A group of engineering students from various streams at MIT World Peace University (WPU) have developed a “automatic alarm generation, aid and surveillance system” that uses artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to help during crises, particularly natural disasters. The system involves the deployment of multiple helicopters that will serve as first responders during emergencies. AI and ML were used in the development of the drone system, which is anticipated to help governing authorities in an emergency.
The project is being led by Professor Vinaya Gohokar from the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering. The student team members are Rajesh Choudhary, Dhruv Chaudhary, Arya Pansare, Deepankar Gaikwad, Ayush Jain, and Vishwajay Borawake. The drone system prototype was on show on Wednesday at the “Make in MIT-WPU Pavilion,” which features cutting-edge projects, interactive exhibits, and exhilarating game zones created by MIT-WPU students.
The initiative aims to tackle the issue of ineffective disaster management systems that lead to increased human suffering. A multicopter can be used to find and assist individuals stranded in unreachable places. It can also assist in scenario assessment and provide feedback on the event’s effects. The current systems in place during disasters are insufficiently effective, which increases human suffering. Dhruv Chaudhary, an MIT WPU third-year robotics student, stated, “Our solution enables effective search and rescue missions, precise payload drop-offs, and 3D mapping to alleviate human suffering during, before, and after disasters.”
“Our students have created a system that will be helpful in times of disaster by utilizing drones and other elements like machine learning.” This invention will make it easier to identify people living in disaster-affected areas and to help them by giving them food, medicine, and other necessities. Furthermore, human locations can be sent to the operators, who can then respond appropriately to the scenario based on the inputs they get. Our university encourages this creative concept and gives the students the assistance they need. We make sure that creative ideas are fostered and realized by fostering teacher and student collaboration. Professor Gohokar remarked, “We are proud to support our students as they use their creativity and dedication to make meaningful contributions to society.”
“Current drone technology lacks the necessary capabilities for effective emergency operations during disaster management,” Ayush Jain stated, highlighting the specifics of the project. Drones with payloads or surveillance capabilities are used for disaster relief instead of an integrated drone system, which is appropriate given these urgent circumstances. Our solution is a multi-copter autonomous system that can carry out multiple duties like precision payload drop-offs, 3D mapping, human identification, and search and rescue operations. While searching for humans, the multicopter will autonomously follow a path. It plans a new route and moves in the direction of the person when it detects their presence in order to help them. After giving the person the assistance they require, the multicopter goes back to its original route and searches for more individuals in need of assistance. This system aims to enhance the efficiency, precision, and quickness of disaster response operations by utilizing multi-copter technology, which will ultimately lessen suffering and save lives.
It took the student team a year to create this drone system, which is currently in use by a number of regulatory organizations. The initial prototype was funded by approximately ₹2 lakh, but as the system moves into production, costs will come down. By facilitating response coordination, the device will help improve situational awareness and create temporary communication networks. Additionally, the system can assess damage, which lowers the overall risk factor and assists first responders in prioritizing regions that require immediate care. The system’s ability to cover huge areas quickly would enable faster search and rescue operations by discovering survivors and alerting first responders to victims’ whereabouts more swiftly and efficiently.
The multicopter can precisely identify human presence by entering locations that are inaccessible to helicopters. In order to determine the extent of the disaster, it can also map the region. It can provide a report about the disaster for first responders to act upon by coordinating in real time with the ground station. It is also well-equipped with a payload delivery system to help those stranded in unreachable places.
“Our foundation is based on extensive industry research that we use to continuously modify and improve our offerings,” stated Deepankar Gaikwad. By carrying out field experiments on a bigger scale, we elevate our testing. Our business models are built to be products, services, and data and information providers. Since each sector is different, we may provide customization choices to meet their particular requirements. We can create a highly scalable and distinctive product with our multi-copter by taking this business model into account.
“The goal of Hack MIT-WPU is to convert ideas on paper into products,” stated Professor Milind Pande, main convenor of Hack MIT-WPU and pro-vice chancellor of MIT-WPU. We are bringing whatever ideas the kids have to the market in an effort to inspire them to start their own businesses. All of our students should be job producers rather than job seekers.
