KOCHI: The modern long distance and highly advanced drones that are capable of surveillance, search and rescue and other defence needs were one of the main attractions of Cocon. Youth from different startups showcased a number of drones as part of the conference.
A startup AiDrone, associated with the Kerala Police Cyberdome, showcased the prototype of a drone capable of carrying six different payloads, mainly used for search and rescue operations and other defence purposes.
According to Nibin Peter, co-founder of the company, the drone named Mark II can carry 10 kg payloads and fly 15 to 20 km at 60 kmph.
“The six different variants of payloads include lighting modules and public announcement and sirens mainly used to reach inaccessible areas hit by disasters,” he said. “It can also carry drop fire extinguisher balls to douse fire breakouts in remote areas. When thrown or rolled into fire, it will burst and extinguish the fire immediately. Besides it can intrude into unknown radio frequencies and capture 360 degree images. The camera used in the drone is with a zoom capacity of 15X, which can even identify the vehicle registration numbers from even a height of one kilometre."
He said there are plans to upgrade the variant with the capacity to release nano drones, and thereby act as a mother drone in defensive operations for the military and paramilitary forces.
Meanwhile, another startup FeatherDyn, from the Maker Village in Kalamasserry, is in the final stage for the take-off of a long distance drone designed for asset monitoring and maritime logistics support.
According to Rajeev Chandrasekharan, the CEO of the startup, the drone can cover a distance of 100 km with a payload of 1 kg. “It is made in the shape of a normal aircraft that is capable of vertical take-off and landing,” he said.
Here also plans are afoot to create the next variant capable of carrying a payload of up to 10 kg for logistical applications and disaster management.
These drones will likely be in Kerala Police’s armour soon, it is learnt.
