Indian Cities Turn to AI Robots for Water and Sanitation Challenges
An increasing number of Indian cities are embracing artificial intelligence (AI)-powered robots to tackle water and sanitation-related challenges. These robots are being deployed for a range of tasks, such as cleaning manholes, inspecting underground water pipeline networks for leaks, and clearing water bodies of trash. This innovative approach is being spearheaded by start-ups led by young engineers who are developing cutting-edge robotic solutions.
One city that has wholeheartedly embraced AI robots is Nagpur, which initially rejected the idea three years ago but now sees them as a sustainable solution to eliminate manual scavenging. Bandicoot robots, developed by Genrobotics, a Kerala-based start-up, have cleaned around 9,000 drainage chambers in Nagpur in the past 11 months. These robots have human-like arms and gas sensors to assess sewage conditions, eliminating the need for sanitation workers to expose themselves to hazardous environments.
Other cities in India have also adopted robotic solutions. Thane has incorporated robots for cleaning water storage tanks, while Mumbai deploys them to clean manholes and water bodies. Chennai is using robots to inspect water pipelines, and in Shillong, robots are deployed to clear floating trash from the famous Umiam Lake.
The benefits of using AI robots for water and sanitation challenges are evident. Endobot, an AI-powered robot, has helped the Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB) address leakage issues within its aging water distribution network. By crawling inside water pipelines, the robot can identify contamination points, leaks, and other defects without the need for manual inspections, which were previously nearly impossible to conduct with precision.
Asim Bhalero, co-founder of Fluid Robotics, another company providing solutions for water pollution and wastewater problems, highlights that most tier-1 cities in India have thousands of kilometers of wastewater pipelines, with significant losses due to leakages. For instance, around 80% of the wastewater leaves urban areas untreated, directly polluting water bodies and groundwater reserves. Bhalero’s company has collaborated with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to inspect and map pipeline networks, identifying damaged areas and redirecting wastewater away from lakes.
Clearbot, a start-up focused on tackling water pollution, has developed an AI-powered robotic boat that collects floating trash and removes hyacinths from water bodies. This robotic boat has been deployed on a pilot basis in cities such as Shillong, Varanasi, and Bangalore, successfully clearing significant amounts of trash from lakes and rivers. The company plans to launch an updated version capable of collecting even larger quantities of trash per hour.
It is clear that robotics and AI have significant potential to address urban challenges and optimize city operations. Prabhu Rajagopal, a professor of mechanical engineering at IIT Madras, believes that India has made significant progress in these fields, primarily driven by start-ups. Rajagopal predicts that robots will take over hazardous tasks in India, improving efficiency and safety across various sectors.
By embracing AI-powered robots, Indian cities are finding sustainable and efficient solutions to their water and sanitation challenges. These innovative technologies not only enhance productivity but also contribute to the overall well-being of urban ecosystems. As more cities in India and around the world recognize the transformative benefits of robotics and AI, it is expected that autonomous cities will become a reality in the future.
