From Sewer to Space: Genrobotics becomes Kerala’s first startup to bag ISRO robotics development tender

Trivandrum / October 14, 2026

Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 14: In a significant milestone for Kerala’s deep-tech ecosystem, Genrobotics Innovations has secured a robotics development project from the U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC), a key centre of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), to develop a high-precision articulated boom arm system for satellite missions.

The project involves designing and developing an indigenous mechanism for reflector deployment and pointing on satellite decks, marking a momentous development in the company’s journey from building robots for hazardous underground environments to precise world-class engineering systems for space applications.

Under the URSC project, the company’s Space & Advanced Robotics division will develop a multi-link articulated boom arm system designed to withstand the mechanical stresses of launch and operate under the extreme thermal and vacuum conditions of space. The mechanism is intended to enable precise positioning and orientation of space-borne communication reflectors and payload instruments on satellites.

Launched in 2017 to eliminate hazardous manual labour, Genrobotics gained recognition for Bandicoot, the world’s first robotic system designed to eliminate manual scavenging and protect health and dignity of sanitation workers. Developing robots for toxic, confined and corrosive environments helped the company build expertise in advanced actuator control, materials engineering, precision motion systems and artificial intelligence-driven robotics.

The company subsequently expanded its capabilities into healthcare, heavy industry and defence. Its portfolio includes G-Gaiter, a robotic rehabilitation platform, and GENBOT, designed for heavy-duty manipulation and mobility across defence, oil and gas, and industrial operations.

Genrobotics has also integrated Physical AI and reinforcement learning into its robotic platforms to enhance adaptability, motion control and operational precision.

These capabilities have supported the company’s expansion into international markets, including the UAE, South Africa, Singapore and Malaysia. It has also forged strategic relationships with international organisations, including South Africa’s defence technology company Armscor, while engaging with global space-sector stakeholders, such as the Dubai Space Agency.

To strengthen its presence in space robotics, Genrobotics has established a dedicated production and R&D facility at KINFRA in Thumba, Thiruvananthapuram. The facility houses specialised testing infrastructure, cleanroom assembly areas and engineering laboratories intended to support the development and qualification of space-grade hardware.

“Our journey began in hazardous underground manholes, where our mission was to save lives and restore human dignity,” said Vimal Govind M.K., co-founder and CEO of Genrobotics. “Developing systems capable of operating under corrosive conditions, high torque and extreme environmental stress helped us build a strong engineering foundation. Transitioning into space mechanisms is a natural progression, and ISRO’s trust in our team validates the capabilities we have developed over the years.”

Jaleesh P., co-founder and CTO of Genrobotics, said, “Across every sector we have entered, we have designed our robotic platforms for environments where reliability and precision are critical and where failure is simply not an option.”

He added: “The lessons we learnt in sanitation robotics have shaped our approach to medical rehabilitation, heavy industrial applications and defence. We are now bringing that immaculate engineering discipline to space robotics.”

The contract marks a significant expansion of Genrobotics’ work into advanced aerospace engineering and highlights the potential of Kerala’s deep-tech ecosystem to contribute to India’s commercial space programme through indigenous design and manufacturing capabilities.

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