New Delhi: A unique surveillance drone powered entirely by solar energy, named ‘Maral’ has been developed by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur. This innovative drone Maral promises to revolutionise aerial monitoring capabilities, offering a unique solution for surveillance needs.

Developed in collaboration with IIT Kanpur, the Maral drone has remarkable surveillance capabilities and is equipped with solar panels. This cutting-edge drone harnesses sunlight to power its flight, ensuring extended operational durations without relying on traditional fuel sources and has the ability to soar to altitudes of up to 5 kilometres, providing comprehensive aerial coverage for surveillance purposes.

The innovative drone with the capability of capturing continuous images for an impressive 10 to 12 hours, offers unmatched endurance and efficiency in monitoring activities on the ground. Also, the Maral drone can be customised to accommodate various payloads, including cameras and routers, enhancing its versatility for different surveillance requirements.

The Maral drone offers a flexible solution for a wide range of scenarios – be it for disaster management or security agency surveillance. Beyond these applications, the Maral drone holds potential for various other uses, including environmental monitoring. Its ability to capture high-quality imagery from elevated vantage points makes it invaluable for assessing disaster situations and facilitating timely interventions.

With its active support to initiatives aimed at strengthening the country’s defence infrastructure, IIT Kanpur has focused on enhancing national security and defence capabilities. The development of the Maral drone underscores IIT Kanpur’s commitment to fostering innovation and addressing critical challenges through technological advancements.

Positioning itself at the forefront of research and development initiatives aimed at addressing societal needs, IIT Kanpur continues to nurture unique startups and innovative projects. With a track record of success in developing cutting-edge technologies, IIT Kanpur has bridged collaborations between academia and industry and helped them flourish.