What Gen Robotics does is simple yet revolutionary. They turn these dangerous jobs into safe tasks. Robots take the risks, so people don’t have to. This means no more humans risking their lives in manholes. Instead, robots like Bandicoot step in to clean up. (Gen Robotics)

The Dream Team 

Four visionaries kickstarted this journey in 2017 in Trivandrum, Kerala: Vimal Govind MK, Rashid K, Arun George, and Nikhil N P. Each brought a unique skill set, united by a common vision.

Their story began in college, where the seeds of change were planted. It began with a stark reality: the dangers of manual scavenging. Unwilling to accept this as the norm, the quartet set out to make a difference. They asked, “Why can’t robotics be the solution?” The answer was the world’s first scavenging robot – Bandicoot. It was a statement. A commitment to safety, dignity, and innovation.

From Sewers to Societal Solutions

They pooled their expertise in engineering and robotics, and after countless hours of hard work, Bandicoot was born. The world’s first manhole-cleaning robot. Through strategic partnerships and support from major initiatives like “Swachh Bharat Abhiyan” and “MakeInIndia,” Gen Robotics is scaling its impact. (Swachh Bharat Abhiyan)

Their work doesn’t stop at sanitation. Gen Robotics is exploring how their robots can serve in other fields too. Agriculture, healthcare, and hazardous material handling could see robots stepping in soon. 

The Gen Robotics Arsenal

Bandicoot: The Pioneer

Meet Bandicoot, the star of the show. It’s the world’s first robotic scavenger designed to clean manholes. With its 4 robotic legs and multi-functioning arm, it reaches every corner, ensuring 100% efficiency. Bandicoot is compact, easily maneuvering through narrow lanes without causing traffic jams.

Bandicoot Mini: Small but Mighty

The Bandicoot Mini takes portability to the next level. It’s designed for street-to-street cleaning, powered by solar energy. This means no wires and free movement. Its lightweight design doesn’t skimp on power, making cleanups both efficient and eco-friendly.

Wilboar: The Tough One

Wilboar specializes in cleaning confined spaces like petroleum tanks and sewer treatment plants. Its design allows for sludge removal in both horizontal and vertical spaces. Wilboar is the ultimate solution for challenging environments.

Bandicoot Mobility Plus: The Enhancer

Bandicoot Mobility Plus is an attachment that boosts the original Bandicoot’s transportability and efficiency. This innovation ensures that the Bandicoot can be easily transported and used in various locations, optimizing the cleaning process even further.

G-Crow: The Sky’s the Limit

Meet G-Crow, the aerial wizard. This drone steps in where humans tread carefully like surveying and mapping. Equipped with high-resolution cameras and AI, it analyzes data in real-time. This helps in monitoring, mapping, and managing waste efficiently.

G-Mammoth: The Heavy Lifter

G-Mammoth is the muscle of the bunch. Think big, like waste management big. This robot handles heavy lifting, making waste management safer and more efficient. Its AI brain can identify, sort, and manage waste, revolutionizing landfill operations.

Wilboar: The Ultimate Cleaner

Wilboar dives into the toughest cleaning tasks. Confined spaces, like petroleum tanks? Not a problem. Wilboar makes these dangerous jobs safe.

G-Beetle: Small but Mighty

Don’t let its size fool you. G-Beetle tackles pest control in a big way. It’s a small robot with a big mission: keeping our spaces pest-free.

Genbot Series: Versatility at Its Best

The Genbot Series is all about adaptability. They are tailored for tasks in agriculture, healthcare, etc. These robots are designed to suit various needs, proving that one size doesn’t fit all in robotics.

G bot Series: Tailored for Tasks

Similar to its cousin, the G bot Series is also tailored for tasks in agriculture, healthcare, etc.. Each robot in this lineup has a unique skill set, ready to tackle complex specialized tasks. They incorporate AI for autonomous operation, learning as they clean. Advanced sensors and algorithms enable them to tackle complex cleaning tasks intelligently.

The Workings of Gen Robotics

They sell their robots directly to municipalities, corporations, and organizations. They partner with government bodies and NGOs for large-scale deployment. This expands their reach and impact, especially in areas needing sanitation improvements. 

They also license their technology to companies in different regions. This allows for global reach while managing operational complexities. By conducting training programs, they empower local workers to operate and maintain the robots. This creates jobs and ensures the sustainability of their solutions.

Backed by the Best

Genrobotics has been on an impressive financial journey since its inception. Their journey began with a seed fund of Rs 1 crore from Unicorn Ventures. Later, they raised an additional Rs 2.5 crore in a round led by Unicorn Ventures, with Anand Mahindra investing personally.  The company has secured $3.03 million across four funding rounds. This journey began with their first funding round on February 6, 2018, marking the start of their financial growth.

The latest leap in funding was a Seed round on February 2, 2022, where Genrobotics raised $2.58 million. This round was notably led by Zoho, a global technology company known for its suite of software products and cloud applications. 

The startup has attracted seven institutional investors, including names like Unicorn India Ventures and 10000 Startups.Furthermore, the company is supported by angel investors, including Lalit Jain and three others, who bring valuable expertise and financial backing.

Financial Milestones

Genrobotics has not only attracted investors but has also shown impressive financial performance. From humble beginnings in 2018, their revenue soared to Rs 12.73 crore by FY21.  In the fiscal year 2022, the founders reported revenue close to ₹20 crore (approximately $2.5 million), with a profit of close to ₹6 crore (approximately $750,000). This financial success is underpinned by the support of notable investors like Unicorn India Ventures, Rajan Anandan, Zoho, and Anand Mahindra, each contributing to the startup’s growth and impact in the robotics and AI domain. (Financials | Traxcn)

End Of Our Journey With Gen Robotics

A world where robots and humans work hand in hand. Every hazardous job could be handled by a robot. Sounds futuristic? These aren’t just hypotheticals; Gen Robotics is turning that dream into reality. Think about it. The journey of Gen Robotics started with a single robot, Bandicoot. Now, they have a whole lineup, from G-Crow to G bot Series. Robots like Bandicoot not just clean sewers but safeguard human dignity. 

What can we do to support this wave of change? Maybe it’s advocating for tech solutions in our communities. Or simply spreading the word about innovations like Gen Robotics.

For those inspired by the potential of robotics in industry and society, I recommend exploring our series of articles that delve deeper into the robotics field. Discover companies like Saper, which is pioneering in surgical robotics, and Inaho Inc., which is revolutionizing agricultural technology with their robotics solutions. Built Robotics’ autonomous construction equipment is changing the landscape of building and construction, while Sastra Robotics is enhancing the capabilities of robotic testing. Each article offers a unique insight into how robotics is shaping various sectors and contributing to a safer, more efficient world.