Drones, also referred to as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), have soared to unparalleled heights in technological growth, developing from basic flying devices to advanced aerial systems that transform industrial operations. Since traditional methods are sometimes time-intensive and prone to human error, utilising drones in their place can result in considerable cost savings and mass adoption while enhancing the value of information obtained.
Drones are revolutionising some major sectors such as agriculture by enabling precision farming, reducing pesticide and fertiliser use and enhancing crop yield. They have also contributed to worker safety by minimising human presence in hazardous environments. Despite being in its infancy, this industry is expected to grow and evolve.
Growth metrics
According to a report by Robotics India 2024, India aims to lead Industry 4.0 by 2030, with drones playing a crucial role. Since the country has entered the fourth industrial revolution, drones have become a symbol of innovation and creativity.
A joint report by EY and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry noted that India’s drone industry is expected to grow at a rate of 80 per cent from 2020 to 2025, going from Rs 29 billion to Rs 816 billion respectively. Further, it is anticipated to grow at a compounded annual growth rate of 35 per cent from 2025 to 2030.
Technology integration
Key technology developments that have impacted the drone industry in India:
5G technology: It significantly improves autonomous drones’ capabilities by providing ultra-high reliability and low-latency connectivity. This allows drones to promptly receive and execute commands from ground control systems or pilots, reducing the time between commands and errors. 5G also enables drones to transmit large volumes of data swiftly, enhancing their effectiveness in applications such as agriculture, surveillance and disaster response and reducing the potential for errors during flight.
AI and ML: The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and sensors in drones enhances navigation, enabling autonomous decision-making. Advanced sensors provide real-time data for precise mapping and environmental monitoring, while machine learning (ML) algorithms enable drones to navigate complex environments and adapt to dynamic scenarios.
Edge computing: Edge computing solutions and reinforcement learning algorithms enable drones to process local data, reduce latency and enhance real-time responsiveness while also optimising performance over time.
Use cases of drone technology in the infrastructure sector
Delivery, retail and logistics
Drones are increasingly being used for last-mile deliveries of urgent packages, especially in densely populated areas. They are particularly useful for transporting medical supplies, first aid essentials and blood samples to isolated or disaster-impacted regions. Moreover, drone delivery can significantly impact the logistics and transportation industry by reducing the need for human drivers, improving delivery times and reducing costs associated with human labour. They can also transport goods between different locations, improving supply chain efficiency. In addition, the retail industry could benefit from drone delivery, as it can improve customer service and satisfaction. By reducing delivery times and costs, drones can transport goods from warehouses and distribution centres to stores, enhancing the supply chain’s efficiency.
Manufacturing
Drones are revolutionising stocktaking by automating processes by scanning barcodes and QR codes on items, thereby reducing manual inventory checks and time. They also offer a proactive approach to overseeing manufacturing equipment and facility conditions, providing aerial views and detailed inspections. This helps identify potential issues before they escalate into costly repairs, facilitating timely maintenance and reducing downtime. Drones’ advanced sensors and scanning technologies enhance inventory control, facilitating faster stock audits and enhancing operational efficiency.
Construction
Drones are revolutionising railways, bridges and roads by providing real-time images and automated track inspections. High-resolution cameras and 5G modems can collect real-time images of railway tracks. They can also identify defects, wears and hotspots in bridges using HD cameras, proximity sensors and thermal cameras. By integrating with analytics and AI, they can obtain a wide range of information and identify faults. Drones can generate 3D models for future projects, allowing engineers to identify existing and potential faults for repairs. On roads, UAVs can perform precise land surveys, provide slopes and check construction site supply levels and equipment status. They also enhance the visual documentation of road layers, forming a stable surface for the final road. It also enhances worker and site safety by eliminating the need to expose individuals to danger while examining roads near moving traffic.
Telecommunications
Climbing communication towers and other high structures is one of the most dangerous jobs, and telecommunications asset owners can avoid these risks by using drones for these inspections. The deployment of aerial intelligence using drones now allows the industry to greatly improve operational efficiencies by having reliable and accurate aerial data of their assets. Drones used for tower inspections also allow operators to quickly identify and verify equipment specifications and/or damage, thereby allowing a more proactive approach to maintenance and repair.
Power
Drones can use thermal cameras to detect heat anomalies along powerlines, identifying areas of high resistance, loose connections or damaged components that could lead to power outages or fire hazards. Light detection and ranging technology allows for 3D models and accurate mapping of powerline corridors, identifying potential obstructions. Zoom cameras and sensors can conduct close-up inspections of powerline insulators, identifying cracks, corrosion, physical damage or contamination that could affect infrastructure integrity. Data captured during powerline inspections is analysed and processed using specialised software or AI algorithms, enabling maintenance crews to take appropriate actions to ensure the reliability and safety of the power grid.
Other sectors
Drones are also used in various other industries, including mining, military, search and rescue, pipeline inspection, asset monitoring and environmental monitoring. They are equipped with advanced sensors for aerial surveys, accurate stockpile measurement, safety inspections and real-time surveillance. They assist in identifying and targeting enemy positions using precision-guided missiles or other weaponry. They also inspect pipelines, rigs and other infrastructure for leaks, corrosion or structural damage, reducing the need for manual inspections. Drones also monitor oil and gas facilities for security purposes and assess equipment conditions.
Policy initiatives
The government has been actively involved in pushing the adoption of drone technology in India. It has allocated Rs 570 million under the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme in the 2024 interim budget, a 72 per cent increase from the previous year’s budget of Rs 330 million. The PLI scheme aims to promote drone manufacturing to support the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Meanwhile, the government has launched the Namo Drone Didi scheme to empower women in rural areas and increase their financial independence. The initiative connects 15,000 self-help groups and trains women to become drone pilots. The government distributed drones to 1,000 Namo Drone Didis across the country, demonstrating their skills in ten locations. The drones will be used for agricultural purposes such as crop monitoring, fertiliser spraying and seed sowing, providing additional income opportunities for women. The initiative also aims to enhance agricultural productivity through modern technology integration.
In addition, the Ministry of Agriculture has extended the interim approval for pesticide formulations using drones until April 2025, aiming to improve the application of agrochemicals via drones.
Private sector initiatives
The private sector has also been actively participating in the growth of the industry. Drone start-ups in India contributed significantly to the growth story in financial year (FY) 2022-23, accumulating around $49.7 million in funding across 20 rounds, compared to $25.6 million in FY 2021-22 and $11.2 million in FY 2020-21.
Meanwhile, Indian Navy INS Kalinga and GITAM University signed an MoU to drive research and development in augmented reality and virtual reality for drone technology. In addition, Passenger Drone Research Limited has successfully achieved type certification for India’s first logistics drone equipped with AeroGCS, marking a significant leap in drone technology. Further, Skye Air Mobility Private Limited has won seven contracts from various institutions, wherein the company will deploy advanced drone technology to deliver medical supplies.
Challenges and the way ahead
The Indian drone industry faces numerous regulatory and technological challenges, including air space management, payload capacity, battery technology, reliability, durability, obstacle avoidance, sensor integration, remote identification, tracking, data security and privacy concerns. These obstacles hinder the full potential of drone technology in the country. However, innovative solutions are emerging to pave the way for the drone ecosystem.
The future of UAVs in India looks promising, with plans for drone delivery of food and healthcare essentials like prescription medications and emergency supplies during natural disasters. Integrated droneports in cities are set to revolutionise logistics, agriculture, healthcare and other industries, fostering enhanced connectivity, efficiency and resilience. The possibilities for drones are endless, driven by advancements in AI, robotics and other cutting-edge technologies. With the right regulatory frameworks, technological innovations and strategic collaborations, drones have the potential to revolutionise industries, transform lives and shape the future in India and globally.
