NewSpace Research and Technologies Pvt. Ltd. (NewSpace), in partnership with the Defence Research and Development Organisation's (DRDO) Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR), has achieved a significant technological breakthrough.
The collaboration has successfully developed an autonomous unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), or drone, capable of independent operation within indoor environments, including those with no light.
This innovative project, funded under the Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme, was titled "Autonomous Drone as First Responder for Search and Report Operations in Enclosed/Indoor Environments." The resulting UAV is a testament to the potential of the TDF initiative in fostering technological advancements within the Indian industry.
Key Features and Potential Applications
The newly developed UAV boasts complete autonomy, enabling it to navigate and explore indoor spaces without human intervention. Its ability to function in complete darkness further enhances its versatility and potential applications.The drone's capabilities open up a broad spectrum of uses across various sectors:
- Search and Rescue: The drone can be deployed in disaster zones, collapsed buildings, or other hazardous environments to locate and assist trapped individuals.
- Surveillance and Security: The UAV's autonomous navigation and data collection capabilities make it a valuable tool for security and surveillance operations.
- Industrial Inspections: The drone can be utilized to conduct inspections in hazardous or inaccessible industrial areas, ensuring worker safety and operational efficiency.
- Environmental Monitoring: The UAV can be employed for environmental monitoring tasks in sensitive or remote locations, providing valuable data for conservation and research efforts.
- Hazardous Environment Exploration: The drone's ability to operate in challenging conditions makes it suitable for exploring environments deemed risky for humans.
Mr. Sameer Joshi, CEO of NewSpace, acknowledged the instrumental role played by CAIR in achieving this milestone. He expressed enthusiasm for exploring the full potential of this groundbreaking technology.
Dr. Samir V Kamat, Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO, congratulated both NewSpace and the broader industry on this achievement. He emphasized the project's success as a testament to DRDO's commitment to fostering industry growth and aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" (Self-reliant India).
The successful development of this autonomous indoor drone marks a significant step forward for India's technological capabilities and its commitment to self-reliance in critical sectors.
