Chennai: The Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB) has significantly improved sanitation operations across Chennai over the last year using robots.
The project was launched by CMWSSB in April 2024 with robots from Bandicoot Mobility.
Over the last year, these robots have successfully cleaned more than 5000 manholes and stormwater drains.
This has significantly reduced the need for manual scavenging and enhanced the safety and dignity of sanitation workers.
The robots can carry out deep and precise cleaning of manholes. These can reach depths beyond 10 meters and this has proved valuable in Chennai’s complex underground drainage systems.
The system maintained high operational efficiency with features like real-time camera monitoring, gas detection and contactless waste collection and disposal.
The onboard waste storage unit, automatic dumper and stabilising mechanisms made the entire process seamless and hygienic. No human intervention was required inside the manhole.
Following the successful rollout in the last year, CMWSSB is now planning to expand robotic operations into more city zones. They are looking to scale up preparations for the monsoon season too.
Inspired by the Chennai success, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has now planned to use robots for drain cleaning in Bengaluru.
Bandicoot Mobility supplied the robots to Chennai and now plans in Bengaluru. It is a National award-winning Kerala startup and one of the top 3 AI startups recognised by MeitY.
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