Integrating Technology in Housing Infrastructure Projects

In an exclusive interaction with Adlin Pertishya Jebaraj, correspondent of Homes India, Debashis Sen, a former IAS officer and Chairman of New Town Kolkata’s Smart City, discusses how technology and AI are changing the home that people want. He highlights that young home buyers increasingly want sustainable, secure, and smart living. 

Debashis Sen was chairman of the New Town, Kolkata Development Project. He led the project to develop it into a platinum-rated green smart city ecosystem. He is now concentrating on policy advocacy for the use of AI, sustainable urban development and digital governance, combining his experience of governance, technology perspective, and interest in inclusive city planning.

How do you see urban housing projects evolving with the rise of smart cities and connected infrastructure initiatives?

From my experience in leading the development of the Smart City at New Town Kolkata, I have observed that modern young buyers, having traveled extensively, have an affinity for residing in a green and clean, smart, and sustainable environment. Many of the millennials or Gen Z are choosing apartments in smart towers in smart cities. They like clubs, gyms, parks and running tracks; they prefer happy centres of family recreation and entertainment and, most of all, a secure and safe environment. We had built all these components in New Town, and there is a huge traction from young and mid-career techies to settle there.

What are the major challenges developers face when integrating advanced technologies into housing projects, and how can these be overcome?

Smart Homes have been an attention grabber for quite some time now. Technology is not a problem; the Alexa of the tech world can easily control temperature, illumination, and more through voice commands. Now that AI-enabled chatbots are available, there is a shift to wider applications, including getting suggestions on dinner menus with groceries and vegetables already at home. The shift is extremely palpable, and more developers are catering to these aspects in a very intuitive way. The only challenge is to see that periodical maintenance and updating of software are done regularly. In fact, I would argue strongly that AI agents are integrated into the household level even more extensively, for which developers must get AI experts in their management team.

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How are smart home technologies influencing design choices, buyer demand, and the overall living experience in residential developments?

CCTVs with remote mobile phone connectivity are a useful technology. An additional layer of AI analytics can make these CCTVs give real-time alerts when intruders come near the gate or door. I find that many owners put up video locks and CCTVs after they buy their homes. I think all modern homes should be pre-fitted with these gadgets and the alerts linked to the local society caretaker’s office or even the police station

How are government policies and regulatory frameworks supporting the adoption of new technologies in the housing sector?

There is no regulatory framework in this respect. However, the local municipality or police station often encourages and approaches people to install CCTVs and other safety devices like motion sensors.

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What is your long-term vision for the future of housing infrastructure in India, and how will technology redefine the way people live and interact with their homes?

I am a strong believer in advocating the use of home robotics and AI in our homes. Workers for household work are increasingly becoming rare, and a cup of hot chocolate to welcome the family member when back from work by a robot that knows the exact time and taste of the person is going to be a game-changer.

With the prevalence of small families and senior citizens staying alone, the companionship extended by the AI avatars is also one of the most important in creating a happy home. I would support periodical exhibitions by innovative real-estate players to showcase how integrated AI-based systems can transform the meaning of a relaxing, comforting and warm home.