Latest news with #Genrobotics
The Hindu
3 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
Chennai Metrowater pilots robotic cleaning in sewage pumping stations to boost efficiency and workers' safety
After deploying robots to clean sewer lines in some city zones, Chennai Metrowater is now piloting the use of robotic technology in sewage pumping stations in Thiruvanmiyur. The initiative aims to enhance operational safety and efficiency by minimising manual intervention. The water agency has already added Bandicoot Mobility, a robot that cleans maintenance holes of the sewer network, to remove clogged waste in sewer lines in zone 6 ( 9 (Teynampet) and 13 (Adyar). With robotic devices, which were developed by Genrobotics, a Kerala-based startup, helping to reduce clogging of lines for a year now, the water agency is exploring other innovative technologies to improve maintenance of sewer infrastructure. Officials of the Metrowater said an advanced robot with remote control unit and cameras, Wilboar, is being used to clean the sewage wells in Thiruvanmiyur sewage pumping station on a pilot basis. The robotic unit developed by Genrobotics is lowered into the wells that have a depth of up to 10 metre to remove the silt. With high-pressure water jets and grinders, the device grinds accumulated sludge into finer particles and clears them. This would eliminate the challenges in the use of conventional processes, improve efficiency of cleaning sewer wells and reduce complaints of sewage overflow in the pipelines. The Thiruvanmiyur sewage pumping station has a capacity to handle 15 million litres of sewage a day. Such robotic devices are already in use at Nellore, Andhra Pradesh and Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, said officials. There are 375 sewage pumping stations in the city. Such robotic devices would be deployed in sewer well cleaning operations in other pumping stations following the success of the trial implementation. Rao, president, Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board Labourers Union, said it was a welcome initiative to ensure workers' safety and reduce manual intervention. Such efforts must be expanded to densely populated urban spaces and monitored for regular maintenance. Workers hired for sewer network maintenance should be redeployed to other roles. Nearly 2,850 labourers have been hired for sewer and water network maintenance in Chennai.
The Hindu
6 days ago
- The Hindu
Raichur City Corporation launches robotic scavenger to clean manholes
In a pioneering initiative, the Raichur City Corporation has deployed a robotic scavenger, Bandicoot, to clean manholes in the city. The initiative was officially launched recently by Corporation Commissioner Jubin Mohapatra who oversaw the robot in action on a manhole located in front of the municipal office near the old Deputy Commissioner's office premises. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Mohapatra said, 'It is a moment of pride for Raichur City Corporation to be the first in the State to introduce this innovative technology. Bandicoot will play a key role in improving public services and ensuring safety while upholding the dignity of every individual involved in sanitation work.' He further added that the corporation is committed to making Raichur a clean, safe and smart city. 'We are continuously experimenting with new technologies. Eliminating manual scavenging and safeguarding sanitation workers is our top priority. With the use of Bandicoot, Raichur is setting an example for other cities across the State and the country,' he said. The Bandicoot, developed by Indian deep-tech company, Genrobotics, is among the most advanced and efficient manhole-cleaning devices currently available. Designed to mimic human motion, the robot uses extendable arms to clean manholes without the need for human entry. It is equipped with gas sensors to detect hazardous gases and cameras to operate effectively in low-light conditions, ensuring precision and safety. 'Bandicoot is more than just a machine. It represents progress, dignity and safety. It will be instrumental in ushering in responsible and future-ready sanitation management,' Mr. Mohapatra said. Raichur City Corporation's proactive adoption of robotic solutions marks a significant leap in municipal innovation and worker safety. The corporation's acting president, Sajid Sameer, several elected members and municipal officials from various departments were present during the launch.
The Hindu
27-06-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Chennai Metrowater steps up sewer maintenance with robots and additional sewer vehicles this monsoon
Chennai Metrowater has started periodical cleaning of sewer lines particularly in localities prone to frequent blockages during this Southwest monsoon. In a step towards improving urban sanitation, it has deployed Bandicoot mobility robots and added more sewer vehicles to its fleet for sewer network maintenance. The water agency has begun removing silt accumulated from the sewer lines particularly in the areas identified as vulnerable to sewage issues. Officials of the Metrowater said desilting sewer lines are repeated in such localities. Every week, about 6,500 machine holes are desilted and lines running 52 km in various areas are being flushed. Chennai is covered with a sewer network comprising of pipelines running nearly 4,698.77 km and 1.61 lakh machine holes. The desilting exercise is being carried out on a daily basis particularly during night hours to reduce sewage related complaints, officials said. Deployed a year ago, Bandicoot mobility robots, which were developed by Genrobotics, a Kerala-based startup, have helped in effective maintenance of the sewer network and reduce clogging of lines. As of now, this robotic sewer cleaning system has been in zone 6 ( 9 (Teynampet) and 13 (Adyar) to desilt about 5,000 maintenance holes. The water agency is also exploring ways to add innovative technologies to improve maintenance of its infrastructure, officials said. Residents of north Chennai noted that desilting machine holes and old sewer lines must be carried out in narrow streets frequently to prevent sewage mixing with drinking water. E. Earnest Paul, president, Royapuram Residents' Welfare Association, said 'sewer machines are involved in desilting machine holes and pipelines in places like and Kasimedu. It is a welcome initiative. But Metrowater must clean lines in smaller streets in and Royapuram for relief during rainy season.' Officials noted that 604 sewer vehicles, including Bandicoot mobility, have been engaged in cleaning sewer network. About 80 sewer vehicles operated by sanitary workers who were turned entrepreneurs through a project assisted by Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry are also part of the fleet. The use of Bandicoot robots, a device integrated with a vehicle, has ensured safety of workers and easy removal and transport of sewage. The robot's ability to carry out deep cleaning of machine holes—reaching depths of 10 metres — has enhanced efficiency. The robotic unit with spider-like legs is lowered into the manholes to remove clogged waste from the sewer lines. While the robot's arm designed to mimic human hand collects the waste, the bucket with a 14-kg capacity lifts the waste off machine holes. Explaining the operation through user interface, an engineer of Genrobotics, said with underwater cameras as its eyes and gas sensors, the robot can scan the interior of the network and detect waste and hazardous gases. 'We have even removed broken manhole pieces and clothes from the machine holes. The robotic unit can also be unloaded from vehicles and used independently in narrow areas,' said Bharath, a sanitary worker trained as operator.
The Hindu
23-04-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Genrobotics launches legal proceedings against Chennai-based start-up
Genrobotics, the developer of robotic scavenger 'Bandicoot,' has launched legal proceedings against Chennai-based start-up Solinas Integrity Pvt Ltd for alleged infringement of patent to its proprietary technology. Genrobotics, which holds patents for its robotic manhole cleaning technology, launched the legal proceedings to safeguard its intellectual property. The case has been admitted for hearing and is currently under judicial consideration, Genrobotics said in a statement on Wednesday. The legal dispute concerns the development of Solinas' HomoSEP Sewer robot, which Genrobotics claims incorporates technologies and concepts that are 'substantially similar' to those protected under the company's existing patents for 'Bandicoot,' according to the statement. The company said these 'similarities' raise serious questions regarding potential unauthorised use of its proprietary technology. 'Nevertheless, Genrobotics has agreed to the suggestion to explore the possibility of settlement through mediation in this matter, as proposed during the hearing on April 21, 2025, before the High Court of Delhi,' it said. 'As the matter is now sub judice, the company will refrain from further public comments and will await the outcome of the legal process,' it said.
