Zoho Invests in Deep-Tech Startup Genrobotics

On Wednesday, Zoho Corporation announced a Rs 20 crore investment in Genrobotics, an Indian startup developing robotics and AI-powered solutions for social issues such as hazardous working conditions. The investment, according to Zoho, will help Genrobotics in its mission to eliminate manual scavenging in India and provide safety and dignity to workers in the sanitation, oil, and gas industries.

The 'Bandicoot' robot from Genrobotics is the world's first robotic scavenger, and it assists in cleaning confined spaces such as sewer manholes, sewer wells, storm water manholes, oily water sewers (OWS), and stormwater sewers (SWS) in refineries. In 2018, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched 'Bandicoot.'

"Building such technological competencies and critical know-how locally can help foster sustainable growth across key sectors, like industrial manufacturing, healthcare, and energy, in turn making the country economically stronger and self-reliant," said Sridhar Vembu, CEO and Co-Founder of Zoho Corp.

Bandicoot robots use artificial intelligence to mimic human movements. They enter manholes, move around, and gain stability in various terrains by using their legs, various sensors, and cameras. The multi-purpose robotic arm can do tasks like shovelling, grabbing, picking, and water-jet positioning that are required for various types of cleaning.