AI-powered drone patrol to prevent prison escapes; system to be introduced at Viyyur

THRISSUR: The entire prison premises can be monitored within 10 minutes with the push of a button. If the system detects any unusual activity, it will immediately alert prison authorities. An AI-powered drone surveillance system is being prepared at Viyyur Central Jail to prevent prison escapes.

Initial training has begun for 18 staff members. The project is being implemented on a pilot basis for the first time in a prison in Kerala under the leadership of the NGO Federation of Aerospace Engineers and Robotics Innovations.

Each drone costs Rs 10 lakh. After training sessions on four Sundays, the system is expected to become operational at Viyyur within two months. The Prison Department plans to extend the facility to Poojappura and Kannur Central prisons later.

The drone training programme was held at the Kerala Police Academy ground and inaugurated by Academy Director K Sethuraman. Prison DIG (Central Zone) S Sajeev presided over the function. Viyyur Jail Superintendent K Venu, Joint Superintendent V R Sarath and Federation Chairman A B Anoop attended.

SkyGuard drone

The SkyGuard drone operates entirely in autopilot mode. If an object is thrown at it from below, its sensors detect the movement and help it change direction. The drone is equipped with thermal imaging sensors that can accurately detect heat variations in objects, even in darkness or through smoke. The same technology was earlier used to identify wild animals in the dense forests of Wayanad. The Federation of Aerospace Engineers and Robotics Innovations had also set up that system.