India establishes its first drone research centre at IIT-Guwahati.
Wednesday, November 10, 2021 | Chimniii Desk
Key Highlights
- Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation, established India's first Centre for Excellence in Research on Drone/UAV Technology and Artificial Intelligence on Tuesday at the Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati.
- The Droneport was one of four projects launched by the Minister to stimulate the development and deployment of drone technology in the northeastern region, according to an official release.
- IIT Guwahati will contribute its experience in research, impart skill development, establish a droneport, and provide administrative support to accomplish the Prime Minister's vision of India becoming a worldwide drone hub by 2030," Prof. Sitharam stated.
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General V K Singh (retd. ), Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation, established India's first Centre for Excellence in Research on Drone/UAV Technology and Artificial Intelligence on Tuesday at the Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati.
Additionally, the minister inaugurated a Skill Development Center for Drone/UAV operation and maintenance, a Nodal Center for the Northeastern Region's overall administrative drone data management, and "AXOM Droneports," which will be used to support cargo drones delivering urgent medical and emergency supplies to remote areas of the region.
The Droneport was one of four projects launched by the Minister to stimulate the development and deployment of drone technology in the northeastern region, according to an official release.
Singh also met officials from drone firms and start-ups during the programme, which was co-organized by IIT Guwahati and industry association FICCI.
Addressing the inaugural event, the Minister stated that in recognition of the remarkable potential of Drones to transform every sector of the economy, the government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, issued new Drone Rules in August and followed them up with a Production Linked Incentive Scheme (PLI) for manufacturers.
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"Drones have enormous potential benefits for practically every sector of the economy. Due to their reach, variety, and ease of use, they have the potential to be substantial generators of employment and economic growth, particularly in India's remote and inaccessible areas. It's encouraging to see our country's IITs taking timely steps in this direction, he remarked.
Prof. T.G. Sitharam, Director of IIT, Guwahati, stated that the institute has led and made important contributions to self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat) in different sectors and has been working on various technology-based development projects for the region's benefit.
"By using the unique capabilities of drone assisted technology, the distant and tough terrains throughout the northeast region can be brought into reach during any emergency." IIT Guwahati will contribute its experience in research, impart skill development, establish a droneport, and provide administrative support to accomplish the Prime Minister's vision of India becoming a worldwide drone hub by 2030," Prof. Sitharam stated.
FICCI's Chairman of the North Eastern Council Dipankar Barua stated that the northeastern region of the country is on a progressive path and welcomes the use of drone technology for overall development, particularly in areas such as border security, agriculture, health, tourism, mining, and infrastructure.
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