Mangaluru: In a remarkable feat of interdisciplinary innovation, students and faculty of the Srinivas University Institute of Engineering and Technology have developed a human-carrying drone named Sri Viman. The drone, capable of transporting one person over a distance of up to 15 km, will be officially launched on Monday.
Collaboration across engineering disciplines
The pioneering project brought together expertise from mechanical engineering, electronics and AI, robotics, and aircraft maintenance engineering. The initiative was spearheaded by Vishwas Shetty, Head of the Mechanical Engineering Department, with strong support from Chancellor Dr A Raghavendra Rao and Pro-Chancellor Dr A Srinivas Rao.
Ajay Kumar, Registrar of the university, said the drone could prove critical during natural disasters such as floods or earthquakes. “It can be used to rescue individuals trapped in inaccessible areas, bypassing damaged infrastructure and saving crucial time,” he explained.
Potential for emergency and defence applications
Beyond disaster relief, Sri Viman could revolutionise emergency medical services by transporting healthcare personnel, medicines, and essential supplies to remote or hard-to-reach locations.
The drone’s advanced design also opens possibilities for defence applications, including transport and reconnaissance missions in challenging terrains, offering a new technological platform for strategic operations.
Ensuring compliance with aviation norms
Given the stringent regulatory framework for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), especially those designed to carry humans, Srinivas University has ensured compliance with guidelines from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and other regulatory authorities.
Conclusion
The unveiling of Sri Viman marks a significant step in integrating advanced drone technology into humanitarian, emergency, and defence applications. With its launch, Srinivas University positions itself as a hub of innovation, fostering futuristic solutions with real-world impact.