Robots to enter real estate construction, says Boman Irani Chairman, Credai National

Credai chairman Boman Irani says AI and automation will improve safety, quality and efficiency without eliminating the need for workers

PROPERTY PULSE

Artificial intelligence and robotics are set to play a larger role in real estate construction, with machines increasingly taking on hazardous, repetitive and precision-intensive tasks while skilled workers focus on supervision and decision-making, said Credai chairman Boman Irani.

Speaking at the concluding session of Credai NATCON 2026 in Kolkata, Irani said robots could be particularly useful for working at heights, handling heavy materials and performing repetitive activities. The shift, he said, would involve greater collaboration between people and machines rather than complete replacement of the workforce.

Skilled jobs gain importance
Irani said automation could change the nature of construction employment, with demand shifting from routine manual work towards technology-driven and specialised roles. Workers would still be required to operate and monitor machines, make complex decisions and respond to situations that require human judgement. This would make technical knowledge and specialised skills increasingly important across construction projects.

AI and 3D printing
The technology shift extends beyond robotics, with AI, drones, 3D printing and digital quality checks also gaining importance. AI and digital monitoring can help track project progress, identify quality issues and detect deviations from construction schedules. Drone-based systems can support site monitoring, while 3D printing could enable construction components to be produced with greater accuracy and consistency.
These technologies could potentially reduce construction time, material wastage and human error, while improving quality control. The emerging model is therefore one in which robots handle dangerous and repetitive activities, while skilled workers oversee technology, take decisions and perform specialised tasks.

CONSTRUCTION TECH.
Robots could take on hazardous site activities.

Skilled workers will oversee automated systems.

AI can track construction progress digitally.

3D printing could reduce material wastage.

Drones can strengthen site monitoring.