IIT Madras Startup Solinas Deploys Robots to Clean Sewage in 16 Indian Cities

An IIT Madras project has grown into Solinas, a startup using robots to clean septic tanks and manholes, aiming to remove humans from hazardous sanitation work. The company's HomoSEP Atom robot has been deployed in 16 Indian cities. The robotic system combines blade-based cleaning, desilting, suction, and waste storage, allowing workers to operate from outside. Deployments in Madurai and Chennai have addressed manhole blockages and cleaned septic tanks, reducing worker exposure to toxic environments. Solinas has also developed smaller robots for pipeline inspection, using AI to detect defects and leaks. Its technologies have been deployed in cities including Coimbatore and Goa, addressing infrastructure problems and improving water and sewage management.