On November 8, 2024, a session on “Innovations in Drone Technology in the Agricultural Sector” program was organized by the Entrepreneurship Development Cell and the Institution’s Innovation Council in association with the Department of Mechanical Engineering from 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM. The session was conducted by Dr. K. Robinston Jeyasingh Swikker, Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering at Francis Xavier Engineering College, Tirunelveli. A total of 41 students participated in the program, which was coordinated by Dr. K. Vinukumar. The event was conducted under the guidance of Dr. Lourdes Poobala Rayen, Director of the EDC.
The EDC coordinator of the Mechanical department introduced the guest speaker. The resource person explained the concept of drone technology and the usage of drones in the agriculture sector. The presentation covered the introduction of drones, their types, use cases, and growth opportunities related to pursuing a career in drone technology. The resource person also demonstrated the operation of drones using simulation technology and explained the advancements in drone technology. In addition to the session, participants were viewed the video clips of speeches by the renowned scientist highlighting the visionary aspects of drone technology and its potential impact on society.
The session categorized drones into various types based on their design, purpose, and applications, ranging from consumer-grade quadcopters to advanced military surveillance drones. This demonstrated the versatility of drone technology. Innovations in drone technology in agriculture include precision crop monitoring, enabling targeted irrigation and pest control, and the use of autonomous drones for aerial seeding and crop spraying. These advancements improve yield, reduce waste, and optimize resource use. Students found the session extremely valuable and encouraging, providing positive feedback on how it motivated them to pursue their goals with renewed enthusiasm. The session concluded with a Q&A segment, where clear and helpful answers were provided to address the participants' questions.