Robotics Meets BIM: A Conversation with Ankita Maurya on the Future of Construction Automation

Our guest at DataDrivenAEC this week is Ankita Maurya — an architect-turned-researcher exploring the intersection of BIM, robotics, and human-machine interaction on construction sites. Now based at TU Berlin and pursuing her PhD in Civil Engineering Systems, Ankita is rethinking how data and automation can transform real-world workflows in the built environment.

The Elevator Pitch: Why Explore Robotics in Construction?

DataDrivenAEC: How would you describe your work in one sentence?
Ankita: I explore how robots can work safely and intelligently on construction sites using BIM data for spatial awareness and task planning.

From Design to Data: Ankita’s Research Journey

DataDrivenAEC: What inspired your shift from architecture to robotics and construction technology?
Ankita: It began with my curiosity about BIM during practice in India, where I saw early adoption starting. That led to a master’s degree focused on information modeling and mixed reality, and eventually to research on how robots can be integrated into site workflows. It was a natural transition — starting with geometry and ending up in robotics through curiosity and continuous learning.

The Research Frontier: Robotics on Site

DataDrivenAEC: What specific problem are you solving in your PhD?
Ankita: My research focuses on robotic behavior and task planning on construction sites — especially how robots and humans interact safely and efficiently. We simulate different site scenarios using open-source tools like Gazebo and ROS to understand logistics, spatial planning, and how BIM geometry (via IFC files) can be converted into robot-readable formats like URDF.

DataDrivenAEC: So BIM becomes the instruction set for robots?
Ankita: Exactly. BIM provides the geometry and metadata needed to tell robots what to do — from lifting components to positioning or welding. But it’s crucial the BIM model is accurate and includes the right information.

Reality Check: Challenges & Opportunities

DataDrivenAEC: What are the biggest technical challenges?
Ankita: Interoperability. IFC files aren’t optimized for robotics, so converting them to URDF is still a multi-step, sometimes frustrating process. There’s a huge opportunity here to streamline this pipeline.

DataDrivenAEC: Are robots ready for the unpredictability of construction sites?
Ankita: Not yet — it’s still early. Static or task-specific robots like robotic arms are most feasible for now. Real-time adjustments, safety with human workers, and cost optimization are all open research areas.

Advice for Future Researchers

DataDrivenAEC: What would you say to someone interested in working at the intersection of design, BIM, and robotics?
Ankita: Start by learning to code — especially Python. It unlocks everything from data handling to simulation. But beyond skills, stay curious. Try new tools. Test ideas through small projects.

DataDrivenAEC: Any misconceptions you’d like to clear up?
Ankita: Yes — automation won’t “steal jobs.” It removes repetitive tasks so people can focus on higher-value work. Robots are here to assist, not replace.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next?

DataDrivenAEC: What’s the long-term impact of your work?
Ankita: It will help planners and construction firms decide how and when to use robotics on-site — making data-driven decisions about ROI, safety, and logistics. Ultimately, it’s about enabling smarter, more efficient construction through automation.

Want to see more of Ankita’s work as it evolves? Stay tuned — her research is just getting started, and we’ll be following along.

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