Bengaluru to use robotic cleaners ‘Bandicoot’ for drains as monsoon approaches

As the monsoon season nears, Bengaluru is set to employ advanced technology to combat the growing issue of clogged drains. The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has introduced a robotic cleaner, named Bandicoot, designed to tackle the city's drainage system problems. The robot is part of a wider plan to ensure the city's manholes and drains are clear in preparation for the heavy rainfall that often leads to waterlogging.

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The Bandicoot robots, which weigh around 50 kg, are semi-automated and come with a robotic arm that can rotate 360 degrees to clear solid waste from drains. Equipped with four legs for easy maneuverability, these robots are able to navigate through difficult spaces, such as manholes, to remove debris and improve drainage efficiency. This innovation is expected to make a significant impact on the smooth flow of rainwater and reduce flooding.

Bengaluru follows in the footsteps of cities like Chennai and Thiruvananthapuram, which have already implemented similar technology. While the BBMP’s decision to deploy such technology is seen as a positive step toward modernizing the city’s sanitation systems, there has been some public concern. Critics argue that the introduction of robots might lead to misuse of funds, questioning the effectiveness of the project in addressing the core drainage issues.

Despite the criticism, the BBMP remains hopeful that the Bandicoot robots will not only increase the efficiency of cleaning operations but also minimize the risks posed to workers by dangerous manual cleaning of drains. The initiative marks a forward-thinking approach to solving Bengaluru's drainage challenges as the monsoon season begins.