depending on the project.
- Industry initiative
- CREDAI Chennai Youth Wing plans to study construction robotisation in China.
Quotes
CREDAI Chennai spokesperson
Spokesperson for the CREDAI Chennai Youth Wing
““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,””
thehindubusinessline.com
““There have been requests from members for something like this as they feel the labour shortage is getting worse by the day,””
thehindubusinessline.com
Sources
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