The emergence and rapid evolution of drone technology have sparked a revolution in various industries, yet there’s a persistent challenge in making this technology accessible and adaptable for grassroots innovation.
The potential of drones is immense, with predictions of the drone solutions market soaring to $127 billion.
However, the true democratisation of this technology requires tools and platforms that enable users at the grassroots level to engage in drone innovation.
This is not just about having access to drones but also about empowering individuals with the ability to modify, program, and understand these sophisticated devices.
Drona Aviation, an IIT Bombay startup, addresses this gap by democratising drone technology.
Founded in 2014, by Apurva Godbole, Dinesh Sain and Prasanna Shevare, the startup has made significant strides in the drone sector, winning awards in various global competitions, including IMAV France and ICUG Spain.
Their mission is to build an ecosystem that fosters and decentralises drone innovations, ensuring that the benefits of drone technology reach the grassroots level.
The company’s journey began with the release of the first prototype of Pluto in November 2015, followed by its market launch in January 2016.
The Pluto Controller app, an integral part of their offering, was launched on the Play Store in March 2016 and on the App Store in November 2016.
This progression underscores their commitment to making drone technology accessible and user-friendly.
Drona Aviation’s flagship product, the Pluto drone, exemplifies their approach to drone technology.
The Pluto 1.2 model is a lightweight, DIY, and easy-to-fly drone with advanced sensors. Users can also program the drone using API-based tools like Cygnus IDE and PlutoBlocks, providing a platform for learning and innovation.
The versatility of the Pluto drone is highlighted by its various applications. It can function as an advertiser, carrying a small payload to capture attention.
Although it doesn’t come with a built-in camera, users can attach an external FPV (First Person View) camera for an immersive flying experience.
The DIY nature of the Pluto allows users to personalise their drones, inspired by popular characters like Batman and Captain America.
Additionally, the Primus V3R version offers the flexibility to upgrade from a quadcopter to a hexacopter, illustrating the adaptability of their products.
Drona Aviation is making significant contributions to the drone industry by simplifying and democratising drone technology.
Their approach not only bridges the gap between professional and amateur use but also inspires innovation at the grassroots level.
The company’s impact extends beyond just product offerings; it’s fostering a community of drone enthusiasts and innovators, poised to shape the future of drone technology.
