ECJ EUROPEAN Cleaning Journal

Robot creators across India flocked to take part in a challenge to build an autonomous machine capable of completing basic washroom janitorial tasks.

The challenge was issued by Bengaluru-based not-for-profit foundation AI & Robotics Technology Park and was taken up by more than 130 respondents.

Robot entrants were expected to be able to perform tasks such as clearing up rubbish from the floor, then cleaning the sinks and counters using a sanitising liquid. Technical challenges included the creation of an accurate washroom map and designing a robotic platform for navigation, pick-up and mopping tasks.

Robots also needed to be able to accurately recognise objects in the washroom and estimate their locations and orientations.

ARTPARK research head and director Professor Bharadwaj Amrutur said: "This next-gen robot technology has already proved to be a game-changing asset for various industries and the need to invest in this tool will only increase in the years to come.

"Such robots will only augment the capability and productivity of our workforce, making India a global leader in various industry verticals such as manufacturing, logistics and agriculture."

Service robots can improve the lives of employees by automating both routine and hazardous physical tasks, according to ARTPARK.

Company ceo Umakant Soni said the robot challenge aimed to provide learners with an opportunity to nurture their skills and create technological solutions for real-world problems. "We will be building on this response to create d a strong AI and robotics community to help expand the robotics ecosystem in India," he said.