The Silicon Innovation & Promotion Cell (SIPC) organized a workshop on ‘Technology Architecture of Autonomous Drones’ on 15 September 2026.
The workshop was conducted to introduce students to the rapidly evolving field of autonomous drone technology and its growing applications across various sectors. More than 120 students participated in the program and gained exposure to the technological developments and opportunities emerging in the field of autonomous systems. The primary objective of the workshop was to create awareness among students about autonomous drone technology, its evolving applications, and emerging opportunities in autonomous systems. The session also aimed to familiarize students with recent technological advancements and the future scope of drone-based solutions. Particular emphasis was placed on understanding how autonomous drones can integrate intelligent technologies to perform navigation, sensing, decision-making, and flight-control functions with minimal human intervention.
The session was delivered by Mr. Sukanta Nanda, Founder of Shelduck AI Systems, an alumnus of IIT Kanpur with experience in software architecture, technical management, entrepreneurship, and AI and HPC research. The workshop began with an introduction to drone technology and its increasing significance across different sectors. The resource person explained the principles of autonomous operation, including navigation, obstacle detection, real-time decision-making, and intelligent control. The session covered important technological components such as LiDAR, GPS, cameras, onboard computing, communication systems, AI-based perception, path planning, and flight-control mechanisms. The discussion also highlighted emerging developments in fully autonomous surveillance drones, enabling students to understand the technological architecture, real-world applications, and defense implications of modern autonomous drone systems.
The workshop concluded with a vote of thanks expressing appreciation to the resource person and all participants for their valuable contribution and active participation. As a gesture of appreciation, Dr. Ravi Shankar Iyer, Director of Industry Interface & Innovation, presented a memento to Mr. Sukanta Nanda in recognition of his contribution to the workshop. The program provided students with valuable insights into autonomous drone technology and helped them understand its technological foundations, practical applications, and emerging opportunities.
