Draco after Bandicoot: Robots to help remove garbage

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Robots also took part in the rescue operation for the missing worker in the Amayizhanchan canal. A robot named Bandicoot from Technopark-based innovation company Genrobotics was initially entrusted with the difficult task of clearing the accumulated garbage. Yesterday, a robot called Draco, equipped with camera, was also used. Genrobotics CEO Vimal Govind talks to Kerala Kaumudi.

Bandicoot's mission?

Bandicoot was launched in 2017 to clean manholes. The rescue mission here was a bit difficult as the descent system was for circular manholes. At eight o'clock on Saturday night, the slab on the third platform of the railway was removed and the robot was released. Till 12.30, the robot removed a large amount of garbage. This helped the fire brigade to go inside and check yesterday morning.

Draco's specialty?

Draco was used to search the area where Joy went missing. Draco is being used as an experiment in Indian Oil Corporation's refineries. Three cameras with night vision are attached to Draco. The robot can be monitored from outside. Draco works on artificial intelligence and can be used for mud removal and search missions. The machine parts were developed in KINFRA about a year and a half ago.

Does Draco detect human presence?

There is no such system. However, solid objects can be detected. It is for this reason that the waste in the bag was mistaken for a human body at around 12.30 pm yesterday.

Can it be used to clean canals?

We are ready to cooperate with the municipality for this. Discussions are underway to use a robot to clean the canals near Thiruvananthapuram International Airport.