17 November 2025
Dialog Axiata has partnered with the Ministry of Environment’s Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) to introduce a 5G-enabled autonomous water surface cleaning robot.
The innovative robot is designed to collect floating waste and monitor environmental conditions in real time across lakes, rivers, and canals.
Utilizing 5G connectivity, artificial intelligence (AI), and robotics, the robot can navigate water surfaces to gather debris such as plastic bottles, bags, and leaves. Dialog states that its 5G network facilitates real-time HD video streaming, enabling remote operation from anywhere within the country. Powered by a carbon-neutral electric system, the robot employs AI for garbage detection, obstacle avoidance, and precise centimetre-level positioning.
According to Dialog, each mission can cover 50 to 100 acres of water surface and remove up to 50 kilograms of waste, helping to prevent plastics from entering the ocean.
“This is a powerful example of how 5G can serve a purpose far greater than connectivity,” said Supun Weerasinghe, Group CEO of Dialog Axiata.
Environment Minister Dr. Dammika Patabendi added, “initiatives like this highlight the importance of cross-sector collaboration in achieving our environmental objectives.”
Currently, Sri Lanka’s 5G technology remains in the trial phase. Dialog has been testing 5G since 2018, alongside rival SLT-Mobitel, as the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) prepares to allocate spectrum for commercial 5G services. The spectrum auction process began in October, with the final list of bidders expected to be released on November 24. The auction is scheduled for 3 December, closing on 15 December.
