Turmeric Man of Himachal Pradesh

India's relentless pursuit of cleanliness and sanitation has taken a significant leap forward with the introduction of the country's first septic tank cleaning robot. Developed by the innovative startup Solinas and incubated in the prestigious Department of Science and Technology (DST)-Technology Business Incubator (TBI) at IIT Madras, this groundbreaking technology is reshaping the way sanitation practices are carried out across the nation.

Revolutionizing Sanitation Practices

The septic tank/manhole cleaning robot, aptly named Homosep Atom, represents a transformative shift from traditional manual cleaning methods to cutting-edge robotic solutions. Equipped with advanced capabilities, Homosep Atom offers an end-to-end solution that addresses critical sanitation challenges such as blade cleanings, solid waste desilting, suction, and storage—all within a single device. This not only streamlines the cleaning process but also significantly reduces the costs associated with owning multiple assets for sanitation maintenance.

Empowering Sanitary Workers and Promoting Safety

One of the most significant advantages of Homosep Atom is its ability to empower sanitary workers while ensuring their safety and dignity. By integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI), the robot can efficiently inspect, clean, and manage confined spaces without requiring workers to enter hazardous environments. This has been particularly impactful in cities like Madurai and Chennai, where Homosep Atom has successfully cleared manhole blockages, reduced sewer overflows, and provided sanitary workers with the tools they need to perform their jobs safely and effectively.

Solinas: Pioneering Innovation for Climate and Water Solutions

Behind this groundbreaking technology is Solinas, a deep-tech and climate tech startup born out of IIT Madras. Solinas specializes in developing miniature robots tailored for specific environmental challenges. The company's innovations include:

• Homosep Atom: India's first septic tank/manhole cleaning robot, offering an end-to-end solution for sanitation challenges.
• 90mm Water Robot: Designed to navigate narrow pipelines and address water contamination challenges.
• 120mm Sewer Robot: Capable of managing sewer overflows and improving pipeline integrity.
• Endobot and Swasth AI: Pipeline diagnostic tools that detect water contamination, wastages, and sewer overflows, facilitating quick and cost-effective solutions.

Supported by DST-TBI, Solinas has not only revolutionized sanitation practices but also contributed significantly to mitigating climate challenges such as water wastage, groundwater pollution, and climate change impacts.

Advancing Pipeline Diagnostics

Solinas's technologies, including Endobot and Swasth AI, serve as essential pipeline diagnostic tools capable of:

• Detecting water contamination, wastages, and sewer overflows.
• Identifying underground issues like leaks, blockages, and tree roots.
• Providing quick and cost-effective solutions for water supply and sewage management.
• Improving pipeline integrity and water access in collaboration with city authorities and infrastructure projects.

These innovative tools have been successfully deployed in cities like Coimbatore, Hubbali, and Goa, contributing significantly to efficient water management and sanitation practices

Government Support and Future Prospects

The success of Solinas and its pioneering technologies underscores the importance of government support in fostering innovation and addressing societal challenges. Professor Abhay Karandikar, Secretary DST, emphasizes the crucial role of DST's support in encouraging young entrepreneurs to develop knowledge-based enterprises that not only solve societal challenges but also contribute to the nation's growth and development.

Looking ahead, the integration of robotics, AI, and innovative technologies in sanitation and water management holds tremendous promise for India's Swachh Bharat campaign. With continued support from government initiatives and collaborations with forward-thinking startups like Solinas, India is poised to achieve new milestones in cleanliness, sanitation, and environmental sustainability.