ISB launches centre of excellence for aerial and water robotics 

The Indian School of Business (ISB’s Bharti Institute of Public Policy), in collaboration with IIIT-Delhi and the Delhi Research Implementation and Innovation Foundation (DRIIV), has launched the Centre of Excellence on Aerial and Water Robotics for Development and Sustainability (CoE-AWRDS). This initiative aims to leverage cutting-edge technologies to address critical societal and environmental challenges.  

According to a press release from ISB, the Centre, supported by the Bharti Institute of Public Policy (BIPP) at ISB, will focus on enhancing autonomy, sensing, and navigation capabilities in robotics. Prof. Ashwini Chhatre, Executive Director of BIPP, said, “Our strategic partnerships with academia, communities, industry, and government will enable the development of practical robotic solutions for natural resource management, disaster response, agriculture, and healthcare delivery in remote areas.”  

The CoE will also nurture future technology experts from tribal and rural communities, as highlighted by Prof. Pankaj Vajpayee of IIIT-Delhi. “By leading aerial and water robotics research, the CoE aspires to create innovative platforms, sensors, and algorithms, stimulating economic growth while addressing societal and environmental needs,” he added.  

Drone technology is expected to make significant contributions across sectors, including agriculture, environmental monitoring, clean water initiatives, infrastructure inspection, and renewable energy optimization. For instance, drones can monitor crop health, assess water pollution, inspect solar panels, and support disaster resilience, aligning with multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).  

Shipra Misra, CEO of DRIIV Foundation, emphasized the multi-faceted objectives of the CoE, ranging from conservation and disaster management to improving food security and healthcare access. The collaboration will also host capacity-building programs and workshops to promote drone and underwater robotics technologies for sustainable development.