Thiruvananthapuram: In a major step toward modernising urban sanitation and improving the safety of sanitation workers, the Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation has deployed an AI-powered robotic system to clean city canals under the Swachh Bharat Mission – Urban 2.0.
The robotic system, called G-SPIDER, has been introduced at the Amayizhanchan canal near Thampanoor Railway Station in Thiruvananthapuram. The canal—particularly the covered stretch beneath the railway station—has long posed difficulties for manual cleaning due to limited vertical clearance, continuous water flow and restricted human access.
AI Technology to Replace Hazardous Manual Cleaning
According to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), the deployment aims to eliminate the need for sanitation workers to enter hazardous and unhygienic canal environments, significantly reducing risks associated with manual cleaning in confined spaces.
The robotic canal-cleaning system was commissioned by Kerala’s Minister for Local Self-Governments, M. B. Rajesh.
The initiative is the result of a collaboration between the municipal corporation and Genrobotic Innovations, a technology company based in Technopark, known for developing the robotic scavenger Bandicoot.
Advanced AI-Powered Canal Cleaning System
Developed by Genrobotic Innovations, the G-SPIDER robot is designed to operate in complex canal environments without human entry.
The system uses cable-driven parallel robotics architecture, along with AI-powered vision systems and sensors, to identify and remove accumulated waste from canals.
Using advanced machine vision technology, the robot can detect different types of waste and adjust to varying water flow conditions and structural obstacles.
Its robotic mechanism features a claw-type grabber, enabling it to capture and remove debris such as plastic waste, sharp materials and other hazardous objects from the canal.
Fully Automated Waste Removal Process
The system ensures a hands-free cleaning process, where extracted waste is automatically transferred to designated collection vehicles for disposal.
Officials said the automation significantly reduces sanitation workers’ exposure to toxic gases, contaminated water and hazardous waste, improving workplace safety.
Improving Urban Drainage and Preventing Flooding
The robot is designed to function effectively even during high water levels and continuous flow conditions, ensuring uninterrupted maintenance of drainage systems.
Regular cleaning through such technology is expected to improve drainage efficiency and reduce the risk of urban flooding, particularly during heavy rainfall.
Model for Future Smart Sanitation Projects
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs said the introduction of G-SPIDER represents a shift toward technology-driven canal maintenance and mechanised sanitation systems.
Officials believe the model could be replicated in other high-risk canals and drainage networks across the country, strengthening urban sanitation infrastructure.
The initiative aligns with the broader goal of the Swachh Bharat Mission to modernise sanitation services while ensuring the dignity, safety and well-being of sanitation workers.
