In a conversation with TimesTech, Dr. Abhishek, Founder and Director of EndureAir, discusses the company’s innovative UAV technology and its transformative impact on eCommerce, retail, and defense sectors. Highlighting their success under India’s PLI scheme, Dr. Abhishek outlines how EndureAir is revolutionizing drone applications through advanced research and strategic partnerships.
Read the full interview here:
TimesTech: With the rapid expansion of drone technology into various sectors such as e-Commerce and defense, what unique challenges do you foresee in navigating the regulatory landscape, particularly in India?
Dr. Abhishek: The rapid expansion of drone technology has not only opened unique markets but also spurred demand and technological advancements. This growth is evident in sectors such as ecommerce and defense, where drones are being utilized for surveillance, logistics, medical delivery, counter-terrorism operations, maritime patrolling, asset inspection, crowd monitoring, and various other purposes.
However, this development comes with its own set of challenges, particularly in navigating the regulatory landscape. In India, for example, existing regulations impose limitations on factors like flight altitude and drone weight, posing significant challenges for industry players and enthusiasts alike. Addressing security concerns, such as the absence of explicit security features like obstacle avoidance systems, is crucial to enhance user confidence in drone technology.
Airspace management is another critical aspect, requiring responsible drone flight within the confines of local aviation laws to ensure safe integration into the airspace. Additionally, enhancing payload capacity, improving battery technology for extended flight times, ensuring reliability and durability in diverse environments, and integrating advanced sensors for versatile applications are ongoing challenges in the drone industry. Innovative solutions are being developed to overcome these obstacles and pave the way forward. Envisioning a future where drones seamlessly deliver morning coffee to your balcony, provide medical supplies to elderly parents, or transport emergency supplies during natural disasters is not mere science fiction but a potential reality. Integrating AI, sensors, and 5G technology into drones is revolutionizing their capabilities, enhancing navigation, enabling autonomous decision-making, and providing real-time data for precise mapping and environmental monitoring.
Compliance solutions, including remote identification and tracking systems, are also being actively pursued to align with evolving regulatory requirements. As the drone industry continues to evolve and regulations adapt, collaborative efforts between regulators, industry players, and technology innovators will be crucial in unlocking the full potential of drone technology and ensuring a promising future in the skies.
TimesTech: Could you elaborate on EndureAir’s innovative approach to drone technology and its specific impact on sectors like eCommerce, retail, and defense?
Dr. Abhishek: EndureAir aims to “Fly with Purpose”, drawing from years of dedicated research, hard work, and team collaboration. Our innovative approach includes the meticulous design, development, and manufacturing of indigenous and customized UAVs, crafted to address the distinct requirements of diverse users, operators, and the broader community. We focus on the entire spectrum of UAV research and development, encompassing groundbreaking innovations in airframe design, autopilot technology, communication frameworks, monitoring stations, and advanced computer vision algorithms. Central to our research and development initiatives are Vertical Take-off and Landing (VTOL) capabilities, coupled with unmatched endurance, scalability, and intelligent features for Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). This strategic emphasis not only differentiates our products in terms of design but also enhances their operational versatility. We have been offering Versatile UAV Solutions for Multiple Sectors like Vibhram is multirole UAV features a conventional helicopter-based design, making it ideal for a wide range of applications, including surveillance, disaster management, crowd control, and video monitoring. Its adaptability and robustness ensure reliable performance in various environments.
Sabal is Inspired by the Chinook helicopter, this electric tandem-rotor UAV combines efficiency with exceptional load-carrying capability. Its variable-speed electric propulsion system and advanced rotor technology enable high lift capacity and endurance, making it perfect for demanding heavy lift applications in both defence and commercial logistics.
Alakh is used for the intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. It is nano-category UAV suitable for indoor and outdoor use. Its user-friendly operation, portability, and swift deployment capabilities make it an excellent choice for operations and rapid response scenarios. This capability is crucial for meeting the growing demand for rapid delivery services in eCommerce and retail sectors, reducing delivery times and improving customer satisfaction. Our UAVs provide advanced surveillance, reconnaissance, and logistical support, enhancing operational efficiency and effectiveness. The ability to carry heavy payloads and perform in diverse environments makes our drones valuable assets for defence operations, including supply chain logistics and field support. Through these innovative efforts, EndureAir is poised to transform sectors like eCommerce, retail, and defence, demonstrating the potential of UAV technology to address contemporary challenges and enhance operational capabilities across industries.
TimesTech: EndureAir has garnered significant attention, being shortlisted under the Production-Linked Incentive scheme by the Ministry of Civil Aviation. How do you plan to leverage this opportunity to further propel the company’s growth and technological advancements?
Dr. Abhishek: Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme by the Ministry of Civil Aviation is a significant milestone for EndureAir. This recognition not only validates our efforts at the initial stage but also provides a substantial platform to accelerate our growth and technological advancements. The financial incentives from the PLI scheme had enabled us to scale up our production capabilities. This expansion helped us to meet the increasing demand for our UAVs in various sectors, ensuring timely delivery and enhanced product availability. We had invested into our research and development initiatives which has driven innovation, allowing us to refine and develop advanced UAV technologies, such as improved VTOL capabilities, better endurance, and enhanced autonomous features. It has strengthened our supply chain by fostering partnerships with local suppliers and manufacturers. This not only supports the ‘Make in India’ initiative but also ensures a reliable and efficient supply chain for our production processes.
We will leverage the PLI incentives to develop new UAV designs with higher payload capacities and longer ranges, targeting mid-mile delivery and inter-city logistics. This includes the development of the Sabal-50 and Sabal-100 models, which will revolutionize heavy lift capabilities in both defence and commercial applications. Our focus will also be on advancing core technologies such as autonomy, AI integration, and vertical integration of essential hardware and software. This will ensure our UAVs remain at the cutting edge of technology, providing superior performance and reliability. Part of the PLI benefits will be allocated towards obtaining global certifications for our UAV models. This will open up new international markets and ensure compliance with global standards, enhancing our credibility and market presence. By strategically utilizing these benefits, we plan to propel our growth, drive technological advancements, and establish a strong foothold in both domestic and international markets.
TimesTech: Given your background in aerospace engineering and the company’s focus on providing solutions for the Indian Armed Forces, what key advancements in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology do you anticipate shaping the future of defense and security applications?
Dr. Abhishek: Given my background as a professor at the Department of Aerospace Engineering at IIT and my role as Director at EndureAir, we are deeply committed to supporting the Indian Armed Forces. Several key advancements in UAV technology are expected to shape the future of defense and security. Enhanced autonomy and AI integration will enable UAVs to perform complex missions with minimal human intervention, improving operational efficiency and mission success rates. Improved VTOL capabilities will allow UAVs to operate in challenging terrains and confined spaces, while advancements in battery technology will extend their endurance and range. Longer flight times and greater operational ranges, high operational altitude will enhance the ability of UAVs to conduct prolonged surveillance missions, cover larger areas, and provide continuous support in extended operations without the need for frequent recharging or refuelling. Swarm technology will revolutionize defense strategies by allowing multiple UAVs to operate in a coordinated manner, providing force multiplication and enhanced reconnaissance capabilities. Advanced communication systems will ensure reliable and secure data transmission, and robust designs will enable UAVs to withstand extreme conditions and battlefield damage. These advancements will act as force multipliers, reduce risks to personnel, and enhance situational awareness, making UAVs indispensable in modern warfare and humanitarian efforts.
TimesTech: Building influential networks with agencies like DRDO, NDRF, and UP Police suggests a strong collaborative approach. How does EndureAir foster these partnerships, and what role do they play in the company’s research and development initiatives?
Dr. Abhishek: EndureAir places a premium on collaborative partnerships with esteemed agencies like DRDO, NDRF, and UP Police. These partnerships play a pivotal role in our research and development initiatives, fostering knowledge exchange, technology transfer, and validation. By co-creating solutions tailored to specific operational requirements, we ensure our drones meet the highest standards of performance, reliability, and interoperability, enhancing their utility and effectiveness in real-world scenarios. These partnerships allow us to leverage the domain knowledge and experience of these agencies, enabling us to develop innovative solutions tailored to their specific needs. Additionally, these collaborations provide us with access to valuable resources, facilities, and testing grounds, accelerating the pace of our research and development efforts. By working closely with DRDO, NDRF, and UP Police, we ensure that our UAV technologies meet the highest standards of quality, reliability, and performance, ultimately enhancing our capabilities and competitiveness in the market.
TimesTech: EndureAir’s products have been showcased in prestigious defense events such as DefExpo and AeroIndia. Can you share insights into how these exhibitions contribute to market visibility and potential collaborations within the defense sector?
Dr. Abhishek: EndureAir’s Participation in defense events like DefExpo and AeroIndia provides with unparalleled opportunities to enhance market visibility and foster collaborations within the defense sector. These exhibitions serve as platforms for us to showcase our cutting-edge UAV technologies, demonstrating our capabilities and expertise to a global audience of defense professionals, government officials, and industry leaders. By showcasing our products at these events, we can attract attention from potential customers, partners, and investors, leading to valuable business opportunities and collaborations. Additionally, participation in such events allows us to stay abreast of the latest trends, developments, and requirements in the defense industry, enabling us to align our product roadmap and innovation strategy accordingly.
