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AI a 'Blessing' for Indian Engineers, Says IIT Madras Director

  //science-technology.news-articles.net/content/2 .. r-indian-engineers-says-iit-madras-director.html
  Published in Science and Technology on Wednesday, February 18th 2026 at 1:25 GMT by moneycontrol.com
      Locales: Tamil Nadu, INDIA

Chennai, India - February 18th, 2026 - As artificial intelligence continues its relentless march across industries, anxieties surrounding job displacement, particularly within the engineering sector, are reaching a fever pitch. However, Dr. V. Kamakoti, Director of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras, offers a starkly optimistic counterpoint. In a recent address at the National Engineering Summit, and building on previous statements to Moneycontrol.com, Dr. Kamakoti reiterated his belief that the current AI revolution will ultimately be a "blessing in disguise" for core engineers, fostering an era of enhanced productivity, innovation, and uniquely Indian solutions.

Speaking to a packed auditorium of engineers and industry leaders, Dr. Kamakoti acknowledged the understandable apprehension surrounding automation. "It's natural to fear change, and the rapid advancements in AI understandably trigger concerns about job security," he stated. "However, framing AI as a job destroyer is a profoundly limiting perspective. We should view it as a powerful tool capable of automating repetitive, mundane tasks - freeing up engineers to concentrate on the very essence of their profession: complex problem-solving, critical thinking, and truly innovative design."

Dr. Kamakoti emphasized that the future of engineering isn't about competing against AI, but about collaborating with it. He painted a picture of engineers augmented by AI-powered tools, capable of tackling challenges previously deemed insurmountable. "Imagine being able to rapidly simulate countless design iterations, analyze complex datasets with unprecedented speed, and identify potential flaws before a single prototype is built. This isn't science fiction; it's the reality we're rapidly approaching," he explained. He highlighted specific examples of AI applications already impacting core engineering disciplines - generative design in mechanical engineering, AI-powered materials discovery in chemical engineering, and predictive maintenance algorithms in civil engineering.

But Dr. Kamakoti's vision extends beyond simply adopting existing AI technologies. He passionately advocates for India to become a significant creator in the global AI landscape, moving beyond its current position as primarily a consumer. "We possess a unique advantage: a vast pool of talented engineers and a deep understanding of the specific challenges facing our nation," he argued. "We must focus on developing AI solutions tailored to address these local needs - from optimizing agricultural yields and improving healthcare access in rural areas, to building smart cities and enhancing disaster management capabilities."

This call to action requires a fundamental shift in educational paradigms, Dr. Kamakoti stressed. He envisions a curriculum that prioritizes lifelong learning and equips engineers with the skills necessary to thrive in an AI-driven world. This includes not only technical proficiency in areas like machine learning and data science, but also the development of crucial soft skills such as critical thinking, creativity, and communication. "The half-life of technical skills is shrinking," he warned. "Engineers must become adaptable, continuously upskilling and reskilling throughout their careers." He championed collaborative initiatives between educational institutions, industry, and government to facilitate this ongoing learning process.

Addressing the inevitable question of job displacement, Dr. Kamakoti offered a nuanced perspective. While acknowledging that certain roles will undoubtedly become obsolete, he firmly believes that new opportunities will emerge. "The demand for engineers who can effectively integrate, manage, and interpret AI-driven insights will soar," he predicted. "We'll need specialists in AI ethics, AI safety, and AI explainability - professionals who can ensure these powerful tools are used responsibly and effectively." He urged engineers to proactively embrace these emerging fields and position themselves as leaders in the AI revolution.

Dr. Kamakoti concluded his address with a call to action: "Let us not fear the future, but shape it. Let us embrace the transformative potential of AI, not as a threat, but as an opportunity to elevate the engineering profession and build a better future for all." He believes that India, with its robust engineering talent and unique societal challenges, is perfectly positioned to lead this transformation and demonstrate to the world how AI can truly be a blessing in disguise.