The Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB) recently marked a significant milestone by celebrating one year since deploying Bandicoot Mobility+ robots for sewer maintenance in the city. Introduced in April 2024, these robots, created by Kerala start-up Genrobotics, have effectively cleaned over 5,000 manholes and stormwater drains, reducing the reliance on manual scavenging and enhancing the safety of sanitation workers.
The Bandicoot Mobility+ robots utilize advanced technology to conduct thorough and precise cleaning of manholes to depths exceeding 10 meters. Equipped with features such as real-time camera monitoring, gas detection, and contactless waste collection and disposal, these robots prioritize worker safety. The system includes an onboard waste storage unit, automatic dumper, and stabilizing mechanisms, ensuring a seamless and hygienic process without the need for human intervention inside the manhole.
Recognized as one of the top three AI start-ups by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Genrobotics’ Bandicoot Mobility+ variant combines robotic technology with a vehicle-mounted system for easy transportation and operation in congested urban areas. The success achieved in Chennai has prompted the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to announce plans to employ Bandicoot robots for drain cleaning in Bengaluru.
Rashid K, the co-founder of Genrobotics, emphasized that the innovation is not just about using robots for cleaning manholes but about instilling dignity, safety, and creativity into sanitation practices. The development of Bandicoot as the world’s first robotic scavenger entirely in India showcases a commitment to addressing the issue of manual scavenging effectively.
Looking ahead, CMWSSB aims to expand robotic operations into more city zones and enhance preparedness for the upcoming monsoon season. The utilization of these robots represents a significant advancement in sanitation practices, emphasizing the importance of integrating technology to improve worker safety and efficiency in crucial maintenance tasks.
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