KOCHI: The IT Department at CUSAT School of Engineering is busy developing Kerala's own drone that can be used in security and agriculture. These drones will take off within a year. It will run on battery and petrol. Designing was done in collaboration with the National Aerospace Laboratories, Bengaluru.

Kerala Police has expressed willingness to buy the drones. These drones can capture images and transmit information from mountainous and forest areas that are difficult for rescue teams to reach. It can also quickly deliver medicines and medical equipment to disaster areas. With the addition of technologies including artificial intelligence, it will become a frontrunner in other fields as well. Thermal, hyperspectral and multispectral sensors can also be fitted to the drone. It can be used to understand temperature variation and capture clear images.

Security for agriculture

Drones can be used for surveillance and pest control in farms. It can perform aerial mapping and capture 3D images. It can also be used to prepare the agricultural map.

Price up to 50 lakhs

• Drones priced between 1 lakh to 50 lakh rupees will be manufactured
• The price will increase depending on the capacity, cameras and sensors
• Those operating on the battery can fly continuously for 15-25 minutes, while those operating on petrol can fly for hours
• It can carry up to 100 kg weight