The Indian Institute of Information Technology, Design and Manufacturing (IIITDM) in Kurnool has successfully developed the innovative SmartHealth–DRUVA, a drone designed to enhance healthcare monitoring and emergency response. This initiative, undertaken by Trigun Robotic Systems, a start-up incubated at IIITDM, was carried out in collaboration with TiHAN–IIT Hyderabad for mobility testing and the Andhra Pradesh Drones Corporation (APDC) for operational support.
Recently, the SmartHealth–DRUVA was deployed in Ongole during the adverse conditions of Cyclone Montha. This deployment was executed in partnership with local authorities, showcasing the drone”s capabilities in real-time emergency situations. The drone efficiently performed live and recorded emergency announcements, provided aerial imagery of affected areas, and facilitated real-time communication between disaster management teams and the control room.
The DRUVA project is led by Dr. K. Krishna Naik, an associate professor at IIITDM Kurnool. It incorporates advanced features such as real-time video and audio communication, GNSS-based navigation, and AI-driven route optimization. This system allows for two-way communication between medical professionals, ambulances, and hospitals, significantly improving emergency alerts and crowd control during critical situations.
In live demonstrations at IIITDM Kurnool and the Collector”s Camp Office, the SmartHealth–DRUVA simulated various emergency scenarios, including a doctor-patient interaction facilitated through the drone. District Collector P. Ranjith Basha praised the team”s efforts and provided constructive feedback for enhancements, including the addition of low-noise propellers, an onboard microphone system, and a more compact design for field deployment.
Dr. Krishna Naik highlighted that the SmartHealth–DRUVA represents a significant advancement in enhancing India”s emergency response capabilities, making them more agile, connected, and data-driven. Future plans for the project include the integration of AI-based patient monitoring systems, coordination among multiple drones for broader coverage, and further pilot testing throughout Andhra Pradesh.
With demonstrated stability and reliable communication in the field, the DRUVA has achieved Technology Readiness Level (TRL)-7, positioning it for large-scale validation and potential future developments up to TRL-9. The innovation team behind SmartHealth–DRUVA also includes Kashifa Anjum from Rayalaseema University and student innovators from IIITDM Kurnool.
