HLL Lifecare to deploy 100 'Made in India' manhole cleaning robots in Maharashtra in partnership with Startup Genrobotics

Mumbai / July 23, 2026

Mumbai, July 23: In one of the largest robotic sewer-cleaning initiatives undertaken in India, HLL Lifecare Limited (HLL) will deploy 100 'Made in India' manhole cleaning robots across Maharashtra in collaboration with Kerala-based Startup Genrobotics.

An agreement to this effect was signed between Genrobotics and HLL, an enterprise under the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and the Mahatma Phule Backward Class Development Corporation Limited (MPBCDCL), a Government of Maharashtra undertaking under the Social Justice and Special Assistance Department.

The project modelled on public-private synergy aims to mechanise sewer maintenance, eliminate hazardous manual sewer cleaning, and improve the safety and dignity of sanitation workers.

Under the agreement, HLL will undertake the supply, installation, and commissioning of 100 robotic manhole cleaning systems across Maharashtra through its Sustainable Projects Division (SPD).

The project will be implemented in collaboration with Thiruvananthauram-based Genrobotics Innovations Pvt Ltd., the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and technology partner.

The deployment will feature Genrobotics’ Bandicoot Robot Series, an indigenous robotic system designed to eliminate the need for human entry into hazardous and confined sewer spaces. The robots are equipped to carry out sewer cleaning operations safely while improving efficiency and reducing occupational risks.

The initiative aligns with the Government of India's efforts to completely eradicate manual scavenging through technological intervention. By enabling Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) across Maharashtra to adopt mechanised sewer-cleaning systems, the project is expected to enhance sanitation services while creating opportunities to up-skill sanitation workers as robot operators.

HLL's Sustainable Projects Division has been implementing technology-driven solutions in sanitation, public utilities, and smart urban infrastructure across the country. The collaboration with Genrobotics brings together HLL's execution capabilities and indigenous deep-tech innovation to address critical challenges in urban sanitation.

 Developed under the 'Make in India' initiative, the Bandicoot robotic system has been deployed in several states and has received national recognition for its contribution to eliminating hazardous manual sewer cleaning.

The Maharashtra project is expected to serve as a model for wider adoption of robotic sanitation technologies across the country, supporting safer, cleaner, and more sustainable urban infrastructure.

Genrobotics is an AI-powered, deep-tech engineering company that develops advanced robotic solutions to replace human workers in dangerous or high-risk environments, improve public utility maintenance, and advance healthcare rehabilitation. As the creator of the world's first robotic scavenger, the Bandicoot, the company has leveraged deep tech to eliminate human entry into hazardous confined networks.

For its completely indigenous innovation, Genrobotics was featured in the Top 3 AI Startup ranking by Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeIty) and also won the global TiE 50 Award at Silicon Valley, besides featuring in Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia.

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