,
Abstract
Manual drainage maintenance in urban environments remains a hazardous task, exposing sanitation
workers to toxic gases, infections, and life-threatening accidents. This paper presents the development
of an automated 12V Smart Drainage Cleaning System designed to eliminate manual scavenging and
enhance cleaning efficiency. The robotic model operates on a 12V DC power supply, integrating an
ultrasonic sensor for real time obstacle detection and automated navigation within narrow drainage
pathways. The core cleaning mechanism consists of a high torque motor-driven chain and sprocket
system. This mechanism rotates a series of lifter plates that effectively filter solid debris such as plastic
bottles and polythene while allowing liquid waste to flow through. The collected waste is elevated and
deposited into an onboard storage tank. To prevent mechanical overload and ensure timely disposal, a
load cell is incorporated to continuously monitor the weight of the accumulated waste, signaling the
operator or halting the system when maximum capacity is reached. Controlled by a dedicated motor
driver, the robot offers a portable and cost effective solution for proactive sewage management.
Experimental results indicate that the system significantly reduces human contact with hazardous
materials and provides a more consistent cleaning frequency compared to traditional manual methods.
This research demonstrates a sustainable, sensor driven approach to urban sanitation that prioritizes
worker safety and environmental hygiene.
Keywords: Drainage cleaning robot, ultrasonic sensor, load cell, ESP32 microcontroller, automated drainage system
[This article belongs to Journal of Industrial Safety Engineering ]
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Journal of Industrial Safety Engineering
| Volume | 13 | |
| Issue | 02 | |
| Received | 13/06/2026 | |
| Accepted | 01/07/2026 | |
| Published | 06/07/2026 | |
| Publication Time | 23 Days |