Guwahati: In a bid to use advanced technology for creating better facilities for the force, the Indian Army in collaboration with IIT Hyderabad deployed robotic concrete printers in forward locations. These robotic machines are creating infrastructure like bunkers in the forward areas for the men in duty.
The Indian Army, in collaboration with IIT Hyderabad under Project PRABAL(Portable Robotic Printer for Printing Bunkers and Accessories), has further advanced defence infrastructure innovation with the operational deployment of On-Site 3D Concrete Printing Technology. The capability—already proven in other operational areas earlier—has now been effectively employed by Trishakti Corps in Sikkim and adjoining forward locations. Construction of infrastructures like bunkers and accessories in difficult terrains in places like Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh was always a challenge for the force. But the indigenous robotic concrete printing machine will ease the work in maintaining important infrastructure intake in forward areas.
The indigenous Robotic 3D Concrete Printer, equipped with a robotic arm, circular mixer, piston pump and generator, is fully vehicle-portable and optimised for rapid movement in mountainous terrain. Designed for forward area deployment, it enables quick construction of bunkers, sentry posts and protective structures. The printed structures have undergone live ballistic trials, validating their strength and protective performance. The infrastructure constructed using the indigenous robotic concrete printer is as strong as constructed in manual process which has passed ballistic tests and passed it for further use by the force.
3D concrete printing provides major operational advantages, including customised designs, enhanced blast and ballistic resistance, higher compressive strength, improved quality control, efficient use of local materials and rapid construction in tactically acceptable timelines. It also supports terrain-specific designs and advanced camouflage needs.
The continued adoption of on-site 3D printing represents a significant leap in the Army’s engineering and operational readiness, enabling fast, sustainable and mission-oriented infrastructure development in a challenging environment.
