EndureAir is revolutionizing UAV technology with AI integration, enhanced autonomy, and improved VTOL capabilities. In an exclusive interview, CEO Rama Krishna highlights their defense collaborations, the future of swarm technology, and how drones are expanding into eCommerce. With projects like the Alakh UAV, EndureAir is at the forefront of leveraging cutting-edge innovations to deliver mission success and operational efficiency across industries.
Read the full interview here:
TimesTech: How is EndureAir leveraging AI integration and enhanced autonomy to improve UAV mission success and operational efficiency, particularly in defense?
Rama: EndureAir leverages AI integration and enhanced autonomy to improve UAV mission success and operational efficiency in defense by enabling real-time decision-making, target detection, and predictive analytics. AI allows us to autonomously adjust flight paths, identify threats, and optimize operations, while swarm coordination improves coverage and redundancy. Autonomous navigation enables drones to navigate complex environments, perform automated surveillance, and reduce operator burden. These advancements lead to more precise, efficient missions, real-time intelligence, and cost savings, ensuring faster, more accurate responses in dynamic combat scenarios. We have integrated AI with Alakh our Nano UAV in one project, enabling it to detect humans, guns, and number plates while flying and stream the information in real time to a tablet.
TimesTech: With improved VTOL capabilities, how does EndureAir ensure its UAVs are adaptable to challenging environments, and what future advancements do you anticipate?
Rama: Our EndureAir Team ensures Alakh, Vibhram, and Sabal are adaptable to challenging environments through improved VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) capabilities, allowing them to operate in confined spaces and rugged terrains without the need for runways. This versatility enables seamless transitions between hovering and forward flight, making them effective in diverse operational scenarios, including urban areas and disaster zones.
Future advancements may include enhanced logistical payload capacities, integration of advanced sensors for better situational awareness, and improved AI capabilities for autonomous operations.
TimesTech: What are the key regulatory challenges for drones in India, and how can policies better support growing applications in defense, eCommerce, and beyond?
Rama: Key regulatory challenges for drones in India include licensing and compliance requirements. Current regulations, such as the Drone Airspace Map 2021 and the Drone Certification Scheme 2022, have opened significant airspace and promoted indigenous manufacturing. However, to better support applications, policies have simplified certification processes and encouraged innovation. Like To operate a drone in India, one needs only a Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC), issued by DGCA-approved drone schools; the certificate can be obtained through the single-window DigitalSky Platform.
Balancing the promotion of indigenous manufacturing with competitive practices will be also essential for the sector’s growth.
TimesTech: Can you share more about EndureAir’s collaboration with the Ministry of Defence and Defence PSUs to develop UAV testing facilities in the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor?
Rama: EndureAir is actively collaborating with the Ministry of Defence and Defence PSUs to develop state-of-the-art UAV testing facilities within Uttar Pradesh. Recently we collaborated as technical partners with the Ministry of Defence and five DPSUs under the Defence Testing Infrastructure Scheme (DTIS) in for testing facility in Kanpur.
We have manufactured indigenous drones for defense, including the Vibhram, designed for the Indian Army; the Alakh which is deployed in critical NDRF relief operations in Chamoli and Uttarakhand tunnel rescue operation for damage assessment; and the Sabal, inspired by the Chinook, for logistics delivery. Our UAVs have also been part of key military exercises and set a record in the Medicine Delivery from Sky Project by the Telangana government. Sabal, our high-payload drone, is designed for challenging altitudes.
TimesTech: How is EndureAir utilizing swarm technology in UAVs, and what impact do you see this having on defense strategies and reconnaissance missions?
Rama: We are looking at harnessing swarm technology in UAVs to enable autonomous coordination among multiple drones, enhancing mission efficiency and resilience. The benefit of this is it will allow for real-time communication during tasks like surveillance and reconnaissance, but also cover larger areas for improved situational awareness.
The impact on defense strategies includes force multiplication, allowing fewer operators to control numerous drones, and adaptability to dynamic environments, ensuring optimal coverage. Swarms also enhance precision in intelligence gathering while being cost-effective, changing the way how UAVs operate in complex military scenarios.
TimesTech: With drones expanding into sectors like retail and eCommerce, what innovations is EndureAir focusing on to tap into these commercial growth areas?
Rama: In India, the drone market is still growing, with a significant increase in civilian drones for photography and cinematography. However, entering sectors like retail will take some time.
We are developing specialized UAVs optimized for middle-mile and last-mile delivery, equipped with advanced navigation systems and payload management capabilities. Additionally, we are exploring opportunities with logistics providers to create integrated delivery ecosystems that leverage drone technology for enhanced operational efficiency.
