Bengaluru’s long-standing struggle with wet waste management has found a potential game-changer in a locally developed artificial intelligence-powered robot named Chewie. The compact unit, designed to handle kitchen waste, has recently gained widespread attention after Biocon Chairperson Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw highlighted its innovative approach to household garbage disposal.
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How Chewie works
Chewie functions as a smart waste-processing system that digests everyday organic matter such as food leftovers, vegetable peels, and fruit scraps. Unlike traditional waste storage that often leads to foul odour and unhygienic conditions, the robot transforms this material into nutrient-rich soil within hours. The byproduct can be reused for urban gardening and small-scale farming, offering households an environmentally friendly solution while reducing the burden on city landfills.
The innovation arrives at a critical time for Bengaluru, which has long grappled with overflowing dumps and limited waste-handling infrastructure despite its reputation as a global technology hub. By turning biodegradable matter into a resource rather than a liability, the device reflects a circular model of sustainability, aligning with broader goals of waste reduction and soil regeneration.
Following Mazumdar-Shaw’s endorsement, Chewie has sparked strong interest on social media, where residents have lauded its potential to ease domestic waste management challenges. Some have expressed curiosity about scaling the technology for municipal use, while others have raised questions about the role of artificial intelligence in its operation.
With growing momentum, Chewie could mark a step toward smarter, cleaner cities driven by homegrown innovation.