India has announced a new amphibious drone called "Avataar." This drone is a versatile device used for both flying in the air and swimming in the water. This new invention represents a great advancement in the robotics technology of India, as this device has the ability to move both in the air and in the water during a single mission.

Unlike other drones, this device has the ability to move to a target location, land on the water, and then move beneath the water to perform a mission. This device has the ability to carry out a mission both on the surface of the water and beneath the water.

What is Avataar?

Avataar is an amphibious drone capable of performing operations in both aerial and underwater environments. This device has the ability to take off like a normal drone, move to a specific location, land on the water, and then move beneath the water to perform a mission.

The Avataar drone is developed by AquaAirX Autonomous Systems, a Bengaluru-based startup that specialises in developing autonomous vehicles for work in various domains. The drones are designed to function in harsh conditions, such as those found in the ocean, rivers, and shores.

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The early-stage funding for this venture is facilitated by Rainmatter, an organisation that promotes technology-driven innovations and emerging startups.

Built to survive harsh marine environments

Operating underwater is always a complex task, especially in harsh saltwater environments, where drones are exposed to corrosion. To mitigate this, the Avataar is developed using rust-resistant carbon fibre, ensuring that the drone’s frame does not corrode.

The drone is also equipped with coatings that protect the sensors and electronics from saltwater buildup, ensuring the drone’s reliable functioning in harsh oceanic conditions.

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The Avataar is also equipped with an underwater navigation system, which can generate three-dimensional maps, making it easier to inspect infrastructure and structures underwater.

What makes the drone unique

Avataar excels in that it operates in two environments without any need for external assistance. The engineers created the drone to move from air to water easily.

The drone may travel to a location, land on the water’s surface, and then dive to carry out its duties underwater. By doing so, it enables its user to monitor activity on the surface and in the water at the same time.