On this Engineer’s Day, we celebrate not only the contributions of engineers but also the technological advancements that are transforming the very foundation of engineering in India. Among the most profound changes in recent years is the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), reshaping industries from manufacturing to infrastructure and beyond.
AI-Powered Engineering: A Game-Changer
Ankit Sinha, CTO and Co-founder Tagbin Services Pvt Ltd, said: “AI and Machine learning (ML) are not just buzzwords in India’s engineering sector—they’re transforming it from the ground up. From predictive maintenance in manufacturing to creating smart infrastructure, these technologies are driving a revolution that promises greater efficiency, reduced costs, and enhanced decision-making. Predictive maintenance is implemented in traditional manufacturing and often relies on routine checks and manual intervention. AI, however, enables real-time data collection from machinery, allowing for the prediction of equipment failure before it happens. This means fewer unexpected downtimes, lower maintenance costs, and higher productivity. Leading Indian manufacturers are already leveraging AI-driven predictive maintenance to streamline their operations. But AI’s influence doesn’t stop there. In infrastructure, smart cities are becoming the new norm, with AI at the helm. Indian cities are deploying ML algorithms for traffic management, waste disposal, and energy optimization and much more. Imagine a city where traffic lights adapt based on real-time traffic data or where waste collection routes are optimized to reduce fuel usage—this is happening now, thanks to AI. Engineers across India are now required to be more than just technically skilled; they need to be digitally fluent. AI-powered tools are becoming an integral part of engineering curricula, pushing professionals to embrace a future where traditional engineering practices are merged with cutting-edge technology. As AI and ML continue to expand their footprint, India’s engineering landscape will evolve to meet the demands of tomorrow. This isn’t just a transformation—it’s the dawn of a new era in Indian engineering.”
Yuvraj Shidhaye, Founder and Director, TreadBinary, said: “AI and Machine Learning are revolutionizing engineering practices across sectors in India, making processes smarter, enabling efficiency, and less prone to failure. In manufacturing, AI being used for predictive maintenance, which means machines are monitored through sensors, can help in predicting a possible breakdown in machine and can contribute in fixing issues before they happen, reducing downtime and saving money. In instances of smart infrastructure, AI can play a big role in the development of the same. For example, AI in energy management, can optimize the use of electricity in buildings, leading to energy savings and fewer blackouts. In construction, AI can help by simulating how buildings will perform under different conditions, it can also predict potential delays, making project management smoother- thus, revolutionizing the engineering practices. AI and ML are adding more proficiency to engineers across India making work faster, smarter, and more cost-effectively, whether it’s in building safer smart infrastructure by optimizing energy use, or keeping machines running smoothly.”
Smart Infrastructure and Urban Development
Shashank Silhare, Engagement Partner at Practus, said: “AI and Machine learning (ML) is transforming engineering practices in India by introducing fourth industrial revolution (4IR) technologies like artificial intelligence, internet of things (IOT) and advanced robotics that blur the lines between the physical, digital, and biological worlds, across various sectors including Food and Retail, Automotive, Lifesciences, Technology, Metal & Mining, and Energy and Utilities. Business are deploying 4IR technologies in manufacturing by deploying predictive maintenance, process optimization and quality control algorithms / models. These models can analyse data from machinery to predict when the equipment might fail, adjust process parameters in real time to improve output and predict defects in real time. 4IR technologies is also helping in optimizing supply chains by predicting demand, predicting raw material prices, and improving supply chain planning. 4IR is also being used to design smarter cities in India. Data analytics can optimize traffic management, energy consumption, and public safety systems, making cities more efficient and sustainable. ML optimizes energy distribution and demand forecasting, improving the reliability of India’s power grids. It also enhances the integration of renewable energy sources by predicting output and balancing energy supply. ML is driving innovation in healthcare engineering by enabling smarter medical devices that can provide real-time diagnostics, monitor patient vitals, and even suggest treatments based on data analysis. Machine learning is fundamentally transforming the engineering landscape in India. By integrating intelligent systems into manufacturing, construction, energy, healthcare, and other sectors, engineers are driving innovation, efficiency, and sustainability. As India’s tech ecosystem grows, ML will continue to be a key driver of engineering advancements.”
The Rise of the AI-Powered Engineer
Sanjay Koppikar, Co-founder and Chief Product Officer, EvoluteIQ “Today, engineering is more data-driven, intelligent, and future-ready. India’s push towards digital transformation is further accelerating AI and machine learning adoption in engineering. These technologies are not only driving innovation but also addressing complex challenges across industries including manufacturing, banking & finance, insurance, and healthcare among others. The shape of ‘Engineering’ and ‘Engineers’ is changing fast. It is morphing into the role of AI-powered Engineer – who would be able to work at 10x speed, 100x efficiency, at least at 20-30% of the cost of the team otherwise needed. As Jensen Huang said once, “AI will not take away your job; an AI-powered person will. Simple usage of LLMs will soon be commoditized and the focus will be on custom-specific SLMs (Small Language Models). However, GenAI is fast approaching beyond LLM/SLMs and towards Large Action Models. These “Actions” will play a critical role in the overall impact across all industries. In the manufacturing sector, predictive maintenance is a standout application, using AI algorithms and digital twins to monitor equipment in real-time, analyze data, and predict potential failures before they occur. Smart infrastructure, powered by machine learning, enables better energy management, optimized traffic systems, and efficient resource distribution. In civil engineering, machine learning models are being used to predict the structural integrity of bridges and buildings, ensuring safety and reducing maintenance costs. In short, the 4th Industrial Revolution is here to change and move into GenAI Powered 5th Industrial Revolution sooner than anyone anticipated.”
Kavya S, Marketing Head, MediSim VR, said: “Essential not optional. That’s what AI and machine learning are for India’s engineering sector. They’re essential for survival and growth. In manufacturing, AI-driven predictive maintenance has helped improve operations, drastically reducing downtime and increasing efficiency. On the infrastructure front, India’s Smart Cities Mission is now starting to grow rapidly since its inception around 2015, thanks to Startups and MSMEs working on AI-based solutions to manage infrastructural requirements, optimize resource use, and enhance public services. What was once considered futuristic is now a critical part of engineering planning. Engineers are leveraging AI-powered simulations, high-performance computing, and precision engineering to solve complex problems faster than ever. Companies that resist this shift to AI utilization will soon find themselves irrelevant. India has the talent, the digital infrastructure, and the tools to lead in AI-driven engineering—but the industry must act decisively to fully embrace this technological movement. As we celebrate National Engineer’s Day, we must reflect on the remarkable transformations that AI and ML are bringing to engineering practices, particularly here in India. In manufacturing, for example, predictive maintenance powered by AI is significantly improving operational efficiency. By analyzing real-time data from machinery, AI enables engineers to anticipate equipment failures before they occur. Similarly, AI’s role in developing smart infrastructure is creating cities that are more adaptive and energy-efficient.”
AI’s Role in Future-Proofing Indian Engineering
Sandeep Agarwal, MD & Global CTO, Visionet, said: “Despite these advancements, previous studies have suggested that India will face a demand-supply gap as the demand for AI and machine learning specialists will rise by 60% in the coming years. And today, even though India is rapidly becoming a global hub for AI innovation, with major cities like Bengaluru and Hyderabad leading the charge, many enterprises are still struggling to scale their AI initiatives due to a shortage of skilled professionals. For instance, only 46% of organizations have dedicated AI teams, underscoring the urgent need for upskilling. Hence, it is high time that Indian engineers evolve from traditional roles to those that integrate AI and ML capabilities. Visionet, having recently rebranded to “Engineering Simplified”, believes that engineers are at the forefront of the AI revolution and that enterprises must empower their engineers with the right skills to lead the charge. For instance, the company regularly conducts tech fests where we partner with businesses and educational institutions, thereby fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation. This includes internships and upskilling programs designed to help young engineers learn and integrate AI into their workflows, enabling them to address challenges like process optimization, sustainability, and cost efficiency.”
Celebrating India’s Engineering Prowess this Engineer’s Day
Vikram Subburaj, CEO, Giottus Crypto Platform, said “As we celebrate Engineers’ Day, it is essential to acknowledge the transformative impact AI and machine learning are having across engineering disciplines. From enhancing predictive maintenance protocols in manufacturing to enabling the creation of smart, adaptive infrastructure, these technologies are redefining our capabilities. At Giottus, we harness the power of AI and machine learning to elevate the crypto trading experience – optimising trade execution, ensuring robust security, and offering personalised insights to our users. In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, engineers are not just building structures or systems; they are crafting the future of technology itself. By embracing these advancements, we’re driving innovation and ensuring that India remains at the forefront of the global tech revolution. The future is intelligent, and our engineers are its architects. “
Prasenjit Ghoshal, Head of Engineering, Ennoventure, Inc. said: “Technology is evolving at an unprecedented pace, with engineers at the forefront of this transformation, leveraging cutting-edge tools to reshape industries on a global scale. The brilliance of engineers lies in their ability to not only adapt but to pioneer innovative solutions that redefine the future. In today’s landscape, their role is more pivotal than ever. As they navigate the complexities of modern engineering, these experts are spearheading the integration of advanced technologies like AI, machine learning, and blockchain, revolutionizing the way we design, build, and maintain systems across diverse industries. At Ennoventure, Inc., we celebrate the creativity, dedication, and technical mastery of engineers who are pushing the boundaries of innovation. These professionals are not merely utilizing new tools but are driving the development of highly scalable event-driven architectures, microservices-based modular systems, and fault-tolerant, concurrent distributed architectures that underpin today’s digital economy. They are solving complex, real-world problems with cutting-edge research and development, while designing global multi-region, low-latency cloud infrastructures that ensure optimal performance, security, and scalability. As we continue to support and collaborate with some of the brightest minds in engineering, we are deeply committed to fostering an environment where their talents thrive. Together, we are building a future powered by smarter, more efficient, and resilient technologies—advancements that safeguard brand integrity, enhance consumer trust, and ensure safety across an increasingly complex global marketplace.”
Mohanraj Selvaraj, Head – Engineering, Protectt.ai, said: “As India remains at the forefront of technological innovation, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are reshaping the engineering landscape, serving as crucial catalysts for the nation’s growth. AI and ML are set to play a vital role in creating the infrastructure and technologies that drive economic progress, from smarter cities to advanced manufacturing, sustainable energy, and state-of-the-art cybersecurity solutions. With a growing emphasis on harnessing AI/ML for futuristic advancements, cybersecurity engineering complements this progress by ensuring secure and sustainable growth. Indian engineering communities are leading the development of solutions that strengthen the resilience and safety of our digital ecosystems. This blend of “revolutionary technologies” and “engineering excellence” is critical in positioning India as a global leader in innovation, driving economic growth, and enhancing the quality of life for millions. Together, we are building a future where technology not only drives progress but safeguards it.”
Rajesh Subramaniam, CEO & Founder, embedUR systems, said: “India’s engineering prowess is entering a new era, fueled by the convergence of AI, Machine Learning, and the transformative power of Edge Computing. We’re witnessing a paradigm shift where intelligence is being pushed to the very edge of the network, enabling real-time decision-making and unlocking unprecedented possibilities. Think of factories humming with efficiency as EdgeAI predicts equipment failures before they occur, minimizing downtime and maximizing productivity. Imagine smart cities leveraging the power of connected sensors and AI-driven insights to optimize traffic flow, conserve energy, and enhance public safety. This is not a futuristic vision; it’s the reality we’re building today. We at embedUR systems are committed to empowering Indian businesses with EdgeAI solutions that are not only innovative but also scalable and secure. This technology is democratizing access to advanced analytics, enabling even smaller players to compete on a global stage. As we embrace this new era of intelligent engineering, the potential for India to become a global leader in innovation and technological advancement is limitless.”
Srinivas Shekar, CEO and Co-Founder, Pantherun Technologies, said: “Engineers are often regarded as the backbone of innovation, and in today’s world, their significance is beyond measure. Their relentless drive to push boundaries has shaped the way we live, work, and connect. With the rise of AI and machine learning, we are witnessing a transformation in engineering practices across India and globally. These technologies are revolutionizing industries—from predictive maintenance in manufacturing that reduces downtime, to smart infrastructure that enhances urban living to advanced cybersecurity measures that protect valuable data.As we embrace this new era of intelligent solutions, engineers must adapt to both the opportunities and challenges presented by AI’s predictive and generative capabilities. To navigate this evolving landscape, continuous learning, curiosity, and a strong foundation in subject matter expertise are indispensable. A multi-faceted approach to skill development—combining formal education, online resources, mentorship, and hands-on experience—is key to staying ahead. This Engineer’s Day, at Pantherun Technologies, we celebrate the ingenuity and dedication of engineers who are not only driving technological change but also integrating sustainable practices to build a better, more secure world for all.”
Rahul Mehra, Co-founder, Roadcast, said: “The integration of AI and machine learning (ML) into engineering practices in India is profoundly transforming the industry, driving both efficiency and innovation. In manufacturing, AI-powered predictive maintenance is revolutionizing operations. By leveraging sensors and machine learning algorithms, companies can predict equipment failures before they occur, minimizing downtime and reducing maintenance costs. Beyond manufacturing, smart infrastructure is another area where AI and ML are making significant strides. In urban planning, AI driven models are being used to design and manage smart cities. These models analyze vast amounts of data to optimize traffic flow, reduce energy consumption, and improve public safety. In smart infrastructure, machine learning helps in analyzing data from various sources to forecast and prevent potential issues. This means fewer disruptions, more efficient use of resources, and a significant boost in overall productivity. It’s like having an intelligent assistant that not only reacts to problems but also prevents them, making engineering practices smarter and more proactive. Moreover, AI and ML are enabling more precise and efficient design processes. Engineers are now using generative design algorithms to explore a vast number of design possibilities quickly, leading to more innovative and optimized solutions. This approach is particularly useful in aerospace and automotive industries, where performance and safety are critical. AI and machine learning are transforming how industries operate. For instance, advanced AI algorithms are now embedded in fleet management systems, predicting maintenance needs before they turn into costly breakdowns. Picture a system where vehicle health is continuously monitored through sophisticated sensors. These AI-driven insights optimize routes and enhance operational efficiency, reducing downtime and improving reliability. AI and machine learning are augmenting traditional engineering practices and paving the way for more efficient, smart, and sustainable solutions.“
Raghavendra Vaidya MD & CEO of DTICI (Daimler Truck Innovation Centre In India), said: “Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are transforming India’s engineering landscape, bringing a new era of innovation and operational excellence across industries. These technologies are reshaping how we think about safety, efficiency, and sustainability. Predictive maintenance, real-time data analysis, and automated systems are no longer just concepts — they’re crucial factors in revolutionizing overall fleet management. Imagine a world where you can foresee issues before they happen — preventing unplanned downtime, optimizing performance, and ensuring smoother and more cost-effective operations. As India embraces this digital transformation, we’re integrating advanced safety features, connectivity solutions, and intelligent maintenance tools to push the boundaries of innovation in commercial vehicles. At Daimler Truck Innovation Center India, we are at the forefront of integrating these technologies into intelligent commercial vehicles. The future of automotive engineering is here, and we’re proud to be one of the pioneers on this journey”
Harish Shindhe – Director, Software Engineering, Sabre GCC Bengaluru, said: “Indian engineering is undergoing a transformative shift with the integration of AI/ML, which is poised to revolutionize traditional Engineering practices across sectors. These technologies act as catalysts, driving both efficiency and innovation. In manufacturing, AI-powered predictive maintenance can revolutionize equipment monitoring. By analyzing real-time sensor data, AI can predict potential failures, enabling proactive maintenance, reducing operational costs, and minimizing downtime. AI/ML also has immense potential in infrastructure development. Smart cities in India can leverage AI for optimizing traffic, energy use, and waste management, building sustainable and resilient urban environments to meet the demands of a growing population. In agriculture, AI can enhance crop yields and optimize farming practices. AI systems can analyze soil conditions, weather, and crop health to provide tailored recommendations for irrigation, fertilization, and pest control, helping farmers adopt sustainable methods. Overall, AI/ML is pivotal in shaping the future of Indian Engineering. By automating tasks, analyzing data, and providing insights, it can drive innovation and efficiency, positioning India as a global leader in technological advancement.”
Looking Forward
Krish Ramineni, CEO at fireflies.ai, said: “We are at a point where AI and machine learning are redefining what’s possible in Indian engineering, especially in manufacturing and smart infrastructure. In manufacturing, for example, AI-powered predictive maintenance is flipping the script, with the sector growing at 25% CAGR and expected to reach $4 billion by 2026. Instead of waiting for equipment failures, companies like Tata Steel and Mahindra & Mahindra are using AI to see the issues before they happen, saving millions in unplanned downtime. Siemens is also pushing the boundaries with its Senseye Predictive Maintenance solution, which uses advanced AI to make machine maintenance more intuitive and cost-effective. This is critical as unplanned downtime alone costs manufacturers $50 billion a year. The impact of AI goes beyond individual companies and factories; it’s also reshaping the entire smart infrastructure landscape. Cities like Pune and Bangalore are using AI-powered apps like Actionable Intelligence for Sustainable Traffic Management (ASTraM) to tackle urban challenges like optimizing traffic and reducing congestion and energy consumption. It’s about building smarter, greener, and more resilient cities. For us, the real promise of AI lies in its potential to deliver transformative efficiency and innovation across the board. This is only the beginning, and the future looks incredibly exciting.”
The rise of AI in Indian engineering is more than a trend—it’s the dawn of a new era.
