The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) is set to deploy Artificial Intelligence (AI), predictive analytics and robotic inspection technologies to detect water theft and reduce leakages across Bengaluru’s water distribution network.

The initiative will be implemented through a year-long pilot study by startups SmartTerra and Solinas, which has been selected under the Titan Design Impact Awards 2.0 Deep Impact Phase.

Technology to track water losses

As part of the project, SmartTerra will use AI-driven predictive analytics to identify vulnerable sections of water pipelines and assess leakage risks before failures occur.

The startup will also deploy acoustic sensing technology capable of detecting underground leaks without the need for extensive excavation.

Meanwhile, Solinas will use robotic inspection systems that can travel through water pipelines to identify structural defects, blockages and hidden leakages that are difficult to detect through conventional methods.

Zero-cost pilot for BWSSB

The project will be funded entirely through a grant from Titan Company Limited, with Villgro serving as the incubation partner and WELL Labs providing technical support.

Officials said the study will be conducted at no financial cost to BWSSB, apart from essential civil works such as excavation and pipeline repairs if required.

The technologies are expected to help improve water distribution monitoring, identify theft, reduce non-revenue water losses and strengthen billing efficiency.

Bengaluru as a test bed for innovation

BWSSB Chairman Ram Prasath Manohar V said the utility is encouraging startups to test and scale innovative solutions that address urban water management challenges.

He noted that data-driven technologies and digital workflows have the potential to transform how cities manage water resources while improving operational efficiency.

According to BWSSB, priority zones for the pilot project will be identified soon, following which field surveys and technology deployment will begin.

Officials believe that if the pilot proves successful, AI and robotic technologies could become a key component of Bengaluru’s future strategy for managing water resources, preventing losses and improvin #BWSSB #ArtificialIntelligence #WaterManagement #Bengaluru #Innovation #newskarnataka