According to an official statement released on Thursday, July 4, 2024, the Ministry of Defence has sanctioned over Rs 300 crore from its Technology Development Fund (TDF) to strengthen an ecosystem aimed at advancing cutting-edge technology capabilities and fostering self-reliance in the defense sector.
It aims to create an R&D ecosystem where industry and academia work together to meet the current and future requirements of the Armed Forces and the defence sector | Free Press Journal
Strengthening Indigenous Innovation: Ministry of Defence Drives Technological Advancement
The Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme, led by the Ministry of Defence and administered by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), stands as a cornerstone of the 'Make in India' initiative. Its primary goal is to bolster Indian industries, particularly micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and startups, through grants aimed at advancing defence and dual-use technologies. These funds also support academic and scientific institutions, underscoring the government's commitment to enhancing self-sufficiency in critical defence technologies currently lacking in the Indian defence sector.
Through this scheme, the Ministry of Defence aims to energize the private sector, fostering a culture of innovation and development in military technology. By concentrating on MSMEs and startups, the government aims to cultivate a dynamic environment where indigenous technological advancements can thrive. The provision of grants-in-aid strategically assists these enterprises in overcoming financial obstacles, enabling them to significantly bolster national defence capabilities.
The Technology Development Fund (TDF) focuses on enhancing the design and development capacities of Indian industries in defence technology. By promoting collaborative research and development between industry and academia, the TDF addresses both present requirements and future demands of the Armed Forces and the wider defence sector. This initiative aligns with the government's broader vision of achieving self-reliance in defence technology, aspiring to establish a robust, self-sustaining defence manufacturing ecosystem within the nation.
Innovative Combat Robotics Revolutionizes with Unmanned Vehicle Simulation
Pune-based startup Combat Robotics has utilized the Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme to develop an innovative simulator for unmanned vehicles. This versatile simulator spans multiple domains and supports various autonomous systems such as unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs), unmanned surface vehicles (USVs), and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). It serves as a crucial asset for agencies focused on advancing autonomous technologies, highlighting the TDF's role in fostering cutting-edge innovations within the defence sector.
In another significant development, ChiStats Labs Private Limited, also based in Pune, is advancing in the defence equipment sector by creating virtual sensors for monitoring the health of aero gas turbine engines. Supported by the TDF scheme, these sensors aim to improve operational reliability and prolong the lifespan of these critical engines.
Driving Technological Advancement Through CAIR
Combat Robotics, based in Pune, has developed an advanced simulator leveraging state-of-the-art artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) technologies.
NewSpace Research and Technologies Pvt. Ltd., headquartered in Bengaluru, has achieved a major milestone with its project named 'Autonomous Drone as First Responder for Search and Report Operations in Enclosed/Indoor Environments'. Developed under the guidance of CAIR, Bengaluru, this cutting-edge UAV can navigate indoor spaces, including complete darkness.
The success of this initiative opens doors to diverse applications such as search and rescue missions, surveillance, industrial inspections, environmental monitoring, and exploration of hazardous environments. Recognized by the Ministry of Defence, this advancement marks a significant breakthrough in unmanned aerial systems, highlighting its potential for wide-ranging impacts across various sectors.
Statements
“It is designed to cater to the demands of testing and validate the autonomous behaviours of unmanned vehicles across multiple domains. It has been developed under the aegis of the Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR), a Bengaluru-based DRDO laboratory."
“The project involves the development of a comprehensive diagnostic system of various parts of the aero gas turbine engine (AGTE), leading to increased operational reliability and longevity of the engine,” stated the MoD.
Explaining the success, ChiStats Labs stated: “The system is built on stronger foundations of modern artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) technologies. It efficiently handles large-scale data and conducts operational assessments rapidly with a high degree of accuracy. The virtual sensor framework is being developed indigenously.”
The MoD says this “technology has been successfully developed under the technical guidance and mentorship of the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), a Bengaluru-based DRDO laboratory that specialises in aero engines.”
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