Indian Army likely to adopt IIT Bhubaneswar’s unmanned boat & underwater drone

Bhubaneswar, Sept 26 (UNI) The Indian Army is set to explore the adoption of an unmanned boat (USV – Unmanned Surface Vehicle) and an underwater drone (AUV – Autonomous Underwater Vehicle), innovated by Dr. Yogesh G. Bhumkar of the School of Mechanical Sciences, IIT Bhubaneswar.

The USV and AUV, exhibited by Dr Bhumkar at the Tri-Services Academia Technology Symposium held in Delhi on September 22–23, have been shortlisted for future adoption by the Army after further enhancements and trials.
Both innovations were appreciated and awarded as part of an ongoing R&D initiative, IIT Bhubaneswar sources said.
The symposium aimed to strengthen collaboration between academia and the Armed Forces to promote indigenous defence technologies.

Defence experts reviewed research proposals and exhibits from various institutes and startups, with selected entries showcased and recognised during the event.

USVs and AUVs play a vital role in maritime surveillance. While USVs operate on the water’s surface to monitor ship traffic, detect illegal activities such as smuggling or unauthorised fishing, and relay real-time data to operators, AUVs function underwater, enabling discrete monitoring of submarines, underwater mines, and other threats.

Together, these unmanned systems enhance maritime security and situational awareness without risking human lives.