IIT-Delhi on Wednesday demonstrated an indigenous AI-enabled aerostat surveillance system that could make aerial monitoring smarter, cost-effective and more efficient. Unlike drones, aerostats use helium to remain airborne for longer durations, enabling continuous surveillance.
Key features of the aerostat system
During the demonstration, a twenty-four cubic metre tactical aerostat was flown to a height of 30 metres, carrying a payload of up to 10 kg. The tethered, lighter-than-air platform supported surveillance, security operations and remote communication while transmitting live aerial data. It can carry cameras and advanced sensors while offering lower operating costs, higher payload capacity and greater reliability. The technology can support applications such as border surveillance, disaster management, infrastructure monitoring, environmental observation, traffic management and emergency response.
Development and collaboration
Developed under a Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)-supported project, the technology is the result of collaboration between IIT-Delhi, deep-tech startups and industry partners. The aerostat technology was developed under the DRDO Industry Academia-Centre of Excellence (DIA-CoE) through the SITEX-I and SITEX-II research programmes at IIT-Delhi. Led by Prof Mangala Joshi and Prof B S Butola from IIT-Delhi’s Department of Textile and Fibre Engineering, researchers developed indigenous aerostat hull materials and engineering technologies.
Significance and applications
The demonstration marks a step towards deploying advanced surveillance systems for defence and civilian applications. According to IIT-Delhi officials, the system is designed to provide a cost-effective alternative to drones for long-duration surveillance missions. The indigenous development aligns with the government's Make in India initiative and is expected to reduce dependence on foreign surveillance technologies.
