In a key milestone for humane work practices, the Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB) has completed one year since the deployment of Bandicoot Mobility+ robots for sewer maintenance in the city.
Since its introduction in April 2024, the Bandicoot Mobility+ robots and associated tech systems have successfully cleaned more than 5,000 manholes and stormwater drains, reducing the need for manual scavenging and enhancing the safety and dignity of sanitation workers, a statement from Genrobotics, the start-up behind Bandicoot said.
Kerala start-up Genrobotics is one of the top three AI start-ups recognised by Meity and its Mobility+ variant integrates robotic technology with a vehicle-mounted system, allowing the robot to be transported easily between sites and operated in even the most congested urban areas. The robot has the ability to carry out deep and precise cleaning of manholes by reaching depths beyond 10 metres.
With features like real-time camera monitoring, gas detection and contactless waste collection and disposal, the system ensures maximum worker safety. “The onboard waste storage unit, automatic dumper and stabilising mechanisms make the entire process seamless and hygienic, with no human intervention required inside the manhole,” Genrobotics said.
Inspired by Chennai’s results, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has now announced plans to adopt Bandicoot robots for drain cleaning in Bengaluru. Following the rollout, CMWSSB is also looking to expand robotic operations into more city zones and scale up preparations for the monsoon season.
“What Chennai has achieved is not just about using robots to clean manholes—it’s about bringing dignity, safety and innovation into sanitation,” said Rashid K, co-founder of Genrobotics. “Bandicoot, the world’s first robotic scavenger, was fully developed in-house in India—built from scratch to solve the real issue of manual scavenging.”