Bhubaneswar, Sep 26: The innovations made by Dr. Yogesh G. Bhumkar, School of Mechanical Sciences, IIT Bhubaneswar has garnered attention at the national level.
The Indian Army, along with the Integrated Defence Staff, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force, organised a Curtain Raiser at the Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi, for the Tri-Services Academia Technology Symposium on 22nd and 23rd September 2025.
On this occasion, the unmanned boat USV (Unmanned Surface Vehicle) and underwater drone AUV (Autonomous Underwater Vehicle) exhibited by Dr. Bhumkar were appreciated and awarded as an ongoing R&D effort and identified for future adoption by the Army after further enhancements and testing. Dr. Bhumkar received the award from Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister of Education.
The event was aimed to boost collaboration between academia and the Armed Forces for advancing indigenous technologies. Research proposals and exhibits from different Institutes and startups were reviewed by defence experts, with shortlisted entries showcased during the exhibition and recognised during the programme.
It is to be noted that USVs and AUVs are used for surveillance in oceans, seas, and coastal areas. USVs move on the water's surface and can monitor ship traffic, detect illegal activities like smuggling or unauthorized fishing, and send real-time data to operators. AUVs work underwater and are useful for secretly observing areas below the surface, such as detecting submarines or underwater mines. Together, they help improve security and awareness in maritime environments without putting human lives at risk.
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