Campaign

To develop a secure, modular, and intelligent payload handling mechanism for drones that:

· Holds payloads during flight securely.

· Autonomously attaches/detaches the payload at precise locations.

· Allows reusability, swappable payloads, and remote control.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are increasingly used to carry and deploy payloads in hard-to-reach or high-risk areas. However, most current drone systems either drop payloads blindly or require human intervention. For critical missions, like placing communication nodes for rescue teams or deploying medical kits, precision placement and secure payload handling are essential.

A modular, autonomous payload holding and positioning system allows drones to:

• Securely carry mission-critical payloads.

• Navigate and evaluate the best placement spot using onboard sensors.

• Align precisely.

• Safely and intelligently release the payload at the optimal location.

Traditional drones lack:

• Secure payload interface: Manual or fixed locking systems can't adapt to different payloads.

• Environmental awareness: They can’t identify optimal placement zones in real time.

Adaptive release control: They either drop payloads at fixed GPS points or under manual control.

This system should provide modular, intelligent, and automated payload deployment, significantly enhancing operational efficiency and safety in critical scenarios.

A. Mechanical Subsystem (Payload Holding)

• Attachable and Detachable Mechanism

  • Servo-controlled latch, electromagnetic hook, or mechanical clamp

• Modular Payload Mount

  • Universal attachment points with guided locking rails or pins

• Lightweight, Rugged Design

  • Carbon fiber or reinforced polymer frame

B. Autonomous Positioning Subsystem

• High-Precision Navigation

  • RTK-GNSS + IMU Fusion for centimeter-level accuracy

• Terrain/Zone Analysis

  • Downward-facing camera, LIDAR, or IR sensor to detect suitable surfaces

• Decision-Making Algorithm

  • AI model selects best drop point (e.g., flat ground, signal-optimized location)

C. Control Release Subsystem

• Microcontroller-Based Controller

  • Interfaces with flight controller (via MAVLink, UART, or I²C)

• Release Trigger

  • Based on GPS, visual cue, terrain match, or remote command

• Feedback Loop

Confirms payload lock/unlock status, logs telemetry

1. Fully Integrated Drone Payload Handling System

A functional drone system that:

• Securely holds, transports, and releases a payload.

• Autonomously navigates and aligns over optimal placement locations.

• Reliably performs precision placement of payloads based on environmental analysis.

2. Modular Payload Mount with Smart Locking Mechanism

• Mechanical or electromechanical attach/detach mechanism (e.g., servo latch, magnetic clamp, or winch).

• Feedback sensors to confirm lock and release states.

• Modular design supporting various payload shapes and sizes.

3. Autonomous Positioning and Site Selection Capability

• Onboard sensors (camera, LiDAR, RTK-GPS, IMU) for environment perception.

• AI or rule-based logic for terrain analysis and optimal location selection.

• Ability to avoid obstacles and adjust in real time based on local features (e.g., flatness, line-of-sight, proximity to target).

4. Real-Time Control and Feedback Loop

• Payload controller that:

  • Interfaces with flight controller and sensors.

  • Executes release commands.

  • Sends real-time feedback (locked/unlocked, success/failure).

• Telemetry/logging of payload deployment (timestamp, GPS, altitude, placement status).

5. Mission Automation and Repeatability

• Drone can autonomously:

  • Identify target zone.

  • Execute drop.

  • Log status and return for the next payload.

• Supports multi-drone coordination or swarm-based deployment scenarios.

6. Demonstration Scenario / Prototype Test

• Live field test or simulation showcasing:

  • Autonomous flight to a GPS-defined zone.

  • Visual or terrain-based landing site selection.

  • Payload release onto a predefined surface (e.g., rooftop or marked area).

  • Confirmation of successful drop with onboard camera or sensor.

7. Documentation and Performance Metrics

• System block diagrams, control flow, and mechanical design documentation.

• Evaluation of performance under:

  • Varying terrain and weather.

  • Different payload weights.

  • GPS-available vs GPS-denied environments.

• Key metrics:

  • Payload placement accuracy (cm-level)

  • Release success rate (%)

  • System latency (ms)

  • Mission success/failure cases

8. Scalable Framework for Other Applications

The developed system can be extended to:

• Sensor deployment in remote monitoring (e.g., forest, volcano, radiation zone).

• Delivery of relief items (medical, food, tools).

• Temporary installation of telecom relays or surveillance equipment.

Tactical deployment in defense or border patrol operations.

Interested Startup may submit the pitch deck comprising of following:

• Problem being solved

• Market opportunity for product

• Proposed solution/ Defining product

• Value proposition

• Technology details

• Competition analysis

• Founding Team Composition

• DPIIT Registration (Mandatory)

• Start-up stage status

• Current ownership

• Business model and innovation

Organized By

• C-DOT

• STPI