IIT-Madras Develops ‘Sepoy Septic Tank Robot’ To Clean Sewers Without Manual Labour

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras professor Dr Prabhu Rajagopal has invented a device which can replace solution for the manual excavation, reports India Today.

Professor Dr Prabhu Rajagopal, from the Centre for Non-Destructive Evaluation at IIT-Madras has invented a 50-kg, pneumatic-powered, remote-controlled robot, which can be sent down in the septic and sewer lines for cleaning.

The unique machine is named as Sepoy Septic Tank Robot, has 360-degree motion arm technology which helps in sweeping the underground manhole floor while collecting the filth.

“Our goal is to prevent human entry into septic tanks. It is a question of the life of the human beings entering into the tanks which contain hazardous gases and harmful microbes,” Dr Rajajgopal said.

He adds that the robot and future additions aim to achieve an integrated solution which would prevent human entry to access, clean and maintain the septic tanks. The robot comes with a camera installed on it so that the operator can see the sewer line condition while regulating the machine.

It uses high-velocity cutters to cut through thick sludge in septic. The Sepoy Septic Tank costs between Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh, and does not need much maintenance. The robots will hit the market in a year or two.