This Innovative Robot By IIT Madras Can Eliminate India’s Long-standing Problem Of Manual Scavenging

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A group of researchers from IIT Madras has worked their magic by successfully creating HomoSep, a robot prototype that can eliminate manual scavenging in India. The robot has been in the works for the past several years by a team led by Prof. Prabhu Rajagopal, Center for Nondestructive Evaluation, IIT Madras, and Faculty, Department of Mechanical Engineering.

It also collaborated with an IIT Madras incubated startup - Solinas and the NGO, Safai Karamchari Andolan (SKA) in order to develop and distribute the robots.

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The Problem Statement & The Solution

Manually scavenging a septic tank is a perilous ordeal and has often led to significant complications for those involved. “The septic tank is a poisonous environment, filled with semi-solid and semi-fluid human faecal material that make up about two-thirds of the tank. Hundreds of deaths are reported every year across India, due to manual scavenging in septic tanks despite bans and prohibitory orders,” said Dr. Prabhu Venugopal.

HomoSep was first designed as a final year Master’s project by Mr. Divanshu Kumar under the guidance of Prof. Rajagopal and received a seed fund from IIT Madras’ Socially Relevant Projects initiative, after which it was showcased at the IIT Madras Carbon Zerp Challenge 2019.

He also added that “The HomoSEP project is unique for the way it has brought together the key stakeholders, including university (our team), NGO, Industry CSR, and start-up to develop a solution to an urgent and pressing social problem. No doubt the problem is large and complex, and we hope that our effort serves as an inspiration for others to join in the push.”

During the pandemic, the researchers collaborated with Solinas to further develop the project. As the project progressed, it has been supported by prominent companies like Capgemini and L & T Technology Services Foundation.

How Does It Work?

The integral part of the robot is a custom-developed rotary blade mechanism that can homogenize the hard sludge and pump the slurry out using a suction mechanism. As of now, 10 robots are ready for deployment and they will be handed over after conducting a training program for the sanitation workers` so that they will be able to operate the HomoSep by themselves.

In the last 5 years, 321 manual scavengers have died at work in India. @iitmadras researchers, led by Prof Prabhu Rajagopal @foenon, have developed a robotic machine #HomoSep that can effectively clean septic tanks & help in eliminating the inhuman practice of#manualscavenging pic.twitter.com/lXFAZllG00

— IIT Madras (@iitmadras) June 9, 2022

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Mr Bhavesh Narayani, Product Lead, Solinas Integrity, said, “Our team spent many sleepless nights, designing a solution keeping in mind the safety of the Safai Karamcharis (Sanitation Workers. Because of the dedication and hard work of our committed and motivated team of engineers, fabricators, and technicians, we are able to reach this milestone. Our team is conducting frequent training and safety sessions with the Safai Karamcharis on functionalities and operation of the HomoSEP robot.”

The team received widespread praise for their creation and the idea was received with much positivity from the sanitation workers.

IIT Madras - A Hub Of Innovation

Throughout the years, IIT Madras has made numerous innovative contributions to society. And great inventions from the institute have made the lives of thousands easier. In 2020, students from the college were awarded the title of runners-up at the Indian national James Dyson for their invention, CUBE, which is a compactly designed assistive device for the blind that fits into a smartphone!

Earlier in March 2022, the institute also hosted a tech open house for the first time in two years as the world had resigned to the pandemic. The students showcased their innovative solutions from an autonomous vehicle that could drive 100ft without a driver to a rover to assist astronauts on Mars. As many as 60 teams from the college participated this year and regarding future plans, IIT Madras Director, V Kamakoti said, “From next year onwards, IIT Madras open house will showcase innovative ideas from colleges across Tamil Nadu.”

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