A transformative shift in sanitation is underway with Genrobotics’ Bandicoot robot, a pioneering invention designed to replace dangerous and demeaning manual scavenging practices. This breakthrough technology not only safeguards lives but also challenges societal stigmas tied to this essential work.
The Grim Reality of Manual Scavenging
Manual scavenging is a deeply entrenched issue, marked by its hazardous and degrading nature. The task involves human workers manually cleaning sewers and septic tanks—a job fraught with life-threatening risks. Despite laws like The Employment of Manual Scavengers and Construction of Dry Latrines (Prohibition) Act, 1993, and The Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013, the problem persists.
From 2018 to 2023, over 300 fatalities were reported due to manual scavenging, according to a Rajya Sabha report. This grim statistic underscores the urgent need for alternative solutions. Beyond the physical perils, manual scavengers face intense societal discrimination, often being ostracized and denied opportunities for better livelihoods.
A Technological Answer to an Age-Old Problem
Kerala-based Genrobotics is redefining sanitation work with its revolutionary invention: Bandicoot. The robot is engineered to clean manholes, septic tanks, and sewers, eliminating the need for human involvement in these perilous tasks.
The name Bandicoot pays homage to a species of rat adept at tunneling underground—an apt metaphor for the robot’s function. Designed to maneuver through confined, hazardous spaces, the Bandicoot operates with precision and efficiency.
How Bandicoot Works
The robot consists of two main units:
- Stand Unit: A control interface equipped with a 13-inch display screen that provides real-time footage of the manhole interior.
- Robotic Drone Unit: Fitted with high-resolution cameras and sensors, this component is lowered into the manhole to perform cleaning tasks.
Once inside, the drone’s multi-functional robotic arm, equipped with shovels and grabbing tools, collects waste. Its sturdy robotic legs ensure stability, while built-in sensors detect toxic gases like methane, safeguarding operators from potential harm.
Genrobotics has created multiple versions of Bandicoot to cater to various needs. The Mini Bandicoot is a solar-powered, compact model, while the Mobility Plus is a larger, vehicle-mounted version with an integrated waste disposal system.
Transforming Lives Through Innovation
Through its ambitious initiative, ‘Mission Robohole,’ Genrobotics has deployed over 350 Bandicoot robots across 23 states in India and four other countries. These robots have transformed working conditions for over 3,300 sanitation workers, enabling municipalities in cities such as Ulhasnagar, Kanpur, Nava Raipur, and Noida to transition from human labor to robotic solutions.
In Gandhinagar, for example, the municipal corporation recently added two more Bandicoot robots to its fleet, enhancing efficiency and worker safety.
Recognition and Expansion
Genrobotics has gained widespread acclaim, with early Bandicoot models showcased in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UN Secretary-General António Guterres in 2018. The company has continued to innovate, introducing specialized robots like the Wilboar for petroleum tank cleaning and the G-Gaiter, a gait-training device for individuals with mobility challenges.
A Brighter Future for Sanitation Workers
By removing humans from dangerous and stigmatized sanitation tasks, Genrobotics’ Bandicoot robot is paving the way for a more humane and equitable future. This innovation not only addresses the immediate dangers of manual scavenging but also contributes to breaking the cycle of social discrimination associated with it.
As technology like Bandicoot continues to expand, it holds the promise of a future where no human is subjected to the indignity and risks of manual scavenging. Through the power of robotics, Genrobotics is turning a dark chapter of humanity into a story of progress and dignity.
Source: The Better India
