A robotic dream comes true

Born in Rajasthan, Pulkit Gaur, 29, knows the importance of water. So much that he has decided to make a living out of immersible robots for cleaning water tanks.

Besides automating the process, Gaur’s robot ensures that the water supply is uninterrupted as the tanks do not need to be emptied for cleaning. Called Sausr, which stands for smart autonomous underwater service robot, Gaur’s underwater robots are sold through his company Grdibots.

Gridbots is incubated at the centre for innovation, incubation and intrepreneurship in the Indian Institute of Management (Ahmedabad).

The device for industrial usage is three feet wide, two feet long, weighing about 30 kg and can clean tanks as deep as 50 meters. Sausr has high-resolution camera that makes remote navigation easier, especially when it is combined with powerful LED lights attached to the front of the device.

The waterproof robot comes with sensors capable of detecting direction, temperature, and water acidity. There is also provision for collecting the sludge on board.

At Rs7.5 lakh for the domestic purpose device and ¤12.5 lakh for industrial purpose one, Gaur tells DNA his robots are for the Indian market.

Is this your first idea that clicked?
No. I worked on various other ideas which have received similar responses. Some of the other ones I worked on include India’s first telePresence Robot-GSR1 (http://gridbots.com/gsr1.html) and Indigenous Combat Robot for military purposes.

What are you currently working on?
I am working on developing a novel robot that can be used in hotels and hospitality industries. We have done some initial tests and are in talks with a few clients.

Would you work independently with funding or as part of a research institution?
I would prefer a model where I can do research — whichever way it is possible. It does not matter as long as pursuit of research is possible without hindrance.

Is innovation an end in itself or a means to become an entrepreneur?
I think innovation is just the beginning. Converting innovation into a product and then ensuring that it actually serves a purpose is essentially the task of an entrepreneur.

Does India value and reward its innovators?
India is open to innovations and values it. Having said that, when it comes to rewarding the innovators or giving recognition to the innovation, I think it is not up to the expectations.

Has your innovation made material difference to your standard of living?
No

Who are your biggest influences?
My family, especially my father, has been my biggest influence. My father always has supported me in all my ventures. The second source of influence is my core team — Vijaita and Govind —- who have believed in me and supported me.

What has been your biggest mistake?
None.

If you could go back and change one thing about your life as an innovator, what would it be?
I don’t think I would want to change anything.

Did you have a childhood dream?
I always wanted to do whatever I am doing right now. So, technically speaking, I am living my childhood dream.