Dr. K. Krishna Naik, a distinguished faculty member from the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering at the Indian Institute of Information Technology, Design and Manufacturing (IIITDM) Kurnool, shed light on the transformative potential of drone technology during a national-level workshop held at Vikrama Simhapuri University (VSU) on December 15, 2025. The workshop, organized by the Department of Computer Science at VSU’s Kakatur campus, brought together students and academics to explore the multifaceted applications and implications of drone technology.
Dr. Naik emphasized that ongoing research and advancements in drone technology are significantly contributing to various sectors, including national security, agricultural modernization, and smart city development. He highlighted that drones can efficiently perform tasks such as crop health analysis, water resource mapping, traffic monitoring, and border surveillance, all at a lower cost and in less time compared to traditional methods. This technological leap not only enhances operational efficiency but also opens up new avenues for innovation and economic growth.
Addressing the students, Dr. Naik stressed the importance of acquiring skills in drone hardware design, embedded systems, and communication protocols. He noted that proficiency in these areas would make students highly competitive in the industry, offering them excellent career opportunities. Additionally, he underscored the necessity of understanding safety norms, DGCA guidelines, flight permissions, and no-fly zones to ensure responsible and lawful drone operations.
Dr. Naik encouraged students to align their academic research with industry needs, suggesting that this alignment could lead to not only job opportunities but also entrepreneurial ventures. The potential for start-ups in the drone technology sector is vast, and students with the right skills and knowledge can play a pivotal role in driving innovation and development in this field.
The week-long workshop, under the aegis of the Department of Computer Science at VSU, aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of drone technology and its applications. University Vice Chancellor Prof. Allam Srinivasa Rao highlighted the expanding importance of drone technology in the era of rapid technological advancement. He directed the faculty of the Department of Computer Science to initiate M.Sc. programs in ‘Drones and IoT’ with the objective of creating a skilled workforce capable of effectively utilizing the emerging opportunities in this domain.
The initiative to introduce specialized programs in drone technology is particularly timely, given the upcoming Drone City in Kurnool. This development is expected to foster a hub of innovation and expertise, further boosting the region’s economic and technological landscape. By equipping students with advanced knowledge and skills in drone technology, the university aims to contribute significantly to the growth and development of this burgeoning sector.