Jakarta, INTI – Flooding caused by clogged drains has long been a serious concern, especially during the rainy season. Underground channels that are supposed to carry water often end up filled with waste and sediment, obstructing the flow. To address this challenge, a team of students from Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) introduced an innovative solution: a robot named RoboGo. This blockage-detection robot was showcased at the Computer Engineering Expo 2025 held at the ITS campus, marking a concrete effort to harness technology in preventing urban flooding.
Innovation from Students for a More Resilient City
RoboGo was designed by three Computer Engineering students from the class of 2022: Zhafarullah Ahmad, Rezky Dwi Santika, and Rigel Ramadhani Waloni. The project, developed as part of their Telematics course, aims to reduce the need for human labor in inspecting drains that are long, narrow, and enclosed. With its design tailored to underground channels, RoboGo can move smoothly while providing real-time visual data through a dedicated application.
Advanced Features for More Accurate Detection
The robot is equipped with a camera supported by LED lights, enabling clear observation even in dark environments. In addition, RoboGo features an ultrasonic obstacle detection sensor to measure the distance and location of blockages within the channel. Information such as direction, speed, and the robot’s position from the initial starting point can also be monitored in real-time, making it far more efficient than manual inspection.
Long - Lasting Power and Eco-Friendly Design
Powered by a 6,000 mAH battery, RoboGo can operate for 5 to 6 hours. Its waterproof design ensures safe operation even in water-filled drains. Although still a prototype, the innovation is expected to continue evolving, particularly in terms of mobility systems and durability, so it can be more widely applied in real-world scenarios.
Contribution to SDGs and the Future of Cities
The ITS team emphasized that RoboGo is not just a campus project but also part of a contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically Goal 6 on clean water and sanitation. With further development, this robot has the potential to become a key technology in supporting smart cities that are resilient against flooding.
Conclusion
The introduction of RoboGo proves that local student innovation can deliver real solutions to urban environmental challenges. With continued advancement, this robot could become an essential technology in building cleaner, safer, and more sustainable urban infrastructure.
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Author: Nd