In its quest to leverage the capabilities of emerging technologies and innovative ideas, the Indian Army places a strong emphasis on fostering innovation at the unit level to address practical operational needs. To achieve this objective, the Army Design Bureau (ADB) has selected 34 of 80 in-house innovations, incorporating cutting-edge technologies such as AI, software applications, unmanned aerial platforms, and counter-drone systems. This move aims to bolster self-reliance within the armed forces.
The Indian Army has expressed its intent to advance the innovations generated by “thinking warriors” over the past year. The strategy involves collaborating with academic and industry partners to develop ruggedised solutions meeting military-grade standards.
These initiatives were showcased in the ‘Inno Yodha 2023’ idea and innovation competition and seminar held at the Manekshaw Centre on Tuesday. At the event, 22 groundbreaking innovations were showcased, and the innovators behind these advancements were honoured by the Chief of Army Staff, Gen Manoj Pande. These selected innovations will be further developed through collaboration with academia and industry partners to create robust military-grade solutions.
ADB’s Additional Director General Maj Gen CS Mann shared that applications for Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) have already been submitted for eight of these innovations, and the filing process for an additional 16 innovations is expected to be completed by the year’s end.
In pursuit of this objective, the Army Design Bureau of the Indian Army has spearheaded groundbreaking initiatives to integrate the capabilities of the entire defence industry ecosystem, addressing the operational needs of field formations and last year marked the inaugural collaboration of premier academia expertise, identifying fifteen niche tech innovations for further development in partnership with the Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer, IIT Delhi, to benchmark their technological proficiency. Eight of these initiatives have already undergone Intellectual Property Rights process. Simultaneously aligning the operational requirements of the Indian Army with the technological prowess of academia to produce world-class products, four niche tech innovations are currently in progress under the guidance of faculty from IIT Delhi through the Army Technology Board route.
One notable innovation, “Vidyut Rakshak,” an IoT-based Generator Monitoring and Control System, has transitioned to the Indian industry for mass production. The event also witnessed the signing of an MoU between the Indian Army and the Foundation of Innovation and Technology Transfer, fostering technological collaboration and consultation.
An AI-driven software was displayed designed to address the labour-intensive and time-consuming manual methods of collecting and analysing intelligence data and enemy activities. According to the innovators, the software provides dynamic graphical representation, producing informative graphs that reveal hidden trends and patterns, enhancing situational comprehension.
Army presented another AI-based innovation, the Military Objects Detection System in Satellite Images. According to the Army, this system enables the automatic detection and classification of military objects in satellite imagery in real-time. The developed AI module enhances Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance capabilities, empowering commanders at all levels to make timely decisions.
Another significant solution originating from in-house research and development is the Multipurpose Octocopter. With a payload capacity of 25 kg in high-altitude areas (HAA), it serves as a versatile tool for delivering essential supplies to forward posts. The Octocopter is equipped to conduct surveillance operations, offering live camera feed to the operator. Additionally, it features a platform for firing assault rifles and throwing grenades, as highlighted by in-house army unit innovators.
Ravi Shankar
