India's first septic tank cleaning robot strengthening Swatch Bharat campaign
India's first septic tank cleaning robot strengthening Swatch Bharat campaign
DST-Technology Business Incubators (TBIs) are part of the NIDHI program established in academic, technical, and R&D institutions to support and nurture innovative startups into successful enterprises.
The startup, Solinas, developed this cost-effective robotic solution incorporating Artificial Intelligence (AI) for sanitation purposes, including inspecting, cleaning, and managing confined spaces. It has been instrumental in clearing manhole blockages and mitigating sewer overflows in Madurai and was also extended to Chennai's densely populated areas. The process is beneficial for municipalities to efficiently clean, clear, and transport waste to treatment plants, thereby ensuring the safety and dignity of sanitary workers by avoiding direct exposure to toxic environments.
Born out of IIT Madras, Solinas is a deep-tech and climate tech startup focusing on revolutionizing the water and sanitation sector. Early product development was significantly advanced by IIT Madras DST-TBI. Solinas specializes in developing miniature robots, including India's first 90mm water robot and 120mm sewer robot, designed for navigating through small pipelines to tackle water-sewer contamination challenges. DST's support has been pivotal in scaling sustainable solutions.
In addition to Homosep Atom, Solinas's technologies address climate challenges, water wastage, groundwater pollution, and daily issues like manual scavenging and drinking contaminated water. Technologies like Endobot and Swasth AI serve as diagnostic tools for pipelines, identifying and addressing leaks, blockages, and tree roots that cause water contamination and wastages. These innovations have proven cost-effective in improving drinking water supply and sewage management in cities like Coimbatore and Hubbali, and for organizations like The Sewerage and Infrastructural Development Corporation of Goa (SIDGCL), and in partnership with Chennai Metro, enhancing pipeline integrity and water access.
Professor Abhay Karandikar, Secretary of DST, highlighted DST's role in encouraging young entrepreneurs to develop knowledge-based enterprises that address societal challenges and contribute to the nation's growth and development