Minister for Local Self Governments M.B. Rajesh launched the G-Spider robotic system on Wednesday at Amayizhanjan canal near Thampanoor, Thiruvananthapuram. Developed by startup Genrobotics, this AI-powered robot cleans canals without putting humans in danger. The launch site was near where sanitation worker N. Joy lost his life in 2024 while cleaning the canal. “I had promised back then that no one would ever have to do such a job again, like Joy. That promise has been kept today,” said Mr. Rajesh on his Facebook page. He added that this is a key step in the Malinya Muktham Nava Keralam project aiming for cleaner Kerala. Genrobotics co-owner Vimal Govind proposed the idea after the accident. The Thiruvananthapuram Corporation was tasked to implement the project immediately. Genrobotics designed and installed G-Spider free of cost, while the civic body will handle civil works and maintenance. Thiruvananthapuram Mayor V.V. Rajesh led the launch event. The corporation plans to explore further uses of this technology. G-Spider uses Cable-Driven Parallel Robotics combined with AI-powered sensors and machine vision. It can detect and remove waste with precision in complex canal environments. The robot adapts automatically to different waste types, water flow, and canal structures. It helps avoid human entry in risky cleaning tasks. Additionally, Kerala will commission seven CBG plants for solid waste disposal, with one set to open in the capital city. This smart canal cleaner promises safer sanitation work and a cleaner environment.