‘Bandicoot Mini’, more compact and affordable version of drain-cleaning robot, flown to Leh

The functionality of “Bandicoot Mini” is explained to visitors at a robotics exhibition that took place on Friday parallel to the Robotics Round Table in Kochi. | Photo: RK Nithin

Genrobotic Innovations, an award-winning Kerala-based start-up that revolutionized the cleaning of clogged drains and manhole covers with its robot called “Bandicoot,” has now launched a more compact and affordable version of the robot called “Bandicoot Mini.”

The newly launched product was showcased along with its famous predecessor on August 23 (Friday) at the first Robotics Round Table in Kerala organized by the Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation in collaboration with the Department of Industries and Commerce in Kochi.

“We have so far received an order of three 'Bandicoot Mini' from the Leh Municipal Committee. One has already been dispatched and is already in use. The remaining two will be delivered shortly. They are of great use in Leh where drains freeze in extreme cold as the bucket attached to it has increased desludging power,” said Akhil Ajith, senior marketing manager at Genrobotic Innovations.

Compared to its predecessor, Bandicoot Mini is much more compact. Priced at Rs 1.5 million, it is cheaper than Bandicoot, which costs Rs 4.5 million. The mini version is therefore suitable for townships and village communities.

Bandicoot Mini is equipped with two lithium batteries with a quick-charge function. It is also compatible with solar energy, which allows for longer use. With a minimum charging time of around 15 minutes, it could run for around three hours. With a mix of battery and solar energy, it could work around the clock and clean up to 15 to 20 drains or manholes.

The startup has deployed 176 of its 'Bandicoot' robots in 19 states and three union territories over the last seven years. This includes one robot each for the Kerala Water Authority in Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi and Guruvayoor. Recently, Bandicoot made headlines when it was deployed to clean the heavily polluted Amayizhanchan canal under Thiruvananthapuram railway station, where a sanitation worker went missing last month. The worker, N. Joy, was later found dead.