Bandicoot Robots Transform Chennai's Sewer Cleaning

The Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB) proudly marks one year since the deployment of Bandicoot Mobility+ robots, ushering in a new era of safe, efficient, and humane sewer maintenance in the city.

Since their introduction in April 2024, the Bandicoot Mobility+ system has significantly improved sanitation operations across Chennai. Over the past year, these robots 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.

Developed by Genrobotics, a National Award-winning Kerala startup and one of the top three AI startups recognized by MeitY, Bandicoot represents India’s commitment to using advanced robotics for meaningful social transformation. The 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’s ability to carry out deep and precise cleaning of manholes—reaching depths beyond 10 meters—has proved especially valuable in Chennai’s complex underground drainage systems. With features like real-time camera monitoring, gas detection, and contactless waste collection and disposal, the system ensures maximum worker safety while maintaining high operational efficiency. The onboard waste storage unit, automatic dumper, and stabilizing mechanisms make the entire process seamless and hygienic, with no human intervention required inside the manhole.

This success story is a strong example of how deep tech startups in India are solving real-world challenges through purpose-driven innovation. By combining engineering excellence with a social mission, Genrobotics has transformed a long-standing public health and human rights issue using indigenous technology.

This model of robotic sanitation has caught national attention. Inspired by Chennai’s results, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has now announced plans to adopt Bandicoot robots for drain cleaning in Bengaluru, signaling a growing national shift towards technology-driven urban infrastructure management.

Rashid K, Co-founder of Genrobotics, said, “What Chennai has achieved is not just about using robots to clean manholes—it’s about bringing dignity, safety, and innovation into sanitation. 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.”

He added, “India has immense talent—from IITs to passionate innovators across the country. In a developing nation like ours, countless social issues still need real solutions. True innovators should focus on addressing these challenges to help India thrive as a deep tech ecosystem, rather than imitating what already exists for short-term gain. That’s exactly why we chose the path of genuine, purpose-driven innovation—not just to build technology, but to create real change for people. And we’ve been committed to that mission since 2012.”

Following its successful rollout, CMWSSB is looking to expand robotic operations into more city zones and scale up preparations for the monsoon season. With Bandicoot Mobility+, Chennai has not only adopted innovation—it has set a benchmark for cities across India aiming to build a safer, smarter future.