Genrobotics Wins India Govt. Award for Revolutionising Urban Sanitation

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:
Kerala’s Genrobotics has won the Government of India’s prestigious ‘BIRAC Innovation with High Social Impact Award 2024’ for pioneering sanitation technology advancements that have had a significant social impact.

The award, presented at the Global Bio-India 2024 which concluded in New Delhi on Saturday, recognises its groundbreaking inventions, including Bandicoot robot and Bandicoot Mobility+, and its profound contributions to ending manual scavenging and uplifting sewer workers.

The Global Bio-India 2024 was organised by The Department of Biotechnology, the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India, along with its public sector undertaking, Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council(BIRAC).

The tech startup’s Bandicoot robot, the world’s first robotic scavenger, has revolutionised the dangerous task of manually cleaning manholes, which requires humans to enter hazardous environments.

It addresses a critical social issue that has long been associated with severe health risks and dehumanising conditions. Its advanced robotics and AI technology feature high-definition cameras and gas sensors, enhancing safety and efficiency.

Bandicoot Mobility+, a vehicle-integrated model that fully automates urban sewer cleaning and waste management, further advances sanitation technology by integrating new solutions into existing systems.

“We remain committed to making India free from manual scavenging, and this award fuels our inspiration to continue driving meaningful change with our technological innovations,” said Nikhil NP, Director and Co-founder of Genrobotics Innovations, who received the award.

“The Bandicoot robot has changed India’s sanitation landscape forever. It stands as a testament to the potential of robotics and AI in creating a revolution, which can save millions of people working in inhuman conditions,” he added.

Thiruvananthapuram-based Genrobotics is making a substantial impact on societal welfare, innovating robotics to solve critical human-centric challenges and setting new standards in urban sanitation.

“The Bandicoot robot and Bandicoot Mobility+ have significantly improved the working conditions of these people living on the fringes of society – offering them safer, more dignified alternatives to manual labour,” Mr Nikhil said.

“These technologies have also played a vital role in providing them with opportunities to become robotics operators and enhancing their quality of life.”