- By Kamakshi Bishnoi
- Mon, 19 May 2025 02:45 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Uttar Pradesh is at the forefront of developing advanced drone technology integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to enhance military capabilities. With increasing demand for state-of-the-art drones due to their effective use in modern warfare, researchers in the state are working to create drones that not only gather surveillance data but also assist operators in making accurate decisions.
These AI-enabled drones are being designed to function even when GPS signals fail, using technologies like VIO (Visual Inertial Odometry) and SLAM (Simultaneous Localisation and Mapping) to estimate their location through cameras and sensors.
Additionally, efforts are underway to improve drone targeting systems to distinguish between enemy combatants and civilians by utilising multiple sensors such as cameras, infrared, and radar, ensuring safer and more ethical operations.
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Energy efficiency is another focus, with AI helping to conserve battery life by analysing factors like wind direction and advising when to replace batteries, allowing drones to operate longer in remote areas.
Prof Abhishek Kumar, Head of the Drone Excellence Center at IIT Kanpur, highlighted the rapid growth of drone technology in India, emphasising the importance of integrating AI and ML for better operational results.
Dr Manmohan Shukla, Group Director of PSIT, explained that AI-equipped drones will act like intelligent assistants on the battlefield, applying knowledge from past military operations to improve combat effectiveness.
Teams of scientists and students at PSIT are actively working on developing drones that can fly without GPS and use AI-driven processes to save energy, marking a significant leap forward in India’s defense technology landscape.