Drone Technology

Five-Day Short-Term Training Program (STTP) on Drone Design, Navigation, and Regulations

The Center of Excellence in Drone Technology at IITRAM, Ahmedabad, successfully hosted a Short-Term Training Program (STTP) from 18th to 22nd November 2024, sponsored by GUJCOST. The program aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of drone technology, focusing on design, navigation, control, and regulations.

Expert Talks at the STTP

The Center of Excellence in Drone Technology at IITRAM, Ahmedabad, successfully hosted a Short-Term Training Program (STTP) from 18th to 22nd November 2024, sponsored by GUJCOST. The program aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of drone technology, focusing on design, navigation, control, and regulations.

  • Dr. Vijay Shankar Dwivedi (Cranfield University, UK): Design and Control Aspects of a Solar UAV.
    • Dr. Dwivedi shared his extensive expertise on the Design and Control Aspects of a Solar UAV. His session focused on the unique challenges and engineering solutions in the development of solar-powered unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Participants gained insights into integrating solar energy systems into UAVs, optimizing performance for long-endurance flights, and the design principles behind energy-efficient drones.

  • Dr. R.K. Narang (MP-IDSA, Retd. Indian Air Force Officer): Regulatory Challenges and Opportunities for Atma Nirbhar Bharat in Drone Technologies.
    • Dr. Narang delivered a thought-provoking talk on Regulatory Challenges and Opportunities for Atma Nirbhar Bharat in Drone Technologies. He highlighted India’s roadmap to becoming self-reliant in drone technology, the role of regulatory frameworks in fostering innovation, and overcoming challenges like airspace management, certification processes, and security concerns. His session emphasized the importance of aligning technological advancements with policy-making to promote sustainable growth in the drone sector.

  • Mr. Vikram Bansal (Founder & CEO, Asatrobo Technologies Pvt. Ltd.): Drones for the Startup Perspective.
    • Mr. Bansal’s session, titled Drones for the Startup Perspective, provided practical insights into leveraging drone technology for entrepreneurial ventures. He discussed the emerging business opportunities in the UAV industry, innovative applications across sectors like agriculture, logistics, and surveillance, and strategies for launching a successful drone startup. His session was particularly valuable for participants interested in turning drone innovations into scalable business models.

  • Prof. Abhishek (IIT Kanpur): Challenges in High-Altitude UAV Design.
    • Prof. Abhishek addressed the Challenges in High-Altitude UAV Design. His session delved into the aerodynamic, structural, and control challenges of designing UAVs for operations at high altitudes. He explored solutions for maintaining stability, performance, and efficiency in thin atmospheric conditions and highlighted the significance of advanced materials, propulsion systems, and navigation technologies for high-altitude UAVs.

These expert sessions provided participants with in-depth knowledge and insights into cutting-edge topics and real-world applications in drone technology.

Flight Testing at Sanskar Dham Drone Academy

As part of the Five-Day Short-Term Training Program (STTP) on Basics of Drone Design, Navigation, and Regulations, a comprehensive flight test was conducted at Sanskar Dham Drone Academy.

This hands-on session provided participants with practical exposure to drone flight operations. The testing included real-time demonstrations of multirotor drones, focusing on key aspects such as stability, navigation, and control in outdoor environments. Participants observed and learned techniques for drone calibration, handling, and performance evaluation in a controlled setting.

The collaboration with Sanskar Dham Drone Academy offered a unique opportunity to apply theoretical concepts in a real-world scenario, bridging the gap between classroom learning and practical applications.

IEEE Workshop on “System and Technologies for Space Eco System”

The Institute of Infrastructure Technology Research and Management (IITRAM), in collaboration with the IEEE AP/MTT Joint Chapter, Gujarat Section, successfully organized a workshop titled “System and Technologies for Space Eco System” on 3rd March 2025.

This workshop brought together eminent speakers from ISRO, NASA JPL, IN-SPACe, IIST, and international academia, who shared deep insights on cutting-edge technologies in the domain of space communications and quantum systems. The session covered a diverse range of topics including:

  • Quantum Communication Technologies – Nilesh M. Desai, Director, SAC/ISRO
  • Millimeter-wave and Terahertz Systems – Dr. Goutam Chattopadhyay, NASA JPL
  • Accelerating the Space Economy – Dr. Rajeev Jyoti, Director (Technical), IN-SPACe
  • Far-field Wireless Power Transfer – Dr. Chinmoy Saha, Professor, IIST
  • Low Power RF Communication Design – Dr. Jasmin Grosinger, Graz University of Technology

The event was inaugurated with a welcome address by Prof. Abhishek Rawat (ECESD, IITRAM) and an opening note by Dr. P. K. Jain (Director General, IITRAM).

The workshop witnessed enthusiastic participation from faculty, researchers, and students, providing a vibrant platform for technical exchange and future collaborations in space technology.

Expert Talk Organized

1. Talk on "VLSI in Avionics"

Reliability and Quality Assurance Poster

The Career Development Centre, in collaboration with the Centre of Excellence (CoE) - Drone Technology at IITRAM, successfully hosted an engaging talk on "VLSI in Avionics" on 9th March 2024.

The session was delivered by Mr. Nilesh Ranpura, Director - ASIC at eInfochips, who shared his deep expertise in VLSI (Very Large-Scale Integration) and its transformative role in avionics and aerospace systems...


2. Talk on "Reliability and Quality Assurance for Spacecraft Systems"

Reliability and Quality Assurance Poster

The Centre of Excellence (CoE) - Drone Technology at IITRAM organized an expert talk on "Reliability and Quality Assurance for Spacecraft Systems" on 19th May 2023.

The session was delivered by Shri Prakash Rao, an Outstanding Scientist and former Director of the Space Infrastructure Programme Office, ISRO. Shri Rao shared his extensive knowledge and experience in spacecraft reliability, quality assurance, and satellite systems, offering valuable insights into the intricacies of space technology and its applications.

The talk was well-received by attendees, who gained a deeper understanding of critical aspects of satellite systems and space missions, as Shri Rao highlighted his notable contributions to ISRO's projects, including GSAT-9, GSAT-17, GSAT-18, and his role as Deputy Director of Spacecraft Reliability and Quality.

The event was a resounding success, fostering curiosity and inspiration among participants interested in the field of space technology.


3. Webinar on "Recent Trends in Drone Technology"

Reliability and Quality Assurance Poster

The Institute of Infrastructure, Technology, Research, and Management (IITRAM) hosted a webinar on the topic "Recent Trends in Drone Technology" on 16th March 2023. This insightful session was organized by the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Drone Technology, IITRAM.

The keynote speaker for the webinar was Col. Manik Anand, a distinguished professional from the Aerospace Division, Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence, Government of India. With a rich background in military technology, computerized war gaming, strategic planning, and organizational productivity, Col. Anand shared his expertise and insights into advancements in drone technology.

Col. Anand's vast experience includes heading Aerospace Projects and fostering International Defense Cooperation through collaborations with foreign nations and industry leaders. His efforts align with the Government of India’s vision of "Technological AtmaNirbhar Bharat," emphasizing indigenous innovations under the "Make in India & Make for the World" initiative.

The webinar provided participants with a deep understanding of the evolving trends in drone technology, highlighting its applications and potential impact across various sectors.

SAC-ISRO Team Visit to Centre of Excellence in Drone Technology – 18th April 2025

The Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Drone Technology at the Institute of Infrastructure, Technology, Research and Management (IITRAM) was honored to welcome a delegation from the Space Applications Centre (SAC), Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on 18th April 2025.

The visit involved detailed interactions with faculty members, research scholars, and students, who presented the ongoing research and development activities at the CoE. The SAC-ISRO team was given an overview of key areas such as UAV design and simulation, autonomous navigation systems, aerial data acquisition for remote sensing applications, and precision mapping techniques.

As part of the visit, the scientists toured the state-of-the-art UAV laboratories, where they observed various testing setups and simulation facilities. They reviewed ongoing projects including multi-rotor UAV systems, AI-enabled flight control mechanisms, and real-time telemetry demonstrations. Students showcased their working prototypes and explained the methodologies used in developing and testing the UAV systems.

The team appreciated the technical infrastructure, research environment, and student-driven innovations taking place at the CoE.

IITRAM Team Participation in CANSAT 2024

A team of students from the Institute of Infrastructure, Technology, Research and Management (IITRAM) actively participated in the IN-SPACe CANSAT India Student Competition—an initiative jointly organized by the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) and the Astronautical Society of India (ASI).

The event featured 28 selected teams from across the country, shortlisted through multiple rounds of elimination. The core challenge involved launching cansat to an altitude of 800 meters using drones, followed by ensuring a stable descent and safe landing of the payload. This hands-on task not only evaluated the participants’ technical skills but also deepened their understanding of satellite technology by requiring thoughtful consideration of payload design, telemetry systems, and recovery mechanisms. The competition fostered collaboration, critical thinking, and a strong passion for space exploration.

During the event, the IITRAM team successfully demonstrated their system’s deployment and operational performance, exhibiting strong technical proficiency in payload integration, deployment mechanics, and ground recovery. Their innovative approach and effective implementation under stringent design and testing constraints earned them commendation.

Participation in CANSAT 2024 provided a valuable experiential learning platform in aerospace systems and further reinforced IITRAM’s growing presence in international student-led space engineering initiatives.